For those of you who have never seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show, just stop reading now. There’s no excuse for your lack of interest in this incredibly nostalgic masterpiece! For those who have never heard of it, well…I’ll assume you hate cinema all together. In which case you too, should put this down and get back to your TikTok videos.  

Richard O’Brien (aka Riff Raff) wrote the groundbreaking London musical, The Rocky Horror Show, in 1973, contributing to the lyrics and music during a time of edgy outrageousness that was often left unspoken. Through the low budget performance premiering at The Royal Court theater, the crashing of thunder and lightning outside didn’t just fall heavy in the city – it coincidentally opened the play on a minimal stage with a skilled group of street performers in search of liberation. With phenomenal and immediate success, it proved to be perfection for all flamboyant outcasts to unite over kitschy tunes, flashy costumes and a nice amount of naughtiness which continuously sold out.    

In 1975, Hollywood came calling (beating out other intrigued parties such as Mick Jagger’s crew) to turn this widely acclaimed play into a full-length movie. A “b-movie”, to be exact. And with that…we have The Rocky Horror Picture Show in our film archives, forever.  

But what went on behind the scenes during the making of this significantly important piece of cinematic culture? Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror is an extraordinary documentary created by none other than Riff Raff’s son, Linus O’Brien. Opening with a trip down memory lane, Linus accompanies his dad Richard on a visit to his childhood home in Hamilton, New Zealand. Now dubbed “The Rocky Horror House”, I immediately felt the warmth and charm of his upbringing in a town which now dons a large bronze statue of him as a proud symbol of their local legend.    

Linus brilliantly begins with the focus on dad Richard. His marvel at crafting colorful stories and songs through his own inventive expression was wildly unique. American drag queen and tv personality Trixie Mattel referred to his emotionally charged first watch of The Rocky Horror Show: “I never saw, heard or smelled anything like it.” It came alive, pulling you into its astonishing world of glamour and seduction through these magnetic characters which served as a safe space to debut your own individual flair without judgement. For attendees, it became a haven.  

For the cast, it was life changing.    

During a time when England was monochromatic and doldrum, this team of sparkling misfits rallied together to turn it technicolor, lighting up the room and everyone inside who struggled with his/her own authenticity. It offered a rare sense of comfort and freedom — the freedom to be fully yourself, no matter how bold, startling, or unconventional that self might be.  

Leading the pack of creative talent was an unknown Tim Curry, who resided in a basement flat, struggling to be seen. After meeting Richard, he not only stepped into the pivotal role as Frank-N-Furter, but he also convinced writer Richard to embrace the part of Riff Raff after noticing the comparable Nosferatu-ish similarities needed to capture the character’s essence. They made do with scaffolding scenery, sequined corsets, fishnet stockings and strong personalities in an immersive experience. At the time, no one could have imagined the profound impact the show would come to have on people—a truth echoed in Tim Curry’s own words: “I can’t be powerful if I don’t accept the power.”  

Interviews with director Jim Sharman, Barry Bostwick (Brad), and Susan Sarandon (Janet) feel strikingly candid as they reflect on the film’s provocative spirit. From the shyness of Peter Hinwood (Rocky Horror) performing 90% nude throughout the 6-week shoot, to Curry’s flawlessly delivered Sweet Transvestite performance, opening night’s flop did not deter their vision of making this hit show into what is now a cult classic sensation.  Strange Journey takes us on just that…a weird kaleidoscopic trip back in time to when the play was considered rock ‘n roll. But the film was a vividly surreal dream. It was an era of unlimited appeal, love and the ultimate decadence for life’s beautiful journey. Like its most famous and timeless anthem goes, “let’s do the time warp again.”