A newly engaged couple have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

It wasn’t even laminated when I got it in the mail in exchange for $5 back in the 80s

Everybody has heard of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and many thousands have seen it in theaters, dressed up in wild costumes, shouting obscenities back at the screen. This movie has been decidedly formative in my life, from the time I asked my grandmother about it when I saw the name on the arthouse movie marquee when I was seven to my participation in the annual ritual here in Salt Lake City. In between I experienced a street rumble with drag queens, a decade weekly show s in San Diego, and I am still a card-carrying member of the official fan club.

On the surface, it is a very silly musical with very catchy music. Newly-engaged Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) are on their way to visit their old science teacher, Dr Scott (Jonathan Adams). On the way their car breaks down and they seek shelter in a castle ruled by the mad “Sweet Transvestite” scientist, Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry) and his household staff. As the night progresses, Furter brings to life a Frankensteinian monster muscle man, a creation from the past revolts, lots of people have sex, and there’s a bloody coup from the staff.

The one, the only, the original

All this and a floor show, too.

This is the epitome of camp. You look up camp and there’s probably a picture of dear Frank in his fishnets and pearls. Rocky fans throng to the theater every time it is shown, letting lose sometimes for the first time in their life. This is a coming-of-age moment for many queer young people. It certainly was for me.

There are aspects that don’t hold up terribly well to modern sensibilities, but overall it’s still a phenomenon you have to see to believe. Watching it on the DVD ain’t gonna cut it.

And the less said about the 2016 remake the better, except this: it is somehow way less gay. I don’t know how they did it, considering the cast, but DANG. Very disappointing and forgettable. College theatre productions of the stage show are more exciting.