August 19, 2005
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TIME (warp) FLIES!
On September 26th it will be 30 years since the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was released. I feel fortunate as one who actually saw it during it’s mainstream movie release back in 1975 at a regular theater. I can remember being a 15 year old reading about this wild, campy movie being made based on a hit play in the UK, and was very eager to see it. It finally showed up in Chico, California about 20 miles from my hometown of Orland (4,000 people, one stoplight) so it was decided my best friend Don and I would go see it. The opening night was Friday at 7:30PM.
We got to the theater early. We were about 3rd in line and got pristine seats in the middle aisle, center section. The place filled to capacity, as the word of mouth on this movie was huge. I think we were the only teenagers in the place … the rest were folks in their late 20′s and 30′s with a smattering of 40 year olds.
Then, the movie started.
These giant red lips came on screen singing, “Science fiction … double feature …” I thought it was brilliant. 10 minutes into the movie, about 12 people got up and left. By the time Tim Curry arrived, about a third of the crowd left. Right before Rocky was born, it was down to 20 of us. We watched the last couple of people in front of us exit the theater. We sat and watched the rest of the show. After the credits, the house lights went up. We got up to leave and came to a startling revelation.
We were the only ones left in the place. I remember telling Don; “We just witnessed something REALLY special.” I knew that for a movie to force people to completely empty a theater … well, it couldn’t be the end. Little did I know how right I was.
I left for college 3 years later only to discover that this movie was making the midnight circuit in Stockton, California. My new found college friends and I had a new destination on Friday & Saturday nights. Yes, we brought props, yes I dressed up as one of the characters (Dr. Scott, if memory serves me) and yes, I watched it 33 and 1/2 times. The punk band I was singing for did covers of the songs, and it was an awesome time to be young and free … to be honest, I think some of my best memories are getting together with my friends, Greg, Pat, Jerry, Jason, Mike, Karen, Janette, Dave, Eric, Danny and so many others for a late night outing to see Rocky Horror. Either straight, drunk or stoned, it really didn’t matter … a good time was had by all.
The reason for this walk down memory lane? It was playing on showtime tonight. Made me feel a little nostalgic. Wow … Thirty years … time really does fly. So much has changed. I don’t think I could do a midnight show again …. it would take too much out of me the next day. But one thing’s for sure. I’ll never forget those days for as long as I live.
It’s just a jump to the left …
DG
Comments (6)
…and then a step to the right!
Put your hands on your hips…
It’s funny. I was driving somewhere last week, and there was absolutely nothing on the radio to listen to. So what did have next to the seat amongst all my CD’s? It was my 2nd Gen copy of Capt. Lead Live at the Rathskeller. I plopped it in and magically the encore to the concert cranked up. “It’s astounding. Time is fleeting. Madness takes it’s toll………” What a blast from the past. Those indeed were good days and are now good memories! You gotta break out the Clown White and the Platform Shoes again, Bro!
30 years after the movie appears again and so , your youth DG . Oh sweet memories ! Yes we don’ t see time flow .
In friendship
Michel
Just came in to sit for awhile. You’ve got a nice site.
…and bring your knees in tight!
I never saw this movie when it was making the rounds of the repertoire cinemas because I was afraid that I would be the only one in the whole theatre who was not privvy to the audience participation tricks. As a result I waited until we bought it on DVD and watched it in the privacy of our own home just over a year ago. I did know Time Warp though, as it was a favourite at university dances. “It’s astounding…!”