Rocky Horror: How a Small US Theater Turned a Film Flop into a Cult Classic

Imagine being in a movie theater, settling in to watch a film called The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and suddenly the audience starts heckling the actors on screen and throwing rice and playing cards in the air. People start dancing in the aisles. No, there’s no gas leak—it’s just another showing of the ultimate cult movie.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a musical tribute to pulpy sci-fi and horror films of the 1940s and 1950s, first hit the London stage in 1973. Its wild premise and word-of-mouth success led to a 1975 film adaptation that has since become a global phenomenon. Ask any Rocky Horror fan what the film is about, and you’ll get a variety of answers—sexuality, self-expression, and the allure of a Transylvanian castle.

At the heart of Rocky Horror is Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by Tim Curry, a mad scientist with irresistible charm, clad in fishnets and latex gloves. The film has garnered a devoted following over the years, especially in the midnight movie circuit. One cinema in particular, the Clinton Street Theater in Portland, Oregon, stands out for its longstanding tradition of showing the film every week since 1978.

Co-owner Aaron Colter describes the Clinton Street Theater as anything but a standard movie theater. Originally opened in 1915 and now managed by a collective of six co-owners, the theater has a rich history. From being a block-booked cinema to an adults-only venue, it has always been a place for unique film experiences.

Lenny Dee, one of the original co-owners, was the first to book Rocky Horror at the Clinton Street Theater—a decision that kickstarted the tradition that continues to this day. Despite initially preferring another film, Dee estimates he’s seen Rocky Horror over 300 times. The film’s message of ‘don’t dream it, be it’ resonates with many, especially the queer and trans community.

Rocky Horror’s rise to fame was not immediate. After a lackluster release in 1975, it found new life as a midnight movie at New York’s Waverly Theater, thanks to audience interaction and props introduced by devoted fans. The film’s star, Tim Curry, even attended a screening and embraced the audience participation, despite being mistaken for an imposter at one point.

In the end, The Rocky Horror Picture Show defied expectations to become a cherished classic in the world of cult cinema. The Clinton Street Theater’s dedication to keeping the tradition alive is a testament to the film’s enduring legacy. So, next time you find yourself at a screening, don’t be surprised if the audience starts singing, dancing, and throwing props—it’s all part of the Rocky Horror experience.