Podcast Summary: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show' Turns 50"

Podcast: All Of It (WNYC)
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Linus O'Brien (Director of Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror)
Air Date: September 26, 2025

Overview

This special episode marks the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, focusing on its improbable journey from stage flop to enduring pop culture phenomenon. Alison Stewart interviews Linus O’Brien, director of the new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror and son of the show's creator Richard O’Brien. They explore the origins, legacy, and social impact of Rocky Horror, interspersed with heartfelt calls from fans and reflections on the meaning of community and connection within the Rocky Horror fandom.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Origins of Rocky Horror

• Richard O'Brien’s Inspiration & Early Development

  • Richard O’Brien began writing Rocky Horror after being fired from Jesus Christ Superstar [03:46]. He wrote “Science Fiction Double Feature” for an EMI Christmas party and then decided to expand it into a full rock musical.

    “He got fired from the role of Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar after three performances... He wrote Science Fiction Double Feature for that party. And then he thought, well, that would be... a good basis for a rock and roll musical that he would like to see."
    — Linus O’Brien [03:46]

• Just for Fun, Not Provocation

  • The original intention was simply to have fun, not to be subversive or preachy.

    “He really just wanted to have fun. And I think that's one of the great strengths of Rocky... it doesn't try to bang you over the head with a message.”
    — Linus O’Brien [06:33]

• Stage Production: The Accidental Phenomenon

  • The first production was meant to be a three-week run in a tiny 60-seat theater.

    “That was it. A three week rehearsal period for a run of three weeks in a theater that held 60 people. And that was meant to be it. From that tiny acorn, this phenomenon was born.”
    — Linus O’Brien [12:42]

2. Personal and Creative Dynamics

• Filming the Documentary as a Family Affair

  • Linus discusses the unique experience of interviewing his own father and showcasing his personal gender journey:

    "The film is also about his personal journey, about how it took him 30 years after making Rocky to kind of finally be free... that he felt 70% male and 30% female."
    — Linus O’Brien [04:30]

  • Including himself in the documentary was a deliberate, heartfelt decision for context.

    "It became clear that it would be nice and even very heartfelt to have myself be in it just a little bit."
    — Linus O’Brien [06:00]

3. Cult Following & Social Impact

• Community, Connection, and Lifesaving Power

  • Linus emphasizes that Rocky’s legacy is “community and connection,” giving marginalized individuals a sense of belonging.

    “The legacy of Rocky boils down to two key words... community and connection. And I think Rocky has provided that for millions of people... over the last 50 years.”
    — Linus O’Brien [06:33], expanded at [27:28]

  • He shares a moving story:

    “A gentleman who came up to the front of the stage at our world premiere in Austin and said... if it wasn’t for Rocky, she wouldn’t be alive today. Those kind of stories come to us daily.”
    — Linus O’Brien [08:00]

4. Stage to Screen: Key Figures and Serendipity

• Casting and Creative Team Formation

  • Jim Sharman was recruited as director only after being amused by O’Brien’s proposal and music [12:42].

  • Tim Curry cast as Frank N. Furter after a chance encounter with Richard O’Brien outside a gym:

    “Tim was just a jobbing actor... They met outside a gym... Tim went and auditioned and it became very clear that he was the only person to play the role.”
    — Linus O’Brien [16:57]

• Hollywood & the Midnight Movie Revolution

  • After initial box-office failure, Fox began midnight screenings, eventually fueling its cult status. Sal Piro’s fan club amplified this unique culture.

    “If not for [midnight screenings and the fan club] we wouldn’t be talking about it.”
    — Linus O’Brien [18:32]

5. Fans’ Reflections: Generational and Cultural Reach

Multiple callers and texts shared personal and intergenerational stories about Rocky Horror changing their lives—from acceptance to major life decisions (e.g., moving to New York, coming out, etc.).

• Juliet from Washington Heights: Attended screenings in high school, learned lessons of acceptance and joy, and now has two trans daughters [09:51].
• Marcia from the Bronx: Saw the original London stage show, describing pre-show antics and the event’s sheer fun, not controversy [10:54].
• Riley in Beacon: Experienced Rocky Horror as a younger fan, connecting across generations and referencing its tribute on Glee [20:47].
• Jenny Livingston (filmmaker, Paris is Burning): Testifies to Rocky Horror’s influence on queer communities and collective filmmaking energy [23:16].

6. Rocky Horror’s Longevity and Ownership

• Keeping the Rights

  • O’Brien could have sold the rights to Mick Jagger’s team but, against that advice, kept them, enabling today’s legacy [21:55].

• Why the Film Was Initially a Flop

  • Its uniqueness defied marketing strategies at the time:

    “You’ve got to give the people at 20th Century Fox some grace here because... it’s a crazy movie... How do you categorize it?”
    — Linus O’Brien [22:40]

7. Thematic Conclusion

• What Is Rocky Horror Truly About?

  • Linus closes by reinforcing the central theme:

    “...It’s really about community and connection. The fact that Rocky has been able to provide that for many people who felt disenfranchised... is incredibly important and continues to be...”
    — Linus O’Brien [27:28]

  • Alison Stewart concurs, praising the film and the ongoing cultural dialogue.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Don't dream it. Be it.” — (Referenced in multiple anecdotes and by a caller [14:45])
• “Those stories are kind of tattooed on their brain, much like their first kiss or the first time they actually lost their virginity.” — Linus O’Brien [11:50]
• “Sometimes when you create something, it can be... a year too early, you can be a year too late. But Rocky was perfectly timed for the zeitgeist, really.” — Linus O’Brien [14:16]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction of Rocky Horror & Context – 00:08–02:24
• Richard O'Brien’s Early Days & Inspiration – 02:54–04:15
• Personal Family and Gender Identity Journey – 04:30–05:49
• The Rocky Horror Community & Its Impact – 06:33–09:08
• Listener Stories: First Time Experiences & Impact – 09:51–12:34, 19:51–21:35, 23:16–24:13
• Stage Show Origins & Early Audience Reaction – 12:34–13:48, 17:52–18:30
• Transition to Film & Cult Status – 18:30–19:51, 24:29–25:26
• Ownership and Rights Story – 21:35–22:32
• Thematic Summation and Closing – 27:10–28:13

Final Thoughts

This episode gives a rich tapestry of Rocky Horror’s roots, its multigenerational legacy, and why, 50 years on, it’s still a lifeline for so many. Linus O’Brien’s personal insights as both filmmaker and son of the creator add rare intimacy, while listener stories attest to the profound, liberating atmosphere that Rocky Horror has fostered for all kinds of outsiders and artists. The documentary Strange Journey and the ongoing community are testaments to the enduring power of cult art to connect, affirm, and, indeed, save lives.