Greetings my cinema loving kings and queens of whimsical Winchestersylvania!

What is a cult film? A cult film is a box office bomb at the time of its release which transcends its initial failing through years of retrospective healing due to its unconditional love by a die-hard fan base.

These passionate viewers bring this once discarded film flop into the mainstream to live another life through revival by fans and discovery by newcomers.

With the help of word of mouth backed by the power of the internet, cult films are bigger than ever and reinforce the point that all art can endure.

I see you shiver with antici… pation, so, come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab. it’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975).

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the horror comedy musical which centers on newly engaged couple, Brad, (Barry “Spin City” Bostwick) and Janet, (Susan “Thelma and Louise” Sarandon) whose car breaks down in the outskirts of nowhere. The lovebirds seek a telephone at the bizarre castle of mad transvestite scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, (Tim “Pennywise” Curry).

Doc Furter welcomes his guests to his world of wild house guests such as creepy handyman Riff Raff (Richard “Dark City” O’Brien), rockabilly greaser biker Eddie (Meat “Fight Club” Loaf) and his muscular carnal creation, Rocky, played by half dressed Peter Hinwood.

Brad and Janet find themselves in the middle of chaos and absurdities all the while trying to stick to the traditions of acceptable social mores without losing their innocence, convictions and clothes all emphasized to catchy musical numbers by the entire cast.

“Rocky Horror” was directed by Jim “Shock Treatment” Sharman, produced by Lou “Cheech & Chong” Adler.

The screenplay was penned by Sharman and O’Brien, and was based of the 1973 musical stage production, “Rocky Horror Show” which was created by O’Brien when he was an unemployed actor in England.

“Rocky Horror” is a love letter parody to the horror and science fiction B movies of the 1930s-60s infused with kitsch, campy musical numbers and 1970s tongue in cheek sexual liberation themes.

“Rocky Horror” being the odd but successful film that it is can be accredited to the cast, as a majority of them where in the original stage production to include the Queen Elizabeth-inspired Curry in one of his most memorable roles as Frank-N-Furter, which had the potential of Mick Jagger portraying the doctor for the big screen adaptation.

Even Steve “The Jerk” Martin showed interest in landing the role of Brad which was won by Bostwick.

“Rocky Horror” was a flop upon its theatrical release, mainly in part that it was competing with blockbuster “Jaws,” but gained new life when it began to appear at midnight screenings in Los Angeles, New York City and Pittsburgh starting in 1976.

Upon the screenings, a cult following was birthed and future screenings saw the engrossed audience coming in costumes, bringing props, throwing toast at the screen, and shadowing the characters next to the screen while the film was playing.

It has gone on to become the longest running midnight movie cult film phenomenon and was deemed culturally significant by the National Film Registry in 2005.

Though the material may not be your cup of tea, the film is entertaining. One must keep an open mind backed with a good sense of humor as this year marks its 45th anniversary. Remember, it’s only a movie.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be presented by The Kentucky Theatre in Lexington. Show time is 11:59 p.m. Saturday and every fourth Saturday of the month.

Don’t be a drag and have a film-tastic day!

Rick Baldwin is a writer, filmmaker and film/music historian. He is president of the Winchester-Clark County Film Society. Find more from Rick on Facebook. He is on Twitter @rickbaldwin79 and can be reached by email at rickbaldwiniii@hotmail.com.