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Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult
On the heels of the 25th anniversary of the making of the infamous movie, Rocky Horror looks behind the scenes and uncovers the truth from those who were there. This celebration of Transylvanian proportions brings the true fan completely up to date.
- GenresNonfictionFilmHistory
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 17, 2019
For a huge Rocky Horror fan like myself, this was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment.
Whilst the content of the interviews was great, and they managed to interview so many people (other than King Tim Curry himself), so many of the major interviewees (Susan, Barry etc.) were super short, whilst minor characters had huge chapters dedicated to them, which was personally not what I was looking for.
Moreover, I was so so confused; half of the answers given to the questions made no sense regarding the actual question asked. This was a continuous issue, making me think that the interviews have been somehow edited, as there is no way that that many people failed to answer questions properly.
At times, it also felt like the interviewers were trying to stir sh*t and make a big deal out of things that weren't actually "drama" just to try and aid the book. For me, this had no appeal.
On the whole, not a huge fan of this, and whilst it offers interviews that probably can't be accessed elsewhere, I feel like they actually gave little information of value for avid fans of Rocky Horror.
Whilst the content of the interviews was great, and they managed to interview so many people (other than King Tim Curry himself), so many of the major interviewees (Susan, Barry etc.) were super short, whilst minor characters had huge chapters dedicated to them, which was personally not what I was looking for.
Moreover, I was so so confused; half of the answers given to the questions made no sense regarding the actual question asked. This was a continuous issue, making me think that the interviews have been somehow edited, as there is no way that that many people failed to answer questions properly.
At times, it also felt like the interviewers were trying to stir sh*t and make a big deal out of things that weren't actually "drama" just to try and aid the book. For me, this had no appeal.
On the whole, not a huge fan of this, and whilst it offers interviews that probably can't be accessed elsewhere, I feel like they actually gave little information of value for avid fans of Rocky Horror.
August 29, 2008
I loved "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and went to more than my fair share of midnight showings but I don't know that I'm going to bother finishing this book. The author's writing style is very off-putting; he's trying to sound clever, I suppose, but he's trying much too hard. And Richard O'Brien, the mastermind behind RHPS, seems to have been carrying a 30-year, 300-pound chip on his shoulder that Tim Curry got more recognition for the film. I just kind of want to smack him and tell him to get with it -- and ditto for the book.
January 8, 2019
Many, many more people than me are Rocky Horror fanatics. However, I do love the movie. And as theater trash, I shouldn't be saying this, but I love the movie more than I love the stage play, where it all began. The movie has a campy trashiness that just doesn't translate in the stage version, even the really good stage productions I have seen. And it's OK to like some campy trashiness now and then, or more specifically once a year. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is must-see Halloween viewing for me. One of the best parts of the movie for me is Tim Curry. From his platform heel-stomping entrance in the elevator to his mascara-streaked face in the pool near the end, I can't take my eyes off him. I often wonder if he sneaks a peek at the movie now and again, in private of course, and thinks, "Damn! That's me." I never knew this book existed until it showed up in a theater-trash family member's Facebook feed during one of those "post the top five books ..." social media challenge thingys. I immediately bought a used copy (it's out of print). The book takes a deep dive, in-depth look at the creation of what became the stage play, then the movie, then the cult. The saga is told through interviews with (most of) the people involved. It turns out there is a massive feud among the Rocky Horror family dealing with rights and royalties and all things who-came-up-with-what. Some of them refuse to discuss it. Others are happy to discuss it to point fingers and lay blame. And still others are just happy to have been along for the ride and live to tell about it. The movie portion of the cult classic is fraught with juicy backstage tidbits we all live for -- horrible working conditions, jealousy, misbehavior, etc. You really have to stick with the book to get to that part, and even then, the tidbits are things you've probably already read or heard about before. Then, there's Tim Curry himself. Or to be more specific, the lack of Tim Curry. Mr. Curry is notoriously known for wanting to have nothing to do with any of it, even though it was his breakthrough performance. This book is no exception. He wouldn't have any part of it. His castmates and collaboraters on the project fill in some of the Tim Curry info as observations and also happily discuss why he has distanced himself from his Rocky years, so that adds a dash of Curry to the book even if it is all secondhand info. The book is a must for the die-hard Rocky fans. As a fan of the phenomenon, it was often a slog to get to the good stuff.
January 6, 2009
Another "when I can get my hands on a copy" book. Yeah, I found a copy!
Well, I must say this book wasn't all I thought it was going to be. Too much background stuff for me on the RHS. Not to mention all the people involved. The authors started using first name, rather, their interviewees started using first names and it just got confusing for me. I guess I would have liked to hear more about the movie.
The authors are obviously big musical theatre fans, very gay (kinda goes hand in hand with the previous one) and Rocky devotees. My favorite line in the book is this one, where Patricia Quinn, Magenta herself, unlike Susan Sarandon here and others in other things I have read, honestly and frankly sums up the success of the Rocky phenom: "Sex, drugs and rock n roll." Enough said.
Well, I must say this book wasn't all I thought it was going to be. Too much background stuff for me on the RHS. Not to mention all the people involved. The authors started using first name, rather, their interviewees started using first names and it just got confusing for me. I guess I would have liked to hear more about the movie.
The authors are obviously big musical theatre fans, very gay (kinda goes hand in hand with the previous one) and Rocky devotees. My favorite line in the book is this one, where Patricia Quinn, Magenta herself, unlike Susan Sarandon here and others in other things I have read, honestly and frankly sums up the success of the Rocky phenom: "Sex, drugs and rock n roll." Enough said.
November 16, 2012
For a book about the "Rocky Horror Picture Show", this was amazingly dry. It's basically a collection of interviews with the cast and creators, about how the phenomenon came to be. Any hardcore fans would be interested in this book, but I don't think anyone else would.
May 5, 2022
I love a well-crafted oral biography (see Dylan Jones' wonderful David Bowie : A Life) but this is little more than a seemingly endless series of interviews, conducted by self-confessed fan boys. It is certainly interesting at times, but the knowledge that each new subject meant we would be starting from the beginning again made my enthusiasm fade well before the end.
May 27, 2013
Rocky Horror: From Concept to Cult
By Scott Michaels and David Evans
Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Limited
Published In: London, UK
Date: May 25th, 2002
Pgs: 361
Summary:
A behind the scenes look at the musical and film that after being a hit musical in London spawned a cult following after flopping at the box office. Made up largely of interviews with cast members and designers, this is a wonderful look back at the days when Rocky ruled.
Genre:
nonfiction
Why this book:
I have loved Rocky Horror since the first time I saw those red lips appear on the screen at a midnight movie at Northtown Mall in Dallas, TX.
This Story is About:
As to the musical/film, being yourself regardless of who you are and what people may think of that person. As to this book, make sure your agent isn’t the same as the agent representing everyone else involved in the production. Scott Michaels and I differ on this point. He states in the text that the show is about stardom; dictators, both good and evil; sin; and repentance. But, we agree on the idea that when Hollywood gets involved it’s “about the conflict between the libertine and the latter-day saint, the free thinker and the fundamentalist.”
Credibility:
The pacing of the movie sweeps you along and while you may identify with character along the way. It’s more in hindsight that you truly appreciate the movie for what it is. The book gets bogged down in minutiae with some of the Transylvanians, but by and large is a great read. The author’s tone lends to the credibility of the piece. He seems to come to the piece from a place of love for the original art and therefore treats it with respect even in instances where the people who were actually there cold shoulder him or let their animosities toward other cast and crew members show through.
Favorite Character:
The main character in this book is the entity known as The Rocky Horror Picture Show in whatever form she/he may be.
Least Favorite Character:
From the way he seems to be presented, Lou Adler. Not laying the fault for all the troubles at his feet, but the money seems to be an issue for all those involved. Money is the root of all evil. A root deeper than whatever hid in the psyche of our friend Frank N Furter.
Character I Most Identified With:
Barry Bostwick from his interview seems to be the most at ease with his Rocky Horror self. He’s not happy about the tons of merchandising and movie money that somehow didn’t trickle down to the players, but he respects the fans and still seems to love the piece.
The Feel:
It’s left me sad really. The people not liking each other very much. The walls between them. Tim Curry seemingly ashamed of it when it was such an incredible performance, legendary even.
Favorite Scene:
When one of the Transylvanians tells the story of when Meatloaf had to ride the motorcycle up the ramp on one side of the laboratory and then down the other. And, apparently, Meatloaf wasn’t very much of a motorcycle rider in those days. That would have been some awesome behind the scene footage.
Settings:
N/A
Pacing:
It’s well paced. The interviews are edited, not to bite size, but, to a manageable size.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
N/A
Author Assessment:
I would consider other things written by this author.
Editorial Assessment:
Nothing seems out of place here. Well done.
Disposition of Book:
I’m conflicted on this one. I doubt I’ll ever want to re-read it. But, this is a look at the inner workings of one of my favorite films ever. :/ This requires more thought.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
N/A
Casting call:
N/A
Would recommend to:
Other aficionados of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But as I stated previously, be prepared to be saddened by the ways that many of them view each other nowadays.
By Scott Michaels and David Evans
Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing Limited
Published In: London, UK
Date: May 25th, 2002
Pgs: 361
Summary:
A behind the scenes look at the musical and film that after being a hit musical in London spawned a cult following after flopping at the box office. Made up largely of interviews with cast members and designers, this is a wonderful look back at the days when Rocky ruled.
Genre:
nonfiction
Why this book:
I have loved Rocky Horror since the first time I saw those red lips appear on the screen at a midnight movie at Northtown Mall in Dallas, TX.
This Story is About:
As to the musical/film, being yourself regardless of who you are and what people may think of that person. As to this book, make sure your agent isn’t the same as the agent representing everyone else involved in the production. Scott Michaels and I differ on this point. He states in the text that the show is about stardom; dictators, both good and evil; sin; and repentance. But, we agree on the idea that when Hollywood gets involved it’s “about the conflict between the libertine and the latter-day saint, the free thinker and the fundamentalist.”
Credibility:
The pacing of the movie sweeps you along and while you may identify with character along the way. It’s more in hindsight that you truly appreciate the movie for what it is. The book gets bogged down in minutiae with some of the Transylvanians, but by and large is a great read. The author’s tone lends to the credibility of the piece. He seems to come to the piece from a place of love for the original art and therefore treats it with respect even in instances where the people who were actually there cold shoulder him or let their animosities toward other cast and crew members show through.
Favorite Character:
The main character in this book is the entity known as The Rocky Horror Picture Show in whatever form she/he may be.
Least Favorite Character:
From the way he seems to be presented, Lou Adler. Not laying the fault for all the troubles at his feet, but the money seems to be an issue for all those involved. Money is the root of all evil. A root deeper than whatever hid in the psyche of our friend Frank N Furter.
Character I Most Identified With:
Barry Bostwick from his interview seems to be the most at ease with his Rocky Horror self. He’s not happy about the tons of merchandising and movie money that somehow didn’t trickle down to the players, but he respects the fans and still seems to love the piece.
The Feel:
It’s left me sad really. The people not liking each other very much. The walls between them. Tim Curry seemingly ashamed of it when it was such an incredible performance, legendary even.
Favorite Scene:
When one of the Transylvanians tells the story of when Meatloaf had to ride the motorcycle up the ramp on one side of the laboratory and then down the other. And, apparently, Meatloaf wasn’t very much of a motorcycle rider in those days. That would have been some awesome behind the scene footage.
Settings:
N/A
Pacing:
It’s well paced. The interviews are edited, not to bite size, but, to a manageable size.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
N/A
Author Assessment:
I would consider other things written by this author.
Editorial Assessment:
Nothing seems out of place here. Well done.
Disposition of Book:
I’m conflicted on this one. I doubt I’ll ever want to re-read it. But, this is a look at the inner workings of one of my favorite films ever. :/ This requires more thought.
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
N/A
Casting call:
N/A
Would recommend to:
Other aficionados of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But as I stated previously, be prepared to be saddened by the ways that many of them view each other nowadays.
March 8, 2015
This is not a book for those with a casual interest in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The book looks at both the original stage play and the movie, and it goes into both in some detail. The book is primarily a series of interviews,with both the original cast members, people involved in the production side,and as many of the Transylvanians as the authors could find.
This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it provides access to a lot of information which would be hard to find anywhere else. And the reader gains a good idea of what it was like to be there at the time that this phenomenon was just starting. On the negative side, the book is somewhat unstructured, and it can be difficult to keep track of who is who, as the interviewees often refer to others by their nicknames, and the authors and / or editors don't always provide clarity as to who is being referred to.
That said, the insights provided, and the information revealed, mean that the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. If you're a fan of the show, and want to learn a lot more about it, this is certainly worth reading.
This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it provides access to a lot of information which would be hard to find anywhere else. And the reader gains a good idea of what it was like to be there at the time that this phenomenon was just starting. On the negative side, the book is somewhat unstructured, and it can be difficult to keep track of who is who, as the interviewees often refer to others by their nicknames, and the authors and / or editors don't always provide clarity as to who is being referred to.
That said, the insights provided, and the information revealed, mean that the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. If you're a fan of the show, and want to learn a lot more about it, this is certainly worth reading.
March 27, 2012
I'm a huge fan of Scott Michaels' website AND Rocky Horror, so this book felt like a pretty natural fit for me! The book wasn't quite what I expected, but I wasn't disappointed so much as enlightened. It's packed to the brim with interviews from many different figures in Rocky history as well as a collection of behind-the-scenes photographs from the early days. I paged through it pretty quickly in a couple afternoons after class and ended up learning a lot. The book painted a perfectly quirky portrait of most people involved in the creation of Rocky. All in all, enjoyable if you love RHS/RHPS and want insight into the minds behind the show.
February 16, 2016
Most of my writing is either writing for the stage or about the arts, so any book about the creation and development of successful theatre is sure to cross my desk. David Evans's oral history of the Rocky Horror phenomenon is alternately enlightening and banal, but such is the case with most oral histories. At any rate, it's nice to get an in-depth look into the creation and gradual growth of a show and movie considered certain flops at first, gradually redeemed and eventually sanctified by time and a growing cult appeal.
January 20, 2013
Quite good for little amusing anecdotes from cast members and Transylvanians. Very insightful but slightly repetitive. Essential for any die-hard Rocky Horror fan. Found the book to be very suitable as I recently saw The Rocky Horror Show at the Bristol Hippodrome starring the impeccable Oliver Thornton.
January 7, 2016
42 WORD REVIEW:
An invaluable historical record, albeit of specialist interest, documenting the Rocky Horror (Picture) Show via a series of eclectic, perambulating interviews. Of the cornucopia of major and minor players tracked down from on-stage, on-set and behind-the-scenes, only Tim Curry is notably absent.
An invaluable historical record, albeit of specialist interest, documenting the Rocky Horror (Picture) Show via a series of eclectic, perambulating interviews. Of the cornucopia of major and minor players tracked down from on-stage, on-set and behind-the-scenes, only Tim Curry is notably absent.
February 16, 2012
It was wonderful reading the different memories of so many involved with the project over the years. It's always so fascinating to see what bits stand out to what people and how even the simplest of moments mean so much and are remembered for so long. A very enjoyable read.
May 21, 2012
Rocky horror is my favourite movie so my husband took a chance and bought me this book. I actually really enjoyed it and there were a few moments when I was actually giggling out loud (the glitter story). I would say that it is probably only worth buying for very hard-core fans though.
June 9, 2016
Interesting account of this cult phenomenon, of which I'm a fan. Hard to tell how accurate it might be, though, and kind of takes some of the gloss off what is a harmless time capsule of cheesy fun.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews