Just as sure as Halloween will bring the usual mediocre horror film spinoffs and remakes, the hunt for a perfectly original/hilarious/sexy costume, and horribly-written assignments due November 1, so will it bring one of the longest-running of cinematic traditions, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Every Halloween weekend, as some grab their pillowcases for a night of trick or treating and others make “True Blood” from vodka and cranberry juice, thousands of like minded fans will line up outside theatres, fully costumed, with rice and newspaper in hand, anxious to revisit the longest-running cult film in history.

These special screenings, often accompanied by a shadow cast who mimic the film’s actors, are entirely immersive and interactive, inviting the audience to throw rice and confetti into the air, holler at annoying characters (like the narrator), and dance along to every move of “The Time Warp.” These events have become a mainstay of the Halloween season, and have permeated our culture to such an extent that even the TV leaders of all things hip (Glee) have paid tribute to it, much to the dismay of “true” fans.

Although it has reached eternal cult status, the film is not the original source material of the Rocky Horror phenomenon. Richard O’Brien wrote The Rocky Horror Show as a stage musical, which first premiered in 1973. After successful runs in London and on Broadway, the musical was adapted for the big-screen. Although the film failed to garner mainstream success and flopped at the box office, some theatres began showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at special midnight screenings, catering to the audience who loved the film. Those involved in such events began inventing new ways of engaging with the film in order to evade the boredom that could come with repeated viewings. These midnight screenings became a sensation in large cities like New York and L.A., and by the end of the 1970s gained such popularity that screenings began across North America. Thus, the Rocky Horror phenomenon as we know it today was born.

Like most cities, Montreal is host to numerous Rocky Horror events this coming Halloween weekend. For those seeking the most traditional experience, The Imperial Cinema boasts that it is “the ONLY annual event in town presenting the original cult film on a big screen with a live cast on stage and massive audience participation!” This is the first time the event, which typically takes place at the Rialto, has been held at The Imperial Cinema. There will be two screenings each night of the 29, 30 and 31, with a special discount for students on the 31. What’s more, there’s a costume contest hosted by local DJ/ self-identified drag queen Plastik Patrik...

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Internet site reference: http://www.mcgilldaily.com/2011/10/time-warped-since-1973/