The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) / Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

This month's theme is musicals based on a stage play. Films to be discussed are The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001).

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, directed by Jim Sharman and based on the 1973 musical The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O'Brien, is the ultimate cult classic. A box office bomb on original release, the movie took off when midnight showings began and audiences attended week after week, dressing up as characters from the film, throwing props at the screen, and yelling lines in response to the dialogue.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, is based on Mitchell's and Stephen Trask's 1998 stage musical of the same name. The film follows Hedwig and her backing band, the Angry Inch, while exploring Hedwig's past and her forced gender identity. Mitchell reprises his role as Hedwig from the original production.

Please watch the films before joining discussion. At the time of this post, both films are available for a small rental fee on Amazon, Google, Vudu, YouTube, and Apple. To locate additional streaming options, please visit justwatch.com.