The story of Tim Curry’s curious accent in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than indulging in movies that are outrageously camp. Bold, provocative and shocking, these films often allow the audience the chance to revel in all things over-the-top and fun. The Rocky Horror Show, directed by Jim Sharman, is no exception.
The movie started out as a musical penned by Richard O’Brien, which premiered in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. It was well-received, leading to its cinematic adaptation two years later. For the film, Tim Curry, who played Dr Frank N. Furter on stage, was asked to reprise the role, to which he agreed. In turn, he has become closely associated with the iconic character, continuing to attend fan conventions in celebration of the film to this day.
Of course, Curry appeared in Hair before joining the cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Following his career-defining performance, he has appeared in stage productions such as Amadeus and The Rivals, as well as starring in on-screen projects like IT, Annie and Clue.
However, if he’s known for anything, it’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in which Dr Frank N. Furter, a transvestite, makes himself his perfect muscly man, all while a young couple take refuge from the rain in his house. Here, they are swept up into a world of strange yet loveable characters, with plenty of singalongs to boot.
Dr Frank N. Furter is known for his distinctive posh British accent. However, Curry initially gave his character a German accent before changing his mind. Talking to NPR, he recalled the moment he decided to switch up Frank N. Furter’s voice to something completely different. He said: “One day I heard a woman on a bus saying, ‘Do you have a hice (house) in town or a hice in the coun-tryy.’ And I thought, ‘Yes, he should sound like The Queen.’ But that’s how it happened, and it just started in this tiny theatre, and it just took off like a rocket.”
Elsewhere in the interview, he expressed his admiration for O’Brien’s creation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, adding: “Richard’s brilliance really was like reaching up a hand into the zeitgeist and just grabbing ‘50s horror movies, Sandra Dee, comic books and ‘50s rock and roll, and just hurling them all together with some fishnet tights thrown in.”
Curry’s portrayal of Dr Frank N. Furter is one of the most iconic performances of the 1970s. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has become a queer classic, with its bold and open exploration of sexuality allowing many queer viewers to feel acknowledged and celebrated.
