Welcome to our exhilarating journey through the iconic song “Science Fiction / Double Feature” from the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show! We’ll embark on a thrilling exploration of how this musical masterpiece weaves together a rich tapestry of pop culture references that have enthralled fans for generations. From sci-fi classics to cult hits, “Science Fiction / Double Feature” is a treasure trove of nods, winks and homages that celebrate the very essence of the genre. Join us as we delve deep into the lyrics and uncover the hidden gems that make this song a timeless tribute to the world of pop culture. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through time and space as we unravel the secrets behind “Science Fiction / Double Feature” and its enduring impact on the cultural landscape.
Michael Rennie was ill the day the earth stood still, But he told us where we stand.
The 1951 science fiction film “The Day the Earth Stood Still” tells the story of an alien named Klaatu (played by Michael Rennie) who comes to Earth to warn humanity about the dangers of their nuclear weapons. The movie explores themes of technology, power and the potential consequences of human actions. The film’s opening scene, in which the earth stands still, is a powerful image that sets the stage for the story to come.
In Richard O’Brien’s “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the lyrics reference Michael Rennie’s role in “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” acknowledging the importance of the film in the history of science fiction cinema. By referencing this iconic movie in the song, O’Brien helps to establish the tone of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” as a campy, over-the-top celebration of classic science fiction and horror films.
And Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear.
The first movie of Flash Gordon was released in 1936, and it was based on a popular comic strip character. The movie follows the adventures of Flash Gordon, a brave and daring space adventurer, as he battles the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless on the planet Mongo. The movie was a hit with audiences and became a classic of the science fiction genre.
In the song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Richard O’Brien references Flash Gordon in the line “Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear.” This is a nod to the character’s iconic outfit of silver shorts and a tank top, which became a trademark of the character. The line shows O’Brien’s appreciation for the classic science fiction films of the past and sets the tone for the campy, over-the-top world of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Claude Raines was the invisible man.
Claude Rains played the titular character in the 1933 horror film “The Invisible Man,” which is referenced in the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” In the song, Richard O’Brien sings, “Flash Gordon was there in silver underwear / Claude Rains was the invisible man.”
The film tells the story of a scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible, but the process also drives him mad. The character’s descent into madness and his eventual downfall are echoed in the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” which touch on the theme of humanity’s relationship with technology and the potential consequences of its misuse. By referencing “The Invisible Man,” O’Brien is drawing a parallel between the character in the film and the themes of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Then something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong. They got caught in a celluloid jam.
Fay Wray’s iconic role in the 1933 film “King Kong” is referenced in the “Science Fiction/Double Feature” song from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The lyrics mention that “something went wrong for Fay Wray and King Kong,” which is a nod to the tragic ending of the film, where King Kong falls to his death while trying to protect Wray’s character.
The reference to King Kong also fits with the overall theme of the song, which celebrates classic science fiction and horror movies. The film’s story of a giant ape captured and brought to civilization is a classic example of the genre, and its influence can be seen in many subsequent works of science fiction and horror. By including a reference to “King Kong,” O’Brien acknowledges the film’s importance in the history of science fiction and horror and pays homage to Wray’s enduring legacy as a scream queen.
Then at a deadly pace it came from outer space. And this is how the message ran.
“It Came from Outer Space” is a 1953 science fiction film that tells the story of an alien spaceship that crash-lands in a small town in Arizona. The movie explores themes of paranoia, fear of the unknown and the human tendency to jump to conclusions.
These themes are echoed in the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” the opening song of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Richard O’Brien references the film in the line “I watched the movie screen / Wrote the book, goodbye, goodbye.” The line suggests that O’Brien was inspired by the themes of “It Came from Outer Space” and other science fiction films like it, and that these themes informed the creation of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The inclusion of this reference also speaks to the film’s influence on science fiction as a genre and its lasting impact on popular culture.
Science Fiction – Double Feature.
In the song “Science Fiction / Double Feature,” featured in the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the term “double feature” harks back to the golden age of cinema. A double feature typically referred to the practice of screening two full-length films back-to-back at movie theatres, offering audiences a unique cinematic experience. The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia by listing various classic science fiction and horror films, alluding to the excitement and thrill of watching these movies on the big screen during double features. The “double feature” is not just a reference to the film format but also a celebration of the genre’s enduring appeal and the rich history of sci-fi and horror cinema.
Dr. X will build a creature.
There are a few movies where a Dr. X creates a creature, so it’s unclear which specific movie is being referenced in “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” However, the general trope of a mad scientist creating a monster is a common theme in science fiction and horror films. This theme relates to the overall tone of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which embraces the campy, over-the-top elements of the genre.
The character of Frank-N-Furter, played by Tim Curry in the film, can be seen as a mad scientist of sorts, as he creates his own “creature” in the form of Rocky Horror. The lyrics of the song reference a variety of classic science fiction and horror films, highlighting the influence of these movies on the world of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
See androids fighting.
Before 1975, there were several movies that featured androids fighting. For example, “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951) features a robot named Gort who is sent to Earth to enforce peace. Similarly, “Forbidden Planet” (1956) features a race of advanced robots who are created to protect their creators but end up turning on them. These movies, along with others like “Metropolis” (1927) and “The Twilight Zone” (1960), helped establish the trope of androids and robots as both a source of wonder and a potential threat.
By invoking these older films and ideas, “Science Fiction/Double Feature” creates a sense of nostalgia for a time when science fiction was still relatively new and unexplored.
Brad and Janet
The reference to Brad and Janet in the song “Science Fiction / Double Feature” refers to the characters Brad Majors and Janet Weiss from the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Brad and Janet are an innocent, newly engaged couple who stumble upon a bizarre and sexually liberated world when their car breaks down. The song may use their names to evoke a sense of naivety and innocence in contrast to the unconventional and risqué themes explored in the film and song. It’s a nod to the juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary, which is a central theme in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.
Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet.
In the song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Richard O’Brien references several classic science fiction films, including “Forbidden Planet,” which starred Anne Francis. The film tells the story of a group of humans who visit a distant planet and encounter an advanced civilization with a dark secret. The film’s themes of exploration, otherworldly encounters, and the dangers of unchecked technology are all touched upon in the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature.”
Francis’s performance as Altaira, a young woman who has grown up on the planet, adds to the film’s appeal, and her role as a pioneering female character in science fiction likely influenced other actresses in the genre. By referencing “Forbidden Planet” in the song, O’Brien pays tribute to a classic sci-fi film that helped shape the genre, and highlights the film’s influence on the themes and imagery of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Oh-oh at the late night, double feature, picture show.
Before the release of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 1975, late-night, double feature picture shows were a popular form of entertainment in theaters. These shows typically featured two movies, often horror or science fiction films, shown back-to-back. The audience could stay for both movies or leave after the first, and the atmosphere was often raucous and rowdy.
This tradition of late-night double features is referenced in the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The song lists a variety of classic sci-fi and horror films, many of which would have been popular choices for double feature showings. The song captures the spirit of the era, with its catchy tune and references to beloved films, while also setting the stage for the wild ride that is about to unfold in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
I knew Leo G. Carroll was over a barrel when Tarantula took to the hills.
The line “I knew Leo G. Carroll was over a barrel when Tarantula took to the hills” is a reference to the 1955 science fiction film “Tarantula,” in which Leo G. Carroll plays a scientist who creates a giant spider that goes on a rampage. The reference to “Tarantula” fits perfectly with the song’s theme of paying homage to classic science fiction and horror movies.
The line also adds to the overall sense of campy fun and tongue-in-cheek humor that is a hallmark of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” By referencing a specific movie and actor, O’Brien is inviting audiences to join in the fun and celebrate the genre.
And I really got hot when I saw Janet Scott fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills.
The line “And I really got hot when I saw Janette Scott / Fight a Triffid that spits poison and kills” in “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a reference to the 1962 British film “The Day of the Triffids,” which features Janette Scott as a character who fights against a breed of poisonous plants that have taken over the world.
This reference fits in perfectly with the theme of the song and the film, which is a celebration of classic science fiction and horror movies. The line also adds to the campy, over-the-top nature of the film, which is known for its outrageous characters and costumes. Overall, the reference to Janette Scott and “The Day of the Triffids” helps to establish the tone of the film and creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.
Dana Andrews said prunes gave him the runes and passing them used lots of skills.
Dana Andrews was an American actor known for his roles in classic films like “Laura” and “The Best Years of Our Lives.” He was also famously quoted as saying, “Prunes gave me the runes,” referring to the belief that eating prunes gave him psychic abilities. He added, “And passing them used lots of skills,” which is a humorous reference to the digestive effects of prunes.
This line is similar in tone to the playful and tongue-in-cheek lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” the opening song of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Both the quote and the song play with the idea of the supernatural and the absurd, highlighting the playful and irreverent spirit of the film and its cult following
But when worlds collide, said George Pal to his bride I’m gonna give you some terrible thrills, like a:
The line “But when worlds collide, said George Pal to his bride” is a reference to the 1951 science fiction film “When Worlds Collide,” which was produced by George Pal. The film tells the story of a group of scientists who discover that a planet is on a collision course with Earth and must build a spacecraft to transport a select group of people to safety.
In the context of the song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” this line suggests that the film is going to take the listener on a thrilling ride through the worlds of science fiction and horror. The following lines, “I’m gonna give you some terrible thrills, like a:,” set the stage for the wild and unpredictable journey that the film promises to deliver. The reference to “When Worlds Collide” is just one of several nods to classic science fiction and horror films in the song, highlighting the influence of these genres on the creation of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Science Fiction – Double Feature.
Dr. X will build a creature.
See androids fighting Brad and Janet.
Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet.
Oh-oh at the late night, double feature, picture show.
I wanna go, oh-oh, to the late night double feature picture show.
By RKO, oh-oh, to the late night double feature picture show.
In the lyrics of “Science Fiction/Double Feature” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the line “By RKO, oh-oh, to the late night double feature picture show” references RKO Pictures, a film production company that was active from 1928 to 1959.
During its heyday, RKO Pictures was known for producing and distributing a wide range of films, including horror, science fiction, and fantasy movies. Some of the studio’s most famous films include “King Kong,” “Citizen Kane,” and “The Thing from Another World,” which are all classics in their respective genres.
In the context of the song, the reference to RKO Pictures is a nod to the classic Hollywood era of filmmaking, and it helps to set the scene for the late-night double feature picture show that the song describes. The line suggests that the show is a throwback to the heyday of Hollywood, when studios like RKO Pictures were at the height of their power and producing iconic films that continue to be celebrated today.
Additionally, the mention of RKO Pictures in the song highlights the influence that classic Hollywood films have on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” as a whole. The movie pays homage to a variety of classic films from the horror, science fiction, and musical genres, and the inclusion of the RKO Pictures reference is just one example of how the film draws on the rich history of Hollywood cinema to create a unique and memorable viewing experience.
In the back row to the late night double feature picture show.
Overall, the movie references in “Science Fiction/Double Feature” give us a glimpse into the world of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The film is a love letter to classic science fiction and horror movies, and the song sets the tone for the wild ride that
