Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
#0Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/1/06 at 11:57pm
I was just watching my Little Shop of Horrors DVD today, and I was watching the Behind the Scenes and they talked about the original black and white film the show was based. I already knew about the movie because it's probably one of the biggest Hollywood jokes, but still. Why is it such a trend for campy black and white movies to become successful musicals? I can only think of two off the top of my head and that being Little Shop and Reefer Madness.
Why do you guys think so and what are some other ones? I'm really curious now.
gavrochegirl
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/16/05
#1re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 12:02amWhat about Rocky Horror?
#2re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 12:05amWasn't Rocky Horror a stage show first though? I thought they had a stage production in '74 and then a year later they released the film.
Julian2
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/10/06
#3re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 12:52amYes.
BJC899
Broadway Star Joined: 7/20/04
#4re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 12:55am
Has anyone every watched the original Little Shop? I have it on DVD and it is the FUNNIEST THING EVER.
It is HYSTERICAL. Go watch it.
So funny.
Not really in a good way though...
BDrischBDemented
Broadway Star Joined: 11/13/05
#5re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 1:05am
I wouldn't call it a trend, per se. The only others I can think of that might be considered "cult films" are "The Producers" (arguable) and MAYBE "Grey Gardens" (some online review I read called it a cult classic...).
Maybe "Bat Boy" somehow...in a way I haven't figured out yet...
neddyfrank2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/05
Mattbrain
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/23/05
#7re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 7:15amHairspray
#8re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 8:17amI would say Grey Gardens is most deffinetly a Cult Film.
Sant
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
#9re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 8:38amYes I've seen the original b/w LITTLE SHOP. It's funny. And features a very young Jack Nicholson in a small role!
ErinDillyFan
Broadway Star Joined: 7/14/06
#10re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 9:38am
It is actually Jack Nicholson's first movie role as the dental patient who loves pain. Bill Murray played the part in the movie version of the musical.
SPOILER:
I love the ending of the movie, the flowers on Audrey II have the faces of everyone it has eaten.
ErinDillyFan
Broadway Star Joined: 7/14/06
chrrymn
Broadway Star Joined: 7/20/05
#12re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 9:46amI don't know how successful it'll end up being, but a lot of people are drawn to Evil Dead: The Musical. ...Even people not interested in B'way shows. It could prove to be a big draw for a new audience.
"Mrs. Lovett, how I did without you all these years I'll never know!"
Avatar photo (c) Paul Kolnik.
Jon
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
#13re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 10:09am
Yes, THE PRODUCERS is considered a "cult hit" movie. HAIRSPRAY and HOLY GRAIL too.
There have been many not-so-succesful Off-Broadway attempts such as EATING RAOUL and JOHNNY GUITAR.
No - BATBOY is not based on a movie. It's based on articles inthe Weekly World News, a supermarket tabloid that's filled with completely fake stories.
ErinDillyFan
Broadway Star Joined: 7/14/06
#14re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 11:44am
If "The Producers" and "The Holy Grail" are cult films, they are just barely. The "cults" are pretty big boardering on mainstream. "The Producers" won a Oscar (best screenplay) and was nominated for another (best supporting actor Gene Wilder). Not to mention the Golden Glodes and Writer's Guild.
I am not sure I know anyone who has not seen Monty Pythons' "The Holy Grail". I certainly hear quotes from it on a regular basis. It is sort of like calling fans of "The Godfather" or "Star Trek" cults.
I actually think Billy Elliot or High Fidelity fit this description better. As not widely known, but with a enthusiastic fan base.
Updated On: 10/2/06 at 11:44 AM
#15re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 1:30pmSome people say High Fidelity was a cult film.
#16re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 5:01pm
I love The Holy Grail, but I never really considered it a cult film. Same thing with The Producers. They both seem pretty well-known. But Hairspray? It was an 80s John Waters movie. All his eighties movies were hits.
GREY GARDENS! That was a good one. I knew there was an obvious one I was missing.
The original b/w Little Shop is so cheesy, but then again, I AM cheesy. I have them both on DVD and I love bothering my friends when I make them watch it and tell me all the different comparisons they found.
#17re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 5:03pmI don't think Rocky Horror was a SUCCESSFUL musical... and I don't think Billy Eliot is/was a cult film...
LizzieCurry: No, you're more memorable
#18re: Cult Films to Successful Musicals?
Posted: 10/2/06 at 6:02pm
High Fidelity was in no way a cult film. It was a moderately succesful comedy produced by a major studio. It didn't bomb and it's subject matter wasn't accessable only to a small group of people. It just wasn't a blockbuster movie.
And I'm sorry, did I really just read 2 people asking if Rocky Horror was a movie first? Just goes to show how much people pay attention/care about theatre history anymore.
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