A Haunted Experience: My Rocky Horror Picture Show Night

Every Halloween night, a mix of joy and chaos descends upon the downtown theater, where the Rocky Horror Picture Show plays to eager crowds every Saturday. For me, this particular night in costume as my favorite character, Frankenfurter, would become one of the most memorable experiences of my life, albeit not in the way I had anticipated.

Planning the Perfect Costume

It was a Saturday night in October, and my friends' girlfriend and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to attend the theater's Rocky Horror screening dressed as our favorite characters. I decided to go as Frankenfurter, the iconic character introduced early in the film. The costume consisted of corset nylons, knickers, garters, pearls, a boa, and a full wig. My wardrobe choices were more than just a costume; they were a declaration of love for the cult classic.

The Station Wagon Surprise

Remarkably, I owned a genuine Brad-mobile, the same make and model of station wagon driven by Brad and Janet in the film. While mine was a different color, the connection to the movie was undeniable. This unique detail would play a pivotal role later that night.

Embarrassing Moments at the Theater

As we entered the theater, the atmosphere was electric – a blend of excitement and mischief. However, as we tried to leave for the evening, we encountered several disapproving police officers. My Frankenfurter costume was not entirely discrete, and the folklore of Halloween festivities and costumes raises some eyebrows. The officers viewed my outfit as indecent exposure, and I was promptly arrested.

The entire experience was far from funny. While the charge would eventually be dropped, the immediate aftermath was far from ideal. Sitting in a holding cell with 20 other people, each staring daggers, was not the Halloween trick I was hoping for. The atmosphere was charged, and the weight of the situation was palpable.

Seeking Bail and an Awkward Ride Home

Calling my father for bail at 3 AM was a low point. Not only was it an unconventional hour, but the circumstances of my arrest were equally surprising. Upon my release into my father's custody, still in costume, the situation became even more awkward. The look on his face was memorable, and the conversation in the car was a mix of explanation and reassurance.

“I’m just dressed up for Halloween, Dad,” I reassured him as he drove home. “No, it’s just a costume for the movie screening; no trick here,” I added, trying to ease his concerns. But the aftermath haunted me for a few years, leaving me with a mix of humor and embarrassment.

Reflections on the Experience

While the night was filled with unexpected turns, the most significant takeaway was the bond it created with my friends. We all laughed about it later, but the experience was a testament to the varied and sometimes unpredictable nature of Halloween traditions. My friends' girlfriend and I were not just theatergoers; we became part of the history of that particular night, forever linked by our shared experience.

So, while Halloween nights and Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings are meant to be enjoyable, they can also lead to some memorable, albeit embarrassing, moments. For me, that night would always hold a special place in my memories, offering a blend of adventure and chaos, all rolled into one Halloween costume.