Flubs And Facts

Here are a list of film flubs for SHOCK TREATMENT, as well as some interesting "Hey, have you ever noticed…" facts.
Also included are some information about the making of SHOCK TREATMENT as well. Enjoy.
If you have any flubs or facts you wish to add to this list, email me at stn_contact@hotmail.com

UPDATED: 9-5-06

20th Century Fox, made this followup to Rocky Horror Picture Show for roughly 1 million dollars due to a budget restraint. The film was released in the fall of 1981 and bombed. As of 1997, it had only earned around 100,000 dollars.
The film went through several script changes due to the budget cut and writer's strike at the time. Marketing labeled it as an "equal" instead of a "sequel" to explain why the film is so different from Rocky Horror. A correct terminology would be a "follow-up" or a "spin-off".
A new sequel was to be filmed in the early '90s, called "The Revenge Of The Old Queen". It had been scripted (alledgedly) but not filmed. Rumor has it that there are 4 songs from the film already recorded and "floating" around. The plans to film this sequel have been canned indefinitely.
In recent years (early 2000's), there was internet buzz about Richard O'Brien scripting a new sequel, true to his original ideas, where Janet would be pregnant with Frank's child. This new sequel would cancel out the story of Shock Treatment most likely, treating it as though it were never created.
Richard O'Brien has commented that Shock Treatment was an "abortion".
Original sequel to RHPS was called "Rocky Horror Shows His Heels".
The original title of Shock Treatment was "The Brad And Janet Show"
After 5 script changes, Richard O'Brien commented it would have been better performed as a stage show.
No stage show was scripted by O'Brien, but fans have asked for it. A fan-drafted stage show adaptation can be found at this website.
The film has attempted to bring audience participation and acting to it, in efforts to have the success of Rocky Horror. Some enjoy that idea, others do not. Only in the past few years has there been a building interest in the film, both as an audience participation film (shouting) and actor involvement (acting). There are even audience participation shout lines posted on the web.
Some songs featured on the soundtrack to Shock Treatment are different than those depicted in the film
The only single released from the soundtrack was the title track, with the instrumental Overture as the B-side.
Originally, the soundtrack was released only on vinyl and cassette. It was a great bonus for Rocky Collectors when some of Shock Treatment's songs were included in CD format in the RHPS 15th anniversary box set, on the cd called "Songs From The Vault". Finally, in the early/mid 1990s, the soundtrack was released in limited quantities on CD on Rhino Records.
There has never been sheet music released, and most likely never will. However, some fans have written out guitar tabs for the songs, and have posted them on the internet.
Finally, if you think Shock Treatment was/is a disaster, perhaps Richard O'Brien jinxed himself when he wrote another little play…called "Disaster".

The opening image of Farley sitting in his office within the heart-designed billboard is NOT Cliff De Young. Cliff DeYoung was waiting outside the studio's bay door with the audience for the entrance into the studio during the opening instrumental. The man in the office is a stand in for Mr. DeYoung.
The narrative post production overdub (aka Narrator's vocal) that starts the film was provided by Christopher Malcolm, who portrays police officer, Vance Parker.
The instrumental song "Overture" was filmed in one shot without any edits. It was the 3rd scene filmed for the movie. What was first? Macy's comercial. The second scene filmed was the song "Looking For Trade". The film was shot in chronological order for the most part. Basically, scene for scene, as they appear in the script. There were few exceptions.
The film took over 5 weeks to film. The fifth week ended at Christmas break, 1980, and the cast returned for small reshoots, etc, just after the new year.
The soundtrack was recorded in November of 1980. Gary Shail (Oscar Drill) aided in the recording as he plays several instruments.

In the original USA release, the opening credit read "A Lou Adler-Michael White Production..." --but here, as seen in the UK DVD release, the names have been switched.

Cliff DeYoung plays Brad Majors and his twin brother Farley Flavors (Oops, plot giveaway!).
Cliff DeYoung was originally asked to play Brad in the original Rocky Horror Picture Show, but he could not commit to it because he was filming a television series called "Sunshine" based on the made-for-television movie of the same title. So the role in RHPS ended up going to Barry Bostwick.
Barry Bostwick had been asked prior to official casting --and before the final script was finished-- if he would be willing to reprise his role as Brad, and he declined due to commitment on another film. So when casting was finally ready for auditions, he was not even considered.
When Shock Treatment was to be filmed, Jim Sharman called up Cliff DeYoung and said, "I wanted you for Brad in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but you were not available. So....NOW can you play Brad?" Cliff was free, so he flew to the UK to film, one of the few Americans to be in the film focused on a city in America.
It has been rumoured that Tim Curry was asked to play the dual roles of Farley and Brad --and turned down the roles because he couldn't do an american accent. However, since Cliff DeYoung confirmed in an interview that he was Jim Sharman's first choice to play the roles, and accepted, this leaves the Tim Curry rumour to be false.
Cliff DeYoung saw Shock Treatment in the movie theater and is surprised about how many fans enjoy it.
It has been suggested that Cliff based his character of Farley Flavors on Jack Nicholson, but in an interview in 2006, Cliff stated that character's behavior was based on RHPS's "look at me" character, Frank N Furter.
Interesting enough, Cliff (ST's Brad) played the husband to Susan Sarandan (RHPS's Janet) in the film "The Hunger". Also in The Hunger is actor Rufus Collins (ST's soundman to Neely)

Jessica Harper portrays Janet Majors (Janet Weiss has married Brad Majors from the Rocky Horror Picture Show).
Susan Sarandan was originally asked to reprise her role she made famous in the RHPS, but she wanted too much money. This demand was impossible to meet during a budget restraint.
Jessica Harper has never publicly stated whether she enjoys Shock Treatment or not. She states that one time she discovered Shock Treatment fans stalked outside of her house and it made her a bit uncomfortable.
Jessica Harper is best known for her roles in "Phantom Of The Paradise" and "Suspiria."

Patricia Quinn returns to this sequel, but this time, she plays a new character. Now she plays Nation McKinley, brother to the character Cosmo (Richard O'Brien)
The day before shooting, Patricia Quinn was mugged, and had a black eye. Make up artist Sandra Exelby applied several layers of make up to hide the dark color below her eye.
Richard O'Brien (writer of both RHPS and ST) returns to this sequel, but this time he plays a different character. Now he plays Dr. Cosmo "Mac" McKinley. Whether he is a legitimate doctor remains to be seen, but we do know Cosmo plays one on television.
As in RHPS, both characters are siblings and both characters are intimate with each other.

Charles Gray portrayed the narrator in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Here, he returns in a character named Judge Oliver Wright. While it is possible that the two characters (RHPS/ST) are the same character, it most likely is not the case.
During shooting, it is said that Charles Gray and Sal Piro (president of the RHPS fan club) became close friends.
Charles Gray passed away in recent years.
It has been rumoured that Charles Gray had never seen a film he acted in.
Charles was a well-established actor. He was best remembered for his roles in some James Bond films.

Nell Campbell --aka Little Nell-- played Columbia is the RHPS. In Shock Treatment, she returns, but this time she plays Nurse Ansalong.
Nell opened up a restarant in New York City --named appropriately, Nells-- which was sold later on.
Ruby Wax is a famous UK interviewer these days. In Shock Treatment, Ruby plays Betty Hapschatt, a role originated by another actress in the RHPS.
This time around, however, Betty and Ralph are no longer a couple.

Barry Humphries is better known through the years as the cross-dressed "Dame Edna"
Barry Humphries plays blind game show host Bert Schnick.
The script did not originally have Bert Schnick in it. The role was, instead, represented by Dr. Scott (from Rocky Horror). The idea was that Dr. Scott could actually walk, but kept it a secret. Eventually, it would be discovered that Dr. Scott could walk ("It's a miracle!") thanks to the help of Dr. Cosmo McKinley and Nation McKinley, and of course, sponser Farley Flavors. Eventually, the decided the character would be better suited to a different character, changing the handicap from wheelchair to blind man's glasses and walking cane.
During filming, Barry Humphries sometimes had to do stints as Dame Edna and would change into costume/persona in the dressing room at the studio ST was being filmed. When dressed as Dame Edna, Barry became Dame Edna and you could not direct him as Barry.
On the set of Shock Treatment, Patricia Quinn asked Barry Humphries what this film was about, and Barry replied, "I have no idea."

Shock Treatment has 4 different fonts. One is blocky, used above. The 2nd is more traditional, a script (cursive) type, used on the cds, records, posters and videos/dvds. The 3rd type is more rare. It was used for early promotion before the film was complete. Posters and ads for it show the RHPS billboard "heart" and "arrow" but the "stick" of the arrow reads Shock Treatment in the font style of letters from that particular billboard used in RHPS. And finally, the fourth font is the font used for the D-E-N-T-O-N letters (wide and blocky font). It is used at the end of the International trailer.
Shock Treatment is Richard O'Brien's 3rd film he scripted. The first is Rocky Horror, and the second is a little known film called "Digital Dreams."

DTV = Denton Television. The film takes place entirely within a television studio. This was not the original idea. Originally, it was to be filmed in various places around the town of Denton. Jim Sharman and Richard O'Brien scouted several places in the USA to film exterior shots, including Denton, Texas (near Dallas, Texas). However, this type of filming was scrapped due to the budget cut. The solution: Film everything on a television studio set. The concept: Americans have become so consumed with daytime television that reality becomes blurred.

It seemed important to give Rocky Horror fans details that they could relate to, so various things from RHPS appear in this film, including this neon billboard which copies the cemetary billboard seen in Rocky Horror.

One script flaw: we know the audience spends the night, sleeping in their chairs, as though this were routine. Then why is it, at the start of the film, the studio is empty except for the crew.
In the original script, Janet Majors was an employee of DTV studios, and was seen with the crew.

Sal Piro, the president of the International Rocky Horror Picture Show fan club, was flown to the UK to be part of the cast. However, since he did not have an equity card, he could not be prominately featured. So instead, his only cameo is seen above. He can be seen standing at the wall, talking on the phone, wearing a strange suit. Some have said he has his back to us, but in fact, he is facing us. His lapel is clearly visible and he wears a red suit tie.
Sal was upset at first that he went there and was barely seen, but has since accepted it, and praises Shock Treatment.

In the spanish language track on the USA DVD release, you'll notice a subtle difference with this scene. In that language, the wardrobe mistress does not shout "Whoops!" when she collides with the make-up artist on the catwalk.
The opening song was filmed without the song present (it was added later). Some lines were added in post production.
The wardrobe lady's "whoops" was an overdub provided by an unknown actress. Is is assumed that this vocal was provided by Nell "Little Nell" Campbell (Nurse Ansalong) because all vocal overdubs --provided in post production-- were done by only a handful of people: Richard O'Brien, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, Jeremy Newson and Christopher Malcolm.

Janet's father, Harry (portrayed by Manning Redwood), shouts to his wife "Good luck, honey." This was done in post production because the script did not call for him to shout this. During filming, the camera caught him saying something to somebody else to his right, which was not scripted. The cameraman nor director caught it, or were even concerned, because it would be muted when the instrumental song was layed on top. Unfortunately, this resulted in a camera pass on a man moving his lips. An overdub, provided by Christopher Malcom, was used. Several fans have noticed that this voice does not match Manning's real voice.
Janet's parents were only mentioned in RHPS, but finally have the spotlight in this film.

Jim Sharman directed by RHPS and Shock Treatment. However, he was not satisfied with Shock Treatment and applied for an Alan Smithee credit to replace his own name. There is a committee that will allow film's directors to remove their name if they are unhappy or embarrassed by the project. An application must be sent, as well as a processing fee. The Alan Smithee committee has the right to accept the director's plee, or deny it. In Shock Treatment's case, the committee decided to deny Jim Sharman's request to have his name removed.
On the USA DVD release, the spanish "language" track (not subtitle) often "text"s out translations into spanish, such as this Welcome To DTV sign.

Role reversals. In RHPS, Brad was the stronger one, always protecting Janet. In ST, he is the weaker one, and Janet protects him. This personality switch confused or bothered some fans.
Several audience members have been given nicknames by fans of the film.

More RHPS references/reminders for fans: the constant use of the word Denton, and Neely wears a sticker of a pair of lips over her name badge.
This song "Denton, USA" was originally to be shot in various outdoor scenerios. It was conceived as a DTV theme song --an anthem-- played on television, much like a comercial. Scenes included a helicopter or crane shot sweeping over rooftops, capturing husbands mowing the lawn, wives sewing, children playing in playgrounds, business men in offices, and various people shopping in malls.
Each letter used for the D-E-N-T-O-N sign above stands exactly 13 feet tall.

Policeman Vance Parker (his last name is not spoken in the film, but seen on his name badge, and printed in the various scripts). He works for Acme Security, so he's not really a policeman. More a rent-a-cop.
In this scene, he can be seen unlocking the cell door...from the inside lock. In real life, the lock would be on the outside.

In Denton U.S.A., several audience members have trouble lip-syncing the words to the chorus.
As the audience sings the chorus in Denton U.S.A., they lean/look different directions. The man in the 2nd row from the top, on the far left side (first seat), has trouble moving correctly as his row leans during second chorus.
The man sitting center in the second row from the bottom of the screen leans once during the 2nd chorus of Denton, U.S.A., but doesn't change when his row changes. Even the two people to his left seem a little irritated at his lack of movement.
Why all the confusion towards leaning and clapping in sync? Because the audience --completely made up of extras from British Equity--had very little rehearsal.
In fact, the audience doesn't sing the choruses for Denton USA. The air force was brought into the recording studio to record their parts for Denton USA and Thank God I'm A Man. The audience of extras had to lipsinc a song that they hardly knew. This explains why they often don't get their words correct when mouthing the lyrics.
Did you notice that Brad doesn't lean at all during the Denton U.S.A. choruses?

Emily Weiss (Janet's mother) is played by Darlene Johnson. Darlene has made a minimal of films, and has recently turned to directing documentaries.

Janet's father, Harry Weiss, was played by Manning Redwood. Manning has appeared in several films.
It is rumoured that Mr. Redwood currently has health problems, residing in a nursing home. This has not been verified by the Shock Treatment Network.

Christopher Malcolm portrays Vance Parker, a security officer at DTV studios.
Christopher Malcolm played the original Brad in the Rocky Horror Show (stage show) London Cast.
He also holds the rights for current stage productions of RHS.
He has done many films and TV shows, including Absolutely Fabulous

Francine, aka Frankie, in Shock Treatment is portrayed by Sinitta Renet (pronounced "Reh-nay").
Sinitta has a famous mother: disco singer Miquel Brown, who sang the club hit, "So Many Men, So Little Time"
Sinitta, herself, took after her mother's career: She dropped her last name and released several club hits, including "So Macho", and "Toy Boy".
She made only a few movies.
Currently she is a judge on the UK series "X-Factor", which is comparible to the USA's "American Idol"

Oscar Drill's sister, Brenda Drill, is portrayed here by Claire Toeman. Claire is not the original Brenda Drill. The original Brenda came down ill and had to drop out after only one scene (the song "Looking For Trade")

Jeremy Newson is the only actor to return to this "sequel" as the same character, Ralph Hapschatt.
Currently, he directs.

Macy's comercial was the very first scene filmed.
Actress Wendy Raebeck was very sick that day, with fever. After several hours of preparing for the scene, and finally shooting it correctly, she retired to her dressing room and collapsed. She returned to work a few days later feeling much better.
The children are dressed to represent the careers they hope to one day have.

The female announcer at the end of the comercial is provided vocally in post production by Nell Campbell.

"Stand by for marriage maze, strike Denton Dossier" after Macy's comercial was voiced in post production by Jeremy Newson.

The wardrobe mistress (left) is portrayed by RHPS transylvanian Imogen Claire (RIP).
The make-up artist (right) is an extra, originally slated to sit in the audience.
The make-up artist has a patch above her shirt pocket that reads MAKE UP. In the pocket are various make up brushes.
Besides a clipboard, the wardrobe mistress carries around a box of Fab laundry detergent.

Bert announces that Ralph and Macy are in the studio audience. If fact, they are not. They are in front of the audience, seated on the steps.
Wendy Raebeck claims her blonde wig was unbearable. She refers to it as her George Washington wig.
She and Jeremy Newson bonded during production.

(pictures to be added later...)

Product placement #1: Kirk's Korner comes complete with Coca-Cola cans underneath
There seems to be a theme of "presidents" in Shock Treatment. First, there's the mention of Ike by Oliver and then later on the computer screen. Then, of course, there's McKinley. Then there's a picture of Reagan that Betty throws in the trashcan in her office. Let's not forget JFK and Truman in the wardrobe room. There's a few presidents mentioned on the computer monitor for Betty's amusement, and finally, let's not forget Irwin Lapsey, president of Lapsey Autos. And just for shits and giggles, let's not forget the Letter E in Denton U.S.A.: Bush.
Brad's pants change colors a few times from the start of the film through the time they meet Nation and Cosmo (it has been suggested that this is due to stage lighting tints)
When products are shown during "Bitchin' In The Kitchen," notice that most of the products are made by Oster. Talk about your product placement!
When Brad falls on Cosmo's desk, Cosmo shines a light into his eyeglasses; this is improper, of course. A real doctor would take off the glasses and pry open the victim's eyes to observe the pupils (not to mention other procedures a doctor would make to a victim who has passed out)
After Emily wins on the 30-second Quiz, the scene switches to Cosmo's office where they are watching a replay of Emily winning. If you notice the dialogue and actions of Emily, they are not the same as the scene we just finished watching.
Product Placement #2: In Emily's kitchen, we can see Kellogg's Corn Flakes, Chock-Full-Of-Nuts, Joy dishwashing liquid, and Charmin bathroom tissue.
After Betty echoes "Your father doesn't like Mexicans", the audience members shout "Yeah" (or as some say, "Ye-haw!"). Notice that some audience members (those that are offended maybe?) don't shout the cheer at all.
Harry (Dad) wants to do some mowing on the lawn, but it's artificial grass. Even if it were real, it would be too short for mowing.
Product Placement #3: In Betty and Oliver's office, you can see a Coca-cola bottle sitting on the desk top. There is also a Time Magazine on the desk. The Time Magazine on the desk has the lips from the RHPS, and its cover reads "Cult Films"
Has anyone noticed that the television Farley appears on has no cord? How does it plug into the wall? Batteries?
Mistaken Identity: Some have suggested that there is a "side of a videobox" in view, lying on the desk in Betty's office. Clearly there is something lying on it's side there (evident at the bottom of the screen), and clearly it is a photo of a woman. Fans have suggested it is Susan Sarandon. Upon further investigation, it is definitely NOT Sarandon. (I checked out the sides of video boxes on Sarandon's films at the video store, and that image is not there. Someone even suggested it looked like a porno videobox.)
Betty claims that she loves "Coleridge Taylor" but she must be on drugs because the author of the poem is "Taylor Coleridge". As a matter of fact, the poem Betty reads - particularly it's message - relates only loosely to the film's plot and situations. (FYI - For those wanting to know why Betty screams when Vance holds up the bird, it's because it relates to the poem she just read.)
In the wardrobe room, notice the American Gothic painting, borrowed from the set of The RHPS.
In the wardrobe room, notice the costume drawings on the wall: they are the drawings used for the costumes in the RHPS.
During the first chorus of Little Black Dress, Cosmo tends to depict each action verb and noun, i.e. zip zip zip (zips a zipper) and snip snip snip (scissor action)...however, on "rip rip rip" he doesn't rip at all. He sews.
Why does Cosmo want to whip in a zip zip zip? Clearly the little black dress Janet wears has no zipper. A local dressmaker here duplicated the dress and verified that there is no zipper and no need for one.
At the end of Little Black Dress, notice the RHPS lightning bolt symbol on the wall with "high voltage" written under it.
Mistaken Identity #2: Contrary to belief, Barry Humphries (Bert Schnick) does not play a transylvanian in RHPS.
At the end of Little Black Dress, the cast strikes a pose on a couch, very similar to the pose in the RHPS Sweet Transvestite throne scene.
When Little Black Dress ends completely, notice Janet keeps dancing even when the music stops.
After Kirk tells Betty "R.I.P." notice she's locked out of her office? Why not use her miracle hair pin that rescues her several times at the end of the film, unlocking doors, cages, and starting cars?
Before Shock Treatment (the song) starts, Cosmo takes out a stethoscope to listen to Brad's heart. Notice that he places it on Brad's forehead, of all places.
Farley's smoking hand changes through out the film. Sometimes his left hand, sometimes his right. Actor Cliff De Young is right handed.
During the song Shock Treatment, Ricky takes pictures with a polaroid camera. Notice the flash bulbs are out of sequence?
Betty says she's surprised to see Bert dancing, which is odd, because she watched him dance during Marraige Maze.
During the last line of the Shock Treatment chorus, notice Bert's hands are empty. Then the shot changes, and when it returns, Bert's hands are suddenly holding onto bottles of pills that he carries out with him. Where did these pills come from? They were no where in the scene at all until they magically appeared in his hands.
When the song Shock Treatment ends, Janet once again continues to dance, even after the music stops.
Have you ever noticed that Neely's crew, a black man and a white man are two of the Transylvanians from the RHPS?
Speaking of RHPS Transylvanians, Shock Treatment's Wardrobe Mistress was also a Transylvanian.
When Neely interview Ralph and Macy, notice that Betty and Oliver are on payphones, side by side in the background. If you notice carefully the film edits, Betty faces different directions.
During Looking For Trade, all the arcade games are "Space Invaders, Part II", a direct reference to the Rocky Horror "sequel".
When Farley needs his cigar lit in his office, Vance the cop lights it. Notice Vance was holding the lighter in his hand the entire time, as though he knew in advance that Farley would need a cigar lit.
Mistaken Identity #3: In the wardrobe room, particularly during Look What I Did To My Id, you can see a pink dress hanging near the ceiling. Some have assumed this to be Janet's dress from the RHPS, but closer observations reveal it to be too dark for that particular dress.
When the cheerleaders shout: "Give us a J, Give us an A" etc... they end it with "We can't hear you". Then, they repeat the call letters: "J...N..." (Francine says N by mistake).
Notice that the throne Janet sits in is indeed Frank N Furter's throne, but painted red, and reupholstered with red fabric.
When Oliver wants to "sneak" in, he taps a crew member on the shoulder as the announcer says "anticipation" (a RHPS reference).
The computer Betty looks at reads 4711, the same number tattooed on Frank N Furter's leg.
The newspaper reads on the bottom "U.F.O.'s sighted over Denton" - a news article recounting the events of Brad and Janet during the RHPS.
Notice how Brad, Betty and Oliver take forever to roam the halls to find a way out, without ever being seen by others. And when you think about it, the hallway labyrinth isn't that difficult. Even firstimer Janet had no problem - and Betty has many experiences of walking that path, being an employee of the studio.
As Ralph passes out hats, he runs out of them. Suddenly, due to bad editing, the long shot shows he magically has more hats to pass out.
Ralph loves boxing. In Rocky Horror he lightly punches an excited fist to Brad; in Shock Treatment, he manages to punch one or two to Bert during Faith Factory.
Originaly, I thought I had found an interesting flaw: How come Oliver tries to "unlock" Brad's cage with keys (and Betty with a hairpin) when it's never been locked throughout the entire film up to that point? Even Janet's mom and dad have no problem coming and going through the iron bars, and it's apparent that those that shut the door only "turn the handle". HOWEVER, a friend was quick to point out that "this" time (Oliver & Betty's effort) there is a pad lock that was never there before.
Isn't it interesting that the announcer for Farley Flavor's Faith Factory says "Live by satellite" but Ralph whispers to Farley after "Duel Duet" that they'll "edit the tape" so that no one will see everything.
When the audience leaves with their straight jackets in hand, the floor manager directs traffic. However, one audience member manages to knock the floor manager's hat almost completely off his head.
The cop pushes Brad, Janet, Betty and Oliver into the room and shuts the door. Notice that he doesn't even LOCK it! But for some reason, Betty uses her miracle hairpin to "unlock" the door.
That miracle hairpin really is amazing! Betty uses it to hotwire the car, but any good car thief knows you hotwire a car from inside the car, not under the hood.
And thrown in for shits and giggles: Why would you let Brad Majors drive the car away in the final scene? Don't you remember what happened in the first movie?!!!
They make such an effort to open the bay door to escape at the end of the film, but once they do, the door easily closes on its own without any help from anyone (compared to the efforts at the start of the film).