Calling Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

The Plaza Grill and Cinema is planning a costumed “Rocky Horror Picture Show” night Friday at the theater, 209 S. Main St., Ottawa.

Calling Dr. Frank-N-Furter.

The Plaza Grill and Cinema is planning a costumed “Rocky Horror Picture Show” night Friday at the theater, 209 S. Main St., Ottawa.

A shuttle bus will pick up moviegoers at 7 p.m. at the Sandbar in Lawrence, then make a stop at 7:45 p.m. at The Lodge in Baldwin City, before leaving for a pre-Halloween party at Dunn’s Landing in Wellsville, Peach Madl, owner of The Plaza Grill and Cinema, as well as the Sandbar and The Lodge, said. After the party, the group will travel to downtown Ottawa for the 10 p.m. showing of “Rocky Horror” on the theater’s new digital screen, she said, adding no one under age 21 will be admitted.

“This will probably be the first time ‘Rocky Horror’ has been shown on a digital screen,” Madl said. “This will be the fourth year we’ve had the show, so it’s become somewhat of a tradition for the Sandbar in Lawrence and us at the theater. I expect half the people on the bus will have been to it before.”

While such “Rocky Horror” shows typically attract a prop-carrying audience, Madl urged moviegoers to use discretion for this installment of the annual October showing.

“We’re asking people to please not throw anything at the screen,” Madl said. “The new digital screen is only a week old.” 

Space is limited, and those interested in riding the bus should call the theater to reserve a seat. For ticket prices and bus reservations, call the theater at (785) 242-5555. 

What is “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” about? A weird and entertaining 98 minutes.

The plot concerns a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who find themselves in cold water when their car breaks down in the rain. The couple finds shelter at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite who offers them a place to stay. The film features a large group of Transylvanians who dance to the “Time Warp,” and Dr. Frank-N-Furter building his own man. The film stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.

Considered a box office flop when first released Sept. 26, 1975, in the U.S., it has developed an enormous cult following worldwide, and is known as the premier audience participation film. 

“We’ll have dancing, and people are encouraged to wear costumes,” Madl said. “The costumes are usually really good. People spend a lot time on them.”

“Friday will be a big night for us, with Hotel Transylvania being the first movie we’ll show in 3-D,” she said. “We just installed our 3-D lens and have the 3-D glasses.”

Between “Rocky Horror” in digital and Hotel Transylvania in 3-D, Madl predicted everyone “will have a good time” Friday night.

To learn more about the history of the movie and audience participation, go to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” fan site at www.rockypedia.org

Here are some fun facts about the movie, according to Rockypedia and Internet Movie Database:

• The Lichtspiele theater in Munich, Germany, has been screening “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” regularly, without interruption, since Sept. 19, 1976. The theater has been decorated to match the film. 

• Characters in more than 20 major motion pictures — including “Men in Black,” “Pulp Fiction” and “The Crossing Guard” — have referenced the movie.

• The “Rocky Horror” computer game was released by Activision in 1985. Players assume the role of Brad or Janet and roam around the Frankenstein Castle, with a “rockin’ computerized version” of Time Warp as background music.

• The 1990 tag line for the movie’s 15th anniversary video release read: “Dream it in your living room. Be it in the theater!” 

Doug Carder is senior writer for The Herald. Email him at dcarder@ottawaherald.com