Shock Treatment - Definition and Overview

Shock Treatment was the less successful and critically panned sequel to the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Released in 1981 and written by Richard O'Brien (who also wrote RHPS) it features most of the cast members of the original film but in different roles. If the plot of the first film was widely considered abstract, here it is even more so. The film takes place shortly after the first and Brad (Cliff de Young) and Janet (Jessica Harper) are back in their hometown which, somehow, has become a giant television station. (Every facet of the town has become a type of program.) All residents are either stars of a show or audience members.

Brad and Janet have married but their romance is on the rocks, so Brad is imprisoned on the show "Dentonvale" (which is actually the local mental hospital). Janet is "written in" to that show, but there are forces plotting behind the scenes to turn her into a superstar and pull her away from Brad.

Fans of the original film did not respond well to "Shock Treatment." They complained of the fact that the two main characters being carried over were played by totally different actors who did not resemble the originals. The songs from "Shock Treatment" were also written simply to be entertaining rather than to forward the plot. One song, "Bitchin' in the Kitchen," is simply Brad and Janet projecting their relationship problems onto products that are being advertised during the commercial break. ("shower curtain... won't you help me to be certain?")