The Little Shop Of Horrors (1960) (film DVD review).
One would think that by now, I would have seen Roger Corman’s 1960 film, ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’. Known for being made in just two days on a tight budget, using sets from his previous film ‘A Bucket of Blood’, the film is renowned for its peculiar characters revolving around a plant shop. Assistant Seymour Krelborn, portrayed by Jonathan Haze, aims to revive a wilting exotic plant he names Audrey Jr., after his fellow assistant Audrey Fulquard (played by Jackie Joseph). Seymour’s boss, Gravis Mushnick (Mel Welles), warns him that his job is at stake if the plant dies. Alone, Seymour struggles to determine the cause of the plant’s decline and discovers its thirst for blood, which leads to its rapid recovery and growth.
However, Audrey Jr. soon starts to wilt again, now having developed a voice (Charles B. Griffith, also the screenplay writer) and utters two words: “Feed me!” Seymour, with his fingers injured, fortuitously comes across the body of a train accident victim, caused by him, and feeds it to the plant, which continues to grow with each serving. Did I mention it was carnivorous? Mushnick, having taken the human Audrey out for a meal, returns to the shop for his wallet and witnesses Seymour feeding the dead body to the plant, but confronts him only the next morning. Audrey Jr., now an attraction, is good for business. Who wouldn’t be intrigued by such an exotic plant, oblivious to its diet, and perhaps purchase some flowers as well?
The plant’s feeding habits and growth continue under the watchful eyes of Seymour and Mushnick, but only at night. Naturally, the disappearance of several people catches the police’s attention, leading to an investigation by two detectives. From here on, the story delves into spoilers.
The film is bizarre and over the top, even before Audrey Jr.’s insatiable appetite takes center stage. The character Fouch (Dick Miller), with his peculiar habit of eating flowers seasoned with salt, is particularly striking. Jack Nicholson, in a minor role, is overshadowed by the later prominence his name brings to the film. The movie is filled with humorous lines, a key factor in its ascent to classic status. As with many classics, its iconic status was unplanned, or else Corman would have replicated the formula. Corman famously claimed he never made a film that didn’t turn a profit. This one did far more, inspiring a stage musical and a musical remake. Whether I’ll explore the latter remains to be seen.
The extras include a ‘Trivia’ section about the film’s production and a ‘Synopsis’ for those wanting to understand the plot. Are there really people who can’t grasp the story from the film itself?
For a low-budget filmmaker, Roger Corman has created several classics over the years. While he’s better known for his Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, many forget his role in directing ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’. How often does a film made in two days continue to be widely recognized today? Its humor only adds to its enduring appeal. Am I a convert? I’ll let you know after I tend to that delightful little plant in the window.
GF Willmetts
November 2023
(pub: Bensons World, 1960. 1 CD 71 minute film with extras. Price: varies. ASIN: EK4 40012)
cast: Jonathan Haze, Jack Nicholson, Jackie Joseph, Mel Welles, Myrtle Vail, Dick Miller, Tammy Windsor and many more
check out website: www.bensonsworld.com
