The Little Shop of Horrors

The Little Shop of Horrors from 1960 is a horror-comedy movie directed by Roger Corman that has become a cult classic. The film follows Seymour Krelboyne (Jonathan Haze), a hapless and awkward flower shop employee who discovers a mysterious plant during a solar eclipse. He brings the plant, which he names Audrey Jr., back to the shop where he works and discovers that it thrives on human blood. As the plant grows, it becomes increasingly demanding and manipulative, forcing Seymour to make some deadly decisions.

The movie's plot centers around Seymour's growing obsession with Audrey Jr. and his increasingly desperate attempts to feed it. He eventually realizes that the plant's insatiable appetite can only be satisfied by human blood, and he begins to kill people to feed it. The plot takes a series of dark and comedic turns as Seymour tries to cover up his crimes and Audrey Jr. continues to grow out of control.

The movie's characters are colorful and over-the-top, with standout performances from Jackie Joseph as Audrey Fulquard, Seymour's love interest, and Mel Welles as Gravis Mushnik, Seymour's boss. Mushnik is the owner of the flower shop, and his attempts to exploit the plant's popularity for his own gain drive the plot forward.

The film's set design and special effects are also noteworthy, particularly given the movie's low budget. The flower shop and Audrey Jr.'s growth are portrayed using a mix of practical and optical effects, creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere. The movie's score features a classic doo-wop-inspired soundtrack that gives it an old-school, slightly kitschy feel.

Despite its low budget and B-movie origins, The Little Shop of Horrors has become a beloved cult classic. The film's blend of horror and comedy, quirky characters, and imaginative set design have made it a standout example of 1960s horror cinema. The movie has also spawned numerous adaptations, including a Broadway musical and a 1986 film adaptation directed by Frank Oz.

Overall, The Little Shop of Horrors from 1960 is a must-see for fans of horror-comedy and classic B-movies. Its offbeat characters, inventive set design, and catchy soundtrack combine to create a memorable and entertaining movie experience.