The song "Science Fiction" by Joan Jett And The Blackhearts is actually a cover of "Science Fiction/Double Feature" from the musical "The Rocky Horror Show" and its film adaptation "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The lyrics of the song are a tribute to classic science fiction films from the 1950s and 1960s. The song begins by referencing several iconic science fiction films and their characters. Michael Rennie was the lead actor in the movie "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951) as an alien who comes to Earth with a powerful message. Flash Gordon, a popular comic strip character, is known for his adventures in space. Claude Rains played the Invisible Man in the 1933 film adaptation of H.G. Wells' novel. The lyrics then mention Fay Wray and King Kong, who famously star in the 1933 film "King Kong" where the giant ape becomes infatuated with Wray's character. The reference to a "celluloid jam" suggests that they are trapped in their cinematic world. "It Came From Outer Space" is a 1953 science fiction film about an alien spacecraft crash-landing on Earth. The following lines indicate that the message being portrayed through these movies is about the wonders and dangers of science fiction. The chorus of the song emphasizes the theme of the double feature picture show, which was common in theaters at the time. It highlights specific films and events: "Doctor X will build a creature," referring to the 1932 film "Doctor X" where a scientist creates a monster, and "Anne Francis stars in Forbidden Planet," referring to the 1956 science fiction film where Francis plays a lead role. The lyrics continue to mention various actors and films, such as Tarantula (1955), a movie about a giant spider, and Janette Scott fighting a Triffid monster in "The Day of the Triffids" (1962). Dana Andrews and the Runes are mentioned as well, referencing a humorous moment in a film where prunes were used as a significant plot point. "When Worlds Collide" (1951) is a film about the end of the world, and the lyrics suggest that George Pal, the director of the film, promises to give the audience thrilling experiences. The chorus repeats, showcasing the idea of a double feature picture show once again. The final verse refers to characters and events from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" itself. Leo G. Carroll is an actor in the film who faces danger from the giant tarantula creature, while Janette Scott faces the deadly Triffids. The line about prunes and Runes reappears, maintaining the humorous tone. The song concludes by stating the desire to go to a late-night double feature picture show, specifically referencing RKO, a film production and distribution company. Overall, the song "Science Fiction" pays homage to classic science fiction films from the past, celebrating their unique and captivating stories while also referencing the experience of attending a late-night double feature picture show.
