The Little Shop of Horrors is a cult classic. One could call it charming as far as horror movies go. Most people know the story, or have seen the 1986 remake, and the film is funny. The ridiculous premise of a man-eating plant is explored in an often comical, sometimes macabre film, which is famous for being shot in 2 days. Jack Nicholson is one of the more interesting points in the film, as this was one of his first appearances as the character of Wilbur Force. The character of Force would have been perfect for Crispin Glover too.

Seymour (Jonathan Haze) is a clumsy nitwit flower shop attendant. Gravis Mushnick (Mel Welles), wants Seymour fired, after a number of costly mistakes. Audrey (Jackie Joseph), wants none of it, and convinces Mushnick to give him one more chance. Seymour seizes the opportunity to tell Mushnick about an interesting plant he’s been taking care of. Mushnick allows Seymour to keep his job, depending on the public’s interest in such a plant.

The plant, something of a venus fly-trap, generates interest from the public and Mushnick’s little flower shop starts to thrive on new business. The plant grows bigger and bigger, after Seymour realises that the plant feeds on human blood. As it increases in size, it demands more and more blood. “Feed me”, it starts chanting to Seymour. Seymour is forced to find a way of keeping the insatiable plant happy without killing too many people.

The film has an old feel to it, and could’ve been made in the 40s with the quality of sound and film. Don’t expect brilliant special effects, part of the film’s charm is in it’s cheap effects. Its runtime is 70 minutes, and it’s filmed in black and white. The characters are all unique and funny in their own sort of way, and the suspense and comedy heightens as Seymour is forced to find food for his hungry plant. It’s one of the most unusual films to come out of the era, and one can already see Nicholson’s talent in his small role as Wilbur Force.

It’s rated PG in most countries, but Argentina rate it 16? Must be the severed hands and feet. It’s working title in the US was the Passionate People Eater. This plant deserved it’s own show… and it was made into one. Later it was remade as a film in 1986 starring Rick Moranis and a host of other comic actors.

The bottom line: Fun.