Down on Skid Row, Mushnik’s Flower Shop is failing. That is until Seymour (Rick Moranis), its nerdiest employee, introduces a strange and interesting plant. Named after his co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene), the new plant prompts a resurgence in the store’s success. There is only one problem, Audrey II feeds on human blood. 

Little Shop Of Horrors is a horror comedy rock musical that holds a special place in my heart. Made in 1986 it is a film that I saw countless times as a teenager in the age of VHS. But despite this I have only now found and seen the Director’s Cut of the film. So this article is here to extol the virtues of both versions of the film and why it is such a classic. 

This 1986 film was based on a 1982 musical which itself was based on a 1960 film. Who says remakes are not a good thing? 

The 1960 film is a black comedy with no musical elements directed by Roger Corman. This was adapted by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics) for the 1982 musical. And subsequently adapted for this film directed by Frank Oz. 

The story encompasses so many fantastic moments from all aspects of storytelling that I would find it hard to believe anyone would dislike it. 

There is a “Greek chorus” of three women who introduce the story and regularly pop up to sing to us of the woe that is about to befall us. 

There is a love story between Seymour and Audrey that is played in an incredibly sweet manner. For me this is Rick Moranis’ signature role and yes I know that he was in Ghostbusters, Spaceballs and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. But for me, his attempts to woo Audrey whilst protecting her from a sadistic dentist and murderous plant is the best thing he ever did. Ellen Greene’s breathy vocals and 1950’s styling are also fantastic. 

It features cameos from some of the best comedic actors of their time. John Candy plays a radio host who loves to say the word “weird” in all sorts of funny ways. Christopher Guest is the shop’s first customer once Audrey II arrives. James Belushi appears in the theatrical version of the film as a salesman (his part is played by Paul Dooley in the director’s cut). Bill Murray plays a masochistic dental patient. And then we have Steve Martin in one of the greatest roles ever put to film as Orin Scrivello D.D.S. A sadistic dentist with one of the best songs in the film. 

And then there is Audrey II. Brilliantly voiced by Levi Stubbs and brought to life through an array of different sized puppets created by Lyle Conway. In its largest form it took sixty puppeteers to operate Audrey II whilst any scenes where the plant is talking are shot at a slower frame rate and then sped up. It is a towering achievement that included no visual effects at all, until they decided to reshoot the ending. 

So let’s talk about that ending without ruining it for you. When the film was shot its plot was faithful to the stage musical it was based on. But that did not test to well at all as it has a rather downbeat conclusion. So a happy ending was filmed and was the only ending available from the film’s 1986 release until 2012. It only took me thirteen years to become aware of this and watch the director’s cut. 

I still have a soft spot for the happy ending with a hint of darkness. But the director’s cut version is also a lot of fun and features some fantastic puppet and model work which is well worth a watch. 

As you can tell, I love Little Shop of Horrors. And I hope you can enjoy it for the first time or refresh your memory again soon.