The Little Shop of Horrors Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A nerdy florist accidentally creates a plant that’s basically a vegetarian, but only eats people.

🍿 The Little Shop of Horrors: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Failing Flower Shop

Seymour Krelborn, a clumsy and somewhat dim-witted employee at Mushnick’s Flower Shop on Skid Row, is constantly berated by his grumpy boss, Gravis Mushnick. The shop is failing, and Mushnick threatens to fire Seymour. To save his job, Seymour reveals he’s been cultivating a strange and unusual plant.

The Arrival of Audrey Jr.

Seymour brings the plant, which he names Audrey Jr. after his coworker and crush, Audrey Fulquard, to the shop. Audrey Jr. quickly attracts attention and customers, revitalizing Mushnick’s business. However, the plant begins to wilt and Seymour discovers its unusual dietary needs.

A Thirst for Blood

Seymour accidentally pricks his finger, and Audrey Jr. perks up, revealing that it craves human blood. Initially, Seymour feeds it his own blood, but as Audrey Jr. grows larger, it demands more. Seymour’s desperation leads him to accidentally cause the death of a man, whose remains he reluctantly feeds to the plant. This starts a dark and gruesome cycle as Audrey Jr.’s appetite grows.

Growing Suspicion

As Audrey Jr. continues to grow, so does the number of missing persons in the area. Mushnick becomes suspicious of Seymour and witnesses him feeding the plant human remains. However, the increased business prompts Mushnick to remain silent. Meanwhile, two bumbling detectives begin investigating the disappearances, further increasing the tension.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Seymour Krelborn (Jonathan Haze): A clumsy and naive flower shop assistant who inadvertently creates a man-eating plant and becomes its reluctant caretaker.
• Audrey Jr. (Charles B. Griffith (voice)): A carnivorous plant with a demanding appetite for human flesh, driving the plot and Seymour’s actions.
• Gravis Mushnick (Mel Welles): The greedy and short-tempered owner of the flower shop, who exploits Audrey Jr.’s popularity for profit.
• Audrey Fulquard (Jackie Joseph): A kind and attractive woman working at the flower shop, who is Seymour’s crush and the namesake of the plant.
• Wilbur Force (Jack Nicholson): A masochistic dental patient who enthusiastically seeks painful procedures from Seymour disguised as a dentist.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Audrey Jr.: “Feed me!” – The plant’s constant demand to be fed human blood, which became its signature phrase.
• Audrey Jr.: “Feed me, Seymour!” – The plant directly demanding Seymour to provide food.
• Wilbur Force: “I love going to the dentist. All that pain! It’s wonderful!” – Nicholson’s character expressing his masochistic tendencies to Seymour, mistaking him for the dentist.
• Fouch: “Besides, I’ve got to get home. My wife’s making gardenias for dinner.” – Fouch is a flower-eating hipster, he states the reason for leaving the flower shop.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Little Shop of Horrors Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love this movie! It’s so quirky and weird, and the fact that it was made in just two days is mind-blowing. The scene where Jack Nicholson’s character is getting his teeth pulled is hilarious and unforgettable. Every time I watch it, I discover new things to appreciate. I think that’s why it remains one of my all-time favorites.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of black comedy”
  • “Lovers of B-movies”
  • “Cult film enthusiasts”
  • “Roger Corman fans”
  • “Those interested in early Jack Nicholson roles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Implied cannibalism”
  • “Suggestive themes”
  • “Mature humor”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFan Monthly: “Corman’s low-budget gem is a darkly comic masterpiece. The film’s quirky characters and bizarre situations create a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Jonathan Haze shines as the hapless Seymour, and Jack Nicholson’s cameo is pure gold. While the effects are dated, the film’s charm and wit remain timeless.
• IndieWire: “A testament to resourceful filmmaking, *The Little Shop of Horrors* overcomes its limitations with sharp writing and engaging performances. The film’s blend of horror and comedy is surprisingly effective, and the social commentary adds depth to the otherwise absurd premise. A must-see for fans of cult cinema.

Audience Reactions

The dark humor and quirky characters make this a cult classic for a reason.: Viewers appreciate the film’s unique blend of horror and comedy, its memorable characters, and its resourceful production.

Overall Consensus: A low-budget cult classic that remains entertaining due to its dark humor, memorable characters, and Jack Nicholson’s cameo.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was famously shot in just two days on a budget of $27,000, using a set that was left standing from another Roger Corman film, ‘A Bucket of Blood’.”
• “Jack Nicholson’s role as Wilbur Force, the masochistic dental patient, was one of his earliest film appearances and reportedly paid him only a few hundred dollars.”
• “Charles B. Griffith, the screenwriter, also provided the voice of Audrey Jr. and played the robber who gets eaten by the plant.”
• “The film was intended as a dark comedy, and Roger Corman encouraged improvisation and over-the-top performances from the cast.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Little Shop of Horrors?

As a classic B-movie, ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ (1960) is widely available for streaming, rental, and purchase across various platforms. Check services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube for availability. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can be found at major retailers and online.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Little Shop of Horrors, you might like these similar films:

• A Bucket of Blood (1959): Also directed by Roger Corman and written by Charles B. Griffith, it shares a similar dark humor and low-budget aesthetic.
• Eating Raoul (1982): A dark comedy about a couple who start killing people to fund their dream restaurant, mirroring the accidental-turned-intentional murder theme.
• House of Wax (2005): People that are killed by the killer get turned into something else, similar to how the plant is affected.
• What We Do in the Shadows (2014): Its dark humour and mockumentary format appeal to similar audiences who enjoy a comedic take on horror.

🛒 The Little Shop of Horrors Related Products

• Little Shop of Horrors (Theatrical Cut) [Blu-ray]: Experience the original theatrical cut of this cult classic on Blu-ray, featuring enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
• Little Shop of Horrors Audrey II Plush Figure: An officially licensed plush figure of Audrey II, the iconic man-eating plant. Features posable parts and sound effects. Perfect for display or cuddling (if you dare!).
• Feed Me Seymour! Little Shop of Horrors T-Shirt: Show off your love for this iconic cult film with this stylish t-shirt featuring the classic line ‘Feed Me Seymour!’ Available in various sizes and colors.
• Little Shop of Horrors Movie Poster (Reprint): A high-quality reprint of the original movie poster. Captures the classic B-movie aesthetic and is perfect for decorating any fan’s room or home theater.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Little Shop of Horrors features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Auld Lang Syne” – performed by Traditional Scottish Ballad
• “Main Theme” – performed by Fred Katz

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Story Behind the Original Ending of Little Shop of Horrors (Featuring DangerVille)

Ever wondered why the ending of Little Shop of Horrors is the way it is? This video dives deep into the original, much darker ending and the reasons it was changed. You won’t believe how different it almost was!

Carpool Karaoke: The Series — Ariana Grande & Seth MacFarlane Preview — Apple TV app

Ariana Grande and Seth MacFarlane singing Little Shop of Horrors? Yes, please! This Carpool Karaoke clip is pure joy and showcases their amazing voices. Trust me, it’s impossible not to smile while watching!

Little Shop of Horrors: Critiquing Capitalism with Carnivorous Camp | Wholesome Halloween

Think Little Shop of Horrors is just a fun, quirky musical? Think again! This video essay breaks down the film’s surprisingly sharp social commentary on consumerism and capitalism. It definitely made me see the movie in a whole new light!

Dentist Reacts to Little Shop of Horrors | Thrive Dental | Dr. Nate

Ever wondered what a real dentist thinks of Steve Martin’s… unique… dental practices in Little Shop of Horrors? This video is hilarious and informative. Prepare for some cringing and laughing!

✨ Rate