Ridley Scott‘s underrated fantasy movie, Legend, released in 1985, tells the story of a pure-hearted forest boy named Jack as he battles the Lord of Darkness to save the world. Although the film was neither a commercial hit nor a critical success upon release, it has grown into a cult classic admired for its dark fantasy atmosphere and unique storytelling, drawing unexpected comparisons to another cult favorite, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
An Overview of the Plot in ‘Legend’
Legend opens with a narrative crawl reminiscent of classic space operas, establishing the fundamental theme of balance between good and evil. The story centers on the Lord of Darkness—portrayed by Tim Curry in a striking red devil costume—who strives to plunge the world into eternal night. His dark plan requires killing all unicorns to harvest their horns, as only their innocence can keep him at bay.
The villain‘s goblin henchmen are dispatched to find suitable bait to lure the unicorns. Meanwhile, Jack, the film‘s heroic protagonist played by Tom Cruise, and Princess Lili, played by Mia Sara, share a romantic connection in the forest. Their innocence naturally attracts unicorns, making them prime targets for the goblins. When the goblins strike, they succeed in killing and horn-removing most unicorns, which allows Darkness’s realm to encroach. However, the unicorn mare survives without her horn, and Jack embarks on a quest alongside various mystical forest creatures to reunite the unicorns with their horns and restore light to the world.
Comparing ‘Legend’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’
Fans have noted intriguing parallels between Legend and the 1975 cult musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, both headlined by Tim Curry in villainous roles. Each movie revolves around a naive couple trapped in a castle ruled by an otherworldly antagonist. Along the way, they encounter odd companions: in Legend, characters like the will-o’-the-wisp Oona and a dwarf known as Brown Tom, while the Rocky Horror cast features the strange sibling duo of Riff Raff and Magenta.
Both films portray Curry’s villain pursuing the female lead: in Legend, the Lord of Darkness seeks to marry Princess Lili, whereas in Rocky Horror, the villain’s intentions are overtly sexual and extend toward both male and female characters. Despite these similarities, the films diverge in tone and genre. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is primarily a science-fiction musical laden with adult overtures and staged mostly in one location, whereas Legend is a fantasy adventure spanning multiple settings and is generally more family-oriented.
While Rocky Horror undeniably holds a more significant place in pop culture and is known for its famous midnight screenings and iconic music, Legend stands as a somber, visually rich fantasy with a darker mood. Interestingly, both films explore themes of innocence and the fall, echoing allegories of original sin through their protagonists’ journey to overcome evil forces.
Key Cast and Characters in ‘Legend’
Tom Cruise stars as Jack, the forest boy whose innocence and bravery drive the quest to save the unicorns and the world. Mia Sara plays Princess Lili, Jack’s love interest and a key figure whose purity attracts the antagonists. Tim Curry’s portrayal of the Lord of Darkness remains one of his most memorable villain roles, distinguished by his imposing red costume and theatrical menace. Alongside them, David Bennent appears as Honeythorn Gump, joining the fantasy ensemble of mystical creatures supporting Jack’s mission.
The Enduring Appeal of a Cult Fantasy
Although Legend struggled to find its audience at the box office and received mixed reviews, it has since attracted a dedicated fanbase drawn to its fantastical visuals, haunting soundtrack, and the intensity of its dark fairy tale. Its connections to other cult films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show offer an intriguing lens through which to appreciate its place in fantasy cinema history.
The film’s exploration of the timeless battle between innocence and evil, coupled with Tim Curry’s formidable presence, ensures that Legend continues to resonate with viewers who seek fantasy stories beyond the mainstream. Future retrospectives and rediscoveries of Ridley Scott’s underrated fantasy movie may further secure its status as a cult gem worthy of midnight screenings and deeper appreciation.
