In an overture, a pair of giant red lips recounts classic science fiction films of the 1950s and 60s. The story, narrated by a criminologist (Charles Gray), tells the tale of newly engaged couple ("Dammit Janet"), Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who find themselves lost and with a flat tire on a cold and rainy, late November evening ("Over at the Frankenstein Place"). Seeking a phone with which to call for help at a nearby castle, Brad and Janet discover a group of strange and outlandish people who are holding an Annual Transylvanian Convention. They watch as the Transylvanians, servants, and a tap dancing groupie dance the "Time Warp", the film's signature song.