exploitation,biography,based on true story,hospital,curiosity,sideshow,disfigurement,deformed,physical deformity,freak,19th century,dignity

The Elephant Man (1980)

Poster for The Elephant Man

A true story of courage and human dignity.

A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London.

Cast & Crew

Director
David Lynch
  • Profile picture of Anthony Hopkins
    Frederick Treves Anthony Hopkins
  • Profile picture of John Hurt
    John Merrick John Hurt
  • Profile picture of Anne Bancroft
    Mrs Kendal Anne Bancroft
  • Profile picture of John Gielgud
    Carr Gomm John Gielgud
  • Profile picture of Wendy Hiller
    Mothershead Wendy Hiller
  • Profile picture of Freddie Jones
    Bytes Freddie Jones
  • Profile picture of Michael Elphick
    Night Porter Michael Elphick
  • Profile picture of Hannah Gordon
    Mrs Treves Hannah Gordon

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Keywords

  • exploitation
  • biography
  • based on true story
  • hospital
  • curiosity
  • sideshow
  • disfigurement
  • deformed
  • physical deformity
  • freak
  • 19th century
  • dignity