About
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
Anthony Hopkins
Dr. Frederick Treves
John Hurt
John Merrick
Anne Bancroft
Mrs. Kendal
John Gielgud
Carr Gomm
Wendy Hiller
Mothershead
Freddie Jones
Bytes
Michael Elphick
Night Porter
Phoebe Nicholls
Merrick's Mother
Kenny Baker
Plumed Dwarf
Keywords
Photos
Lists
#148 on IMDb top 250 IMDb
#436 on 1,000 greatest films They Shoot Pictures, Don't They?
#362 on Empire's 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time Empire
1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Steven Jay Schneider
Awards
Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role John Hurt
Oscar nomination for Best Director David Lynch
Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium David Lynch Eric Bergren Christopher De Vore
Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Robert Cartwright Stuart Craig Hugh Scaife