Synopsis
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.
Key facts
Original language
English
Production companies
Brooksfilms
Home video distributors
Paramount Home Video (United States)
Awards
César Award for Best Foreign Film, National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
Setting
London
Filming locations
London
Trailer
Stills
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.
Festival History
- Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival 2025 - Take Care
- BFI London Film Festival 2019 generic
- Academy Awards 1981 academy_award
- Avoriaz International Fantastic Film Festival 1981 generic ★ Grand Prix
- BAFTA Awards 1981 generic
- Directors Guild of America 1980 generic
- National Board of Review 1980 generic
VHS & home video releases
| VHS | Paramount Home Video (cat. no. 1347) | 1981, United States, slipcase |
| VHS | Paramount Home Video (cat. no. 1347) | 1991, United States, slipcase |
Versions & editions
| Home video VHS | United States | 1981 1347 |
| Home video VHS | United States | 1991 1347 |
Source: Cinémathèque québécoise, linked catalogue data (CC BY 4.0)
