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.

Anthony Hopkins
as Frederick Treves

John Hurt
as John Merrick

Anne Bancroft
as Mrs Kendal

John Gielgud
as Carr Gomm

Wendy Hiller
as Mothershead

Freddie Jones
as Bytes

Michael Elphick
as Night Porter

Hannah Gordon
as Mrs Treves

Helen Ryan
as Princess Alex

John Standing
as Fox
Wuchak
_**The ultimate outcast**_ In 1884 London, a doctor (Anthony Hopkins) meets Joseph Merrick, aka The Elephant Man (wrongly called John Merrick in the film) who was being exploited as a freak show attraction. Treves (Hopkins) tries to help Merrick (John Hurt) for the last six years of the latter’s ...
CinemaSerf
Saw this, recently up-converted to 4K at the London Film Festival and, apart from the clear improvements to the quality and detail of the image, I was reminded of just how good it is. Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft play their roles with engaging sincerity - very ably supported by Sir John Gielgud...