 Nominated For 8 Academy Awards® The Elephant Man has been acclaimed by critics the world over for cinematographic excellence and for its outstanding story of the triumph of human dignity over ignorance, prejudice, hatred and fear. Based on a true story, the film examines the complex emotional experiences faced by John Merrick, "The Elephant Man" (Hurt), when he is discovered by a dedicated surgeon (Hopkins). Rescued from his degrading life as a circus freak, Merrick is given a chance to live his last years with comfort, respect and dignity. Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud and Wendy Hiller add their impressive skills in strong supporting roles. An unforgettable motion picture… a remarkable story, remarkably told. Storyline: John Merrick (whose real name was Joseph, as this is based on a true story) is an intelligent and friendly man, but he is hated by his Victorian-era English society because he is severely deformed. Once he is discovered by a doctor, however, he is saved from his life in a freak show and he is treated like the human being that he really is. Written by Sam Cibula Cast Notes: Anthony Hopkins (Dr. Frederick Treves, Surgeon at London Hospital), John Hurt (John Merrick), Anne Bancroft (Mrs. Kendal), John Gielgud (Carr Gomm, Governor London Hospital), Wendy Hiller (Mothershead), Freddie Jones (Bytes, Elephant Man's Owner), Michael Elphick (Night Porter), Hannah Gordon (Mrs. Anne Treves), Helen Ryan [I] (Princess Alex), John Standing [I] (Dr. Fox), Dexter Fletcher (Bytes's Boy), Lesley Dunlop (Nora), Phoebe Nicholls (Merrick's Mother), Pat Gorman (Fairground Bobby), Claire Davenport (Fat Lady). User Comment: Conrado Oliveira San Jose, CA • This movie is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It is the story of John Merrick who was severely deformed. His deformity is a deformity of appearance and stature but not of the heart and soul. This movie should remind everyone who watches it about the prejudice and ignorance of society. Personally, I thought John Merrick (John Hurt) was more beautiful than any of the people who laughed at him and made fun of him. I knew this movie was going to be great from the beginning when Dr. Treves (Anthony Hopkins) first sees him in the shadows. It shows a close-up of Anthony Hopkins' face and shows a tear form. This may also have been a foreshadowing to how much I would be crying throughout the entire movie. Superbly made in every possible way, The Elephant Man will stay in my memory for many years to come. I will remember this every time I remember injustice and cowardice of men to face what they don't understand and what is truly beautiful. Summary: A masterpiece about the triumph of a man against society IMDb Rating (07/24/14): 8.3/10 from 125,455 users Top 250: #128 IMDb Rating (08/31/13): 8.3/10 from 105,724 users Top 250: #121 IMDb Rating (10/15/07): 8.3/10 from 31,988 users Top 250: #86 IMDb Rating (05/28/04): 8.1/10 from 13,009 users Top 250: #134
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