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.

• Brooksfilms
• Paramount Pictures
• Anthony Hopkins
• John Hurt
• Anne Bancroft
• John Gielgud
• Wendy Hiller
• Freddie Jones
• Michael Elphick
• Hannah Gordon