The Elephant Man (1982) ( ABC Theatre of the Month: The Elephant Man )

The Elephant Man (1982) (DVD) (*)

$23.99

Original Title: ABC Theatre of the Month: The Elephant Man
Screened, competed or awarded at:
Emmy Awards
Golden Globes
Other Film Festival Awards

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 5.1 )
English ( Subtitles )
French ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
French ( Subtitles )
German ( Dolby Digital 5.1 )
German ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Netherlands ( PAL/Region 2 )

Running Time:
118 min

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen (2.35:1)

Special Features:
Cast/Crew Interview(s)
Interactive Menu
Black & White
Remastered

Movie filmed in 1982 and produced in:
United States ( USA, Canada )

Directed By:
Jack Hofsiss

Written By:
Steve Lawson
Bernard Pomerance

Actors:
Philip Anglim ..... John Merrick
Kevin Conway ..... Frederick Treves
Penny Fuller ..... Mrs. Kendal
Richard Clarke ..... Carr Gomm
Glenn Close ..... Princess Alexandra
Jarlath Conroy ..... Will
Rex Everhart ..... Snork
Christopher Hewett ..... Ross
William Hutt ..... Bishop How
Charlotte Moore ..... Miss Sandwich
Josephine Nichols ..... Countess
David Rounds ..... Lord John
Veronica Castang ..... Pinhead
William Duff-Griffin ..... Conductor
Joe Grifasi ..... Pinhead Manager

Synopsis:

This TV adaptation of Bernard Pomerance's play The Elephant Man differs radically from the 1980 theatrical film of the same name. Both are based upon the same true story: that of John Merrick (1863-1890), an unfortunate citizen of Victorian England who suffered from neurofibromatosis, a hideously deforming disease that all but condemned him to a lifetime of circus sideshows. Though he remained trapped in his misshapen body, Merrick was intellectually and emotionally liberated by London physician Frederick Treves, whose sensitive treatment of the "Elephant Man" unlocked the soul beneath his horrific appearance. But whereas the film was graphically realistic in its use of makeup, the TV version follows the precedent set by Pomerance's play: John Merrick's deformity is conveyed purely through the vocal and physical contortions of actor Philip Anglim, repeating his Broadway role. Also carried over from the stage version is Kevin Conway as Dr. Treves. The TV version of The Elephant Man was telecast as an ABC Theatre of the Month special on January 4, 1982.

A grotesquely deformed Englishman is discovered in a circus freak show by a doctor, Sir Frederick Treves, during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Treves takes this "Elephant Man" into his care at the hospital where he is employed and seeks to educate him. He is eventually subject however to the very accusations of voyeurism and usury that he had levelled against the circus.

The Elephant Man is a 1982 American biographical television film directed by Jack Hofsiss about the 19th century English medical curiosity Joseph Merrick (known in this film as John Merrick). The script was adapted by Steve Lawson from the 1977 play of the same name by Bernard Pomerance.

This product was added to our catalog on Wednesday 08 February, 2012.