The Elephant Man backdrop

The Elephant Man 1980 Directed by David Lynch

A true story of courage and human dignity.

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.

Country USA
Production Country USA
Language English
Spoken Language English
Gneres Drama , History
Production Company Brooksfilms
Budget $5,000,000
Revenue $26,000,000
Release Date 9 October 1980
124 mins
Cast
Anthony Hopkins Frederick Treves
John Hurt John Merrick
Anne Bancroft Mrs Kendal
John Gielgud Carr Gomm
Wendy Hiller Mothershead
Michael Elphick Night Porter
Hannah Gordon Mrs Treves
Helen Ryan Princess Alex
Dexter Fletcher Bytes' Boy
Phoebe Nicholls Merrick's Mother
Pat Gorman Fairground Bobby
Orla Pederson Skeleton Man
Patsy Smart Distraught Woman
Stromboli Fire Eater
Roy Evans Cabman
Nula Conwell Nurse Kathleen
Tony London Young Porter
Alfie Curtis Milkman
Bernadette Milnes 1st Fighting Woman
Brenda Kempner 2nd Fighting Woman
Hugh Manning Broadneck
Dennis Burgess 1st Committee Man
Fanny Carby Mrs Kendal's Dresser
Kathleen Byron Lady Waddington
Gerald Case Lord Waddington
David Ryall Man With Whores
Pauline Quirke 2nd Whore
Kenny Baker Plumed Dwarf
Gilda Cohen Midget
Lesley Scoble Siamese Twin
Teri Scoble Siamese Twin
Eiji Kusuhara Japanese Bleeder
Robert Day Little Jim
Patricia Hodge Screaming Mum
Tommy Wright First Bobby
Peter Davidson Second Bobby
John Rapley King In Panto
Hugh Spight Puss In Panto
Teresa Codling Princess In Panto
Marion Betzold Principal Boy
Victor Kravchenko Lion / Coachman
Lydia Lisle Merrick's Mother
David Lynch Man in the Bowler Hat in the Mob Chasing Merrick (uncredited)
Harry Fielder Policeman (uncredited)
Jack Armstrong Man at Lecture (uncredited)
Ralph G. Morse Young Aristocrat (uncredited)
Fred Wood Injured Man (uncredited)
Adam Caine Kid at Train Station (uncredited)
Tony Clarkin Thug from Pub (uncredited)
Dave Cooper Man in crowd (uncredited)
Chick Fowles Man in Pub (uncredited)
Juba Kennerley Committee Member (uncredited)
Eric Bergren Lyra Box Player #1 (uncredited)
Christopher De Vore Lyra Box Player #2 (uncredited)
Jay McGrath Man at Lecture (uncredited)
Henry Roberts Man at Lecture (uncredited)
Kevin Schumm Kid at Train Station #2 (uncredited)
Ian Selby Courtier (uncredited)
Guy Standeven Committee Member (uncredited)
Reg Thomason Lecture Assistant (uncredited)
Jill Goldston Nurse (uncredited)
Norman Gay Doctor (uncredited)
Crew
Director
Writers
Producers
Executive Producer
Cinematography
Composer
Editor
Production Design
Sound
Visual Effects
Original Writers
Art Direction
Set Decoration
Set Designer
Costume Design
Makeup Artists
Hairstylist
Music
Casting
Script Supervisor
Lighting
Assistant Director
Additional Photography