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
Dexter Fletcher
as Bytes' Boy
Lesley Dunlop
as Nora