THE ELEPHANT MAN

1980, b/w BBC Two, 11.50pm

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David Lynch’s tear-jerker stars John Hurt as the deformed 19th-century Londoner Joseph Merrick, who was exhibited in a freak show under the guise of “The Elephant Man”. After being rescued by Dr Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick reveals a highly intelligent mind, suppressed by his cruel exploiters. Lynch’s peculiar vision of the world and an unsentimental script make for a timelessly moving drama.