John Merrick is forced into becoming a circus sideshow freak and spurned by Victorian society due to the disfigurements he was born with. Rescued by well-meaning surgeon Frederick Treves, he escapes a life of prejudice and cruelty. With news of Merrick quickly spreading, he becomes a celebrated curiosity amongst London’s upper class, but despite being treated more humanely, has he just become subject to a different form of exploitation?

Grand and moving, the film was beautifully shot in black and white by Freddie Francis, who was also the cinematographer of The Straight Story (part of this double bill). The Elephant Man won 3 BAFTA awards and received 8 Oscar nominations and was, rather surprisingly, co-produced by Mel Brooks and proved to be Lynch’s first major critical and commercial success.

With an illustrated introduction by George Orton from the Thackray Museum of Medicine who will talk about some of the objects from their collection directly and indirectly linked to the real story of John Merrick.

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The Elephant Man is screening part of a reRUN double-bill with The Straight Story, which will be screening before this film. Separate tickets are required if you'd like to see both films!

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Part of David Lynch: Between Two Worlds – a major new season celebrating the life and work of this visionary artist.

The more individual films you see in this season the more money you save!

• See two different films, save 15%

• See three different films, save 20%

• See four or more different films, save 25%

Tickets must be purchased together in a single transaction for discounts to apply.

This offer works in conjunction with 16mm/35mm/70mm members and concession discounts, helping you save even more money. It does not include David Lynch 101, My Log has Something to Tell You or The Wizard of Oz – or work in conjunction with 15-25 members' discounts.