An acclaimed television drama featuring Oscar nominee Glenn Close is now available to watch for free. The film earned several award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination.
The Elephant Man is now available to stream for free on the Shout! Studios’ YouTube channel. The film is available with ads at resolutions of up to 480p. The Elephant Man received four Primetime Emmy nominations, with Penny Fuller winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special. Philip Anglim also earned a Golden Globe nomination for his role. Directed by Jack Hofsiss, the movie first aired on ABC on January 4, 1982. He received a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for his work on the production. Hofsiss also directed the 1977 Broadway production and became the youngest person to win a Tony Award for directing.
What is Glenn Close’s The Elephant Man movie about?
The Elephant Man is a taped version of Bernard Pomerance’s 1977 Broadway play, rather than a traditional theatrical film. The story is loosely based on Joseph Merrick, who was a 19th-century Englishman known as John Merrick in the film. Philip Anglim plays Merrick, a man who faces mistreatment while being exhibited in a Victorian sideshow. Surgeon Frederick Treves, portrayed by Kevin Conway, helps him escape that life and find greater acceptance in society.
Adapted by Steve Lawson, the story follows Merrick’s efforts to achieve dignity and acceptance despite his physical condition. Instead of relying on heavy prosthetic makeup, the stage production and its television adaptation focus on the actor’s physical performance to represent Merrick. Glenn Close plays Princess Alexandra, a member of the British royal family who visits Merrick, alongside actress Mrs. Kendal, portrayed by Fuller. Additionally, Richard Clarke, Jarlath Conroy, Christopher Hewett, William Hutt, and others also appear in the production.
The television adaptation differs from David Lynch’s acclaimed 1980 theatrical film of the same name.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
