''The Elephant Man'' is a 1982 American biographical
television film
A television film, alternatively known as a television movie, made-for-TV film/movie, telefilm, telemovie or TV film/movie, is a film with a running time similar to a feature film that is produced and originally distributed by or to a Terrestr ...
directed by
Jack Hofsiss loosely based on the 19th-century Englishman
Joseph Merrick
Joseph Carey Merrick (5 August 1862 – 11 April 1890) was an English man known for his severe physical deformities. He was first exhibited at a freak show under the stage name "The Elephant Man", and then went to live at the London Hospital, ...
(known in this film as John Merrick). The script was adapted by Steve Lawson from the 1977
play of the same name by
Bernard Pomerance. It was first broadcast by the
American Broadcasting Company
The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) is an American Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast Television broadcaster, television and radio Radio network, network that serves as the flagship property of the Disney Entertainment division ...
(ABC) on January 4, 1982.
Playwright Pomerance's Broadway debut of ''The Elephant Man'' in 1977 was directed by Hofsiss, who became the youngest ever winner of a
Tony Award
The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as a Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ce ...
for directing the play.
In the film,
Philip Anglim and
Kevin Conway reprised their roles from the play as John Merrick and
Frederick Treves, respectively.
The film received four
Emmy Award
The Emmy Awards, or Emmys, are an extensive range of awards for artistic and technical merit for the television industry. A number of annual Emmy Award ceremonies are held throughout the year, each with their own set of rules and award categor ...
nominations;
Penny Fuller won the award for 'Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Special'. At the
40th Golden Globe Awards, Philip Anglim was nominated for the
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film. Jack Hofsiss was nominated for a
Directors Guild of America Award for 'Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Specials'.
Cast
*
Philip Anglim as
John Merrick
*
Kevin Conway as
Frederick Treves
*
Penny Fuller as
Mrs. Kendal
*
Glenn Close as
Princess Alexandra
References
External links
*
1982 television films
1982 films
1982 drama films
American biographical drama films
American television films
American films based on plays
Films about sideshow performers
Cultural depictions of Joseph Merrick
1980s American films
Films about disability in the United Kingdom
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