When you don't fit in
I thought that this film was made before 1980, probably due to it being shot in black and white and being set in the Victorian era. The story is done very well, even though it is a sad one.
Here we have Frederick Treves, a surgeon at the London Hospital, who finds John Merrick. John is in a Victorian freak show in London's East End at the time. Treves shows Merrick to his colleagues at the hospital and highlights his monstrous skull, which forces him to sleep with his head on his knees, otherwise he would die.
Once it is revealed that John knows how to read, and has memorized the 23rd Psalm he is allowed to stay at the hospital as a resident. Merrick shows a local actress Madge Kendal his room, she introduces him to the work of Shakespeare. However, it seems that Merrick has simply traded one "audience" for another wealthier "audience".
Things are good for a while, however, Merrick is soon kidnapped taken on the road again. He escapes from the freakshow with the help of his fellow "attractions". He also manages to make it back to London, however, he is harassed through Liverpool and accidentally knocks down a young girl. Merrick is chased and collapses, the police find him, and return him to the hospital. He recovers to a degree, but is dying.
Treves take Merrick to see one of Mrs Kendal's shows at the theatre. Back at the hospital, Merrick thanks Treves for all he has done. That night he lies down on his back in bed, imitating a sleeping child in a picture on his wall, and dies in his sleep.
Everyone should see this film as a reminder that physical beauty is only skin deep.