The film begins with wild African elephants striking down Merrick's mother on an uncharted African island, followed by the wailing of a baby in the smoke.
Frederick Treves, a surgeon at the London Hospital, … See more

• Anthony Hopkins as Frederick Treves, a doctor who takes John from the freakshow to work in the hospital
• John Hurt as John Merrick, an intelligent, friendly, kindhearted man who is feared by most people in his society bec… See more

Producer Jonathan Sanger optioned the script from writers Christopher De Vore and Eric Bergren after receiving the script from his babysitter. Sanger had been working as Mel Brooks' assistant director on High Anxiety. … See more