'THE ELEPHANT MAN'
CHARLIE HEATON TO LEAD NEW BBC PERIOD SET SERIES
BBC One has announced new two 90 minute part drama THE ELEPHANT MAN starring Charlie Heaton as Joseph Merrick - better known as The Elephant Man. It follows his compelling and extraordinary life from his
working class beginnings in Leicestershire, through the work houses, music halls and freak shows that punctuated 19th Century society; to his time at the London Hospital and his vital friendship with Dr Frederick Treves. Starting with his birth and ending with his death, the series covers the true events of Merrick’s personal odyssey, his extreme courage, determination and human dignity despite challenges arising from his disability.
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| Charlie Heaton will take the lead role! |
DID YOU KNOW?
Born in Leicester in 1862, at the age of five years old he began to develop physical deformities to his skin, face, arms and feet. When he was 11 years old, his mother died, his father soon remarried and by 17 he was a resident of the workhouse after his relationship with his father deteriorated. Seeking to escape the workhouse several years later, Merrick found his way into a human oddities show in London where he was exhibited as 'The Elephant Man’. He met Dr Frederick Treves in 1884, after he had witnessed Merrick being exhibited in a shop across the road from the London Hospital. Treves brought Merrick to the London Hospital where he lived until his death in 1890, aged 27.
Born in Leicester in 1862, at the age of five years old he began to develop physical deformities to his skin, face, arms and feet. When he was 11 years old, his mother died, his father soon remarried and by 17 he was a resident of the workhouse after his relationship with his father deteriorated. Seeking to escape the workhouse several years later, Merrick found his way into a human oddities show in London where he was exhibited as 'The Elephant Man’. He met Dr Frederick Treves in 1884, after he had witnessed Merrick being exhibited in a shop across the road from the London Hospital. Treves brought Merrick to the London Hospital where he lived until his death in 1890, aged 27.
I recall reading a book about him in grade school. I was intrigued by the story back then, so I am sure I'll really enjoy the film too.
ReplyDeleteThe two part series, but kinda like two TV films indeed
DeleteIt's a classic, and one of the best. It touches people very deeply.
ReplyDeleteThe role of the Proteus syndrome affected guy, is a big challenge to Heaton the actor.
Many years ago I became aware of an ape- looking individual in my vicinity (ageless, and always accompanied by someone who was either his father or brother). It was for a relatively short period. As far as I knew,they were not locals, I didn't know the family; probably people on the move because of the looks of the man. And then, the rumour had it that he joined an italian circus on tour in Israel. How sad!
yes, sometimes joining the circus is beneficial for them, not just financially, but also psychologically, because outside the circus they're considered monsters and people shy away from them and they have to hide in their houses with no life whatsoever, but in the circus, as strange as it sounds, they can enjoy a certain kind of spotlight, adoration even fame. It is a very strange perspective, but I remember people from PT Barnum's famous circus saying it and explaining it like that. They say circus brought them into the spotlight, gave them life, way of earning and they also saw the world while otherwise they would spend their lives locked in some house.
DeleteI like your reply. It's beautifully put. Thanks.
DeleteHeard it first while Hugh Jackman was promoting his movie GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH last year :)
DeleteLove the story line. I'll be looking for this one. Thanks DEZ!
ReplyDeletebe welcome, Pat
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