Meet the elephant man.

Date:
2011
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About this work

Description

A team of international scientists study the bones of Joesph Merrick, known as the Elephant Man, and attempt to reveal the truth about his life and death. Merrick's origins in Whitechapel are discussed, as well as his meeting with doctor Frederick Treves. Clips of David Lynch's film are shown. It is now known that Merrick suffered from Proteus Syndrome. Modern day proteus sufferer Brian Richards shows the effects of proteus syndrome on his feet. He has had numerous operations to counteract the effects of the syndrome on his face. Bill Sellars attempts to work out how Merrick might have walked. The bones are scanned, muscles added on the computer and his walk is animated. Richards visits Treves' house in the West End whilst his own parents describe his early childhood and the point at which proteus syndrome was first diagnosed. Jonathan Evans shows Richards around the London Hospital museum which has archival Merrick items. Meanwhile the team of experts reconstruct how Merrick is likely to have spoken and how he might have died and, using prostheses, actor Chris brings Merrick back to life.

Publication/Creation

UK : Channel 4, 2011.

Physical description

1 DVD (47 min.) : sound, color, PAL

Notes

Broadcast on 2 June, 2011

Creator/production credits

Written and directed by Mark Radice.

Copyright note

Windfall Films for Channel 4

Type/Technique

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores
    4934D

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