Title: Freaks

Starring: Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova and Rosco Ates

Directed By: Tod Browning

Written By: Willis Goldbeck and Leon Gordon

Released: 1932, MGM Distribution

One of my personal favorites, "Freaks" is one of the oldest tales, retold in a unique way. The characters, whose outer appearance is initially striking soon overtake you with their charm and gracious personalities.

Beside the moral aspects, this film is rather disturbing. There are certain scenes, including the climax, where the direction and shots are done in such a way that it adds tremendous suspense and tension.

The only problem I have with this film is the sound quality. This can be somewhat forgiven due to the fact that it was filmed in 1932. All things considered, though, this film belongs in the collection of any classic horror fan.

From back of package:

Among classic horror films, "Freaks" stands alone as one of the most grotesque and the most controversial. Rarely seen since its 1932 release, and banned in Britain for thirty years, it has achieved cult status as the masterpiece of the macabre.

The film features a cast of actual side-show freaks, human beings of every conceivable physical aberration. Yet, the film soon reveals that the normal members of the traveling carnival are the true monsters; pitiless, coniving and murderous! When one beautiful trapeze artist discovers one of the freaks has a small fortune, she lures him into marriage. But when she and her strongman lover plot to kill him after the wedding, the enraged freaks defend their friend and take revenge on their betrayers, transforming the aerialist into the most hideous side-show attraction of all.

From the acclaimed director of the original "Dracula", Tod Browning, "Freaks" is a fascinating drama of prejudice and injustice with a provocative and timeless moral.

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