Long unseen, FREAKS was MGM's answer to Universal's popular FRANKENSTEIN and DRACULA, but public and critical revulsion to the use of actual circus freaks soon forced the movie from distribution. Dwain Esper (of MANIAC fame) later gave it road shows in tents and burlesque houses, further
adding to this cult classic's notorious reputation.
The story follows Cleopatra (Baclanova), a beautiful but avaricious trapeze artist who seduces and marries midget circus owner Hans (Earles) to get at his money. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, the close-knit society of "freaks" warmly welcomes her into their family at the wedding
reception as "one of us, one of us...
Released:
1932
Rated:
NR
Length:
64 mins