Day 18, One of us, one of us

While not specifically written to be a horror film, Freakshas developed quite a reputation and cult following. Director Tod Browning filmed this movie in 1932 in only 3months. He made a crucial decision in the casting that would make this a movie unique in cinema. Browning decided to not use make up to create his circus of freaks, and instead he cast real sideshow circus freaks. Birth defects, deformities and medical conditions were the heroes of this film. While the people that society would consider beautiful had motivations and aspirations that painted them clearly as the monsters of this film.

While the performances are genuine and delivered with a sincerity that cannot be faked, audiences did not take kindly to this film. MGM studios decided to cut half an hour of footage from it, footage that has since been lost. One pregnant audience member tried to sue MGM, claiming that the shocking visuals she had seen caused her to suffer a miscarriage. The film was banned in the United Kingdom for 30 years, and mostly disappeared until the 1960’s when it resurfaced at midnight showings as a counter culture cult hit. This is one truly unique film.