The Elephant Man (film) podcasts and radio shows. The Elephant Man (film) The Elephant Man is a 1980 American historical drama film about Joseph Merrick (whom the script calls John Merrick), a severely deformed man in late 19th century London. The film was directed by David Lynch and stars John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, Wendy Hiller, Michael Elphick, Hannah Gordon, and Freddie Jones. It was produced by Jonathan Sanger and Mel Brooks, the latter of whom was intentionally left uncredited to avoid confusion from audiences who possibly would have expected a comedy. The screenplay was adapted by Lynch, Christopher De Vore,
The Elephant Man (play) as Merrick. In May 2015, the production, again starring Cooper, Clarkson, and Nivola, opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket London for a limited 12-week run from 19 May until 8 August. An adaptation for television of this play adapted by Steve Lawson also called "The Elephant Man" was broadcast in 1982 on ABC. Philip Anglim repeated his Broadway performance. Also directed by Hofsiss, actress Penny Fuller received an Emmy Award for her performance as Mrs. Kendal. A radio drama adaptation by BBC World Service was published in 1988. It was directed by David Hitchenson and starred Gerard Murphy as John