Freaks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of circus performers who look different get revenge on a hot lady who was mean to them, and it’s surprisingly heartwarming… until it’s not.

🍿 Freaks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Circus and Its Performers

The film introduces a traveling circus and its sideshow, populated by individuals with various physical differences. This includes midgets, conjoined twins, a bearded lady, and others. The circus is a close-knit community, but tensions arise between the ‘normal’ performers and those considered ‘freaks’.

Cleopatra’s Deception

Cleopatra, a beautiful trapeze artist, becomes the object of affection for Hans, a wealthy midget. However, Cleopatra is only interested in Hans’s money and is secretly involved with Hercules, the circus strongman. They plot to marry Hans, poison him, and inherit his fortune.

The Freaks’ Discovery and Revenge

The other performers in the sideshow discover Cleopatra and Hercules’s sinister plan. United by a strong code of loyalty and camaraderie, they decide to take revenge on the couple for betraying one of their own. This sets the stage for a terrifying climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cleopatra (Olga Baclanova): A beautiful but avaricious trapeze artist who plots to marry and murder the wealthy midget, Hans.
• Hans (Harry Earles): A wealthy and kindhearted midget who is seduced by Cleopatra for his inheritance.
• Hercules (Henry Victor): The circus’s strongman and Cleopatra’s lover, conspiring with her to steal Hans’s fortune.
• Frieda (Daisy Earles): Hans’s former fiancée and friend, who tries to warn him about Cleopatra’s true intentions.
• Venus (Leila Hyams): A kind circus performer who is friends with the ‘freaks’ and eventually becomes a victim of Hercules.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Freaks: “We accept you, one of us! Gooble gobble! Gooble gobble!” – Chanted by the freaks at Hans and Cleopatra’s wedding, initially as a welcoming gesture that quickly turns sinister.
• Cleopatra: “Dirty, slimy freaks!” – Cleopatra says this when drunk and revealing her true disgust for the ‘freaks’ during the wedding feast.
• Madame Tetrallini: “It’s bad luck to point at freaks.” – This quote highlights the superstitions and societal attitudes surrounding those with deformities.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $310,607
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $4,072

💥 Freaks Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, ‘Freaks’ is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s uncomfortable to watch at times, sure, but it’s also strangely beautiful. You end up caring about these characters, which is something I never expected. The wedding scene is iconic, and that ending? Wow. It’s not horror in the traditional sense, but it’ll definitely stick with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary”
  • “Those who appreciate unconventional horror”
  • “People interested in circus history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing imagery”
  • “Violence”
  • “Prejudice”
  • “Exploitation”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Browning asks us to consider who are the bigger freaks: those with deformed bodies or those with deformed souls? The two ‘normal’ people who are out to cheat and steal are monstrous, whereas the freaks are quite likable and charming. The ending is disturbing but it’s hard to condemn them.
• IMDB: “The movie was universally reviled and even banned in some countries, and Browning’s career never fully recovered. But ‘Freaks’ is an extraordinary movie with a lot of heart. Some corny acting and not so great production values – but it really doesn’t matter. ‘Freaks’ is still a very powerful and unique movie.
• IMDB: “It’s difficult to imagine what impact this film would have had in the 1930’s, but as it still has the ability to shock I can understand why many shunned this work, and why it totally ruined Todd Browning’s film career. The film is short and at times can move rather slowly. But don’t let that put you off.

Audience Reactions

The film challenges your perceptions of beauty and normalcy.: Viewers find the film thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

People praise Browning’s courage to use real-life performers.: The authenticity of the cast adds to the movie’s impact.

Overall Consensus: A controversial but thought-provoking film that challenges viewers’ perceptions of beauty and normalcy, featuring a unique and authentic cast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “MGM initially wanted Myrna Loy to play Cleopatra, but she refused, finding the script too offensive.”
• “Director Tod Browning had a personal connection to the circus world, having run away to join one as a teenager and working as a contortionist and performer.”
• “The film was heavily censored after its initial release, with nearly 30 minutes of footage being cut due to negative audience reactions. Some of this footage is now considered lost.”
• “The on-screen romance between Hans and Frieda was intentionally subdued because the roles were played by real-life siblings, Harry and Daisy Earles.”
• “Many of the ‘freaks’ were glad to get the opportunity to work and that they’re more decent than Cleopatra and Hercules.”

🖥️ How to Watch Freaks?

As a classic film, ‘Freaks’ is available on various platforms. Check streaming services like Prime Video, and Apple TV for rental or purchase options. You may also find it on other platforms offering classic movies for rent or purchase. Check local listings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Freaks, you might like these similar films:

• The Elephant Man (1980): Explores themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the humanity of individuals with physical differences, similar to ‘Freaks’.
• Dark Carnival (1956): Another carnival/circus movie involving freaks being targeted.
• American Horror Story: Freak Show (2014): A modern TV series that delves into the world of a freak show, exploring similar themes of exploitation, acceptance, and community.
• House of 1000 Corpses (2003): Exploitation horror that uses similar “freaks”, oddities and macabre imagery to create a disturbing atmosphere.

🛒 Freaks Related Products

• Sideshow Cinema: Freaks, Carnival and Spectacle: Dive into the world of ‘Freaks’ and sideshow culture with this in-depth analysis. Perfect for film buffs and history enthusiasts.
• Freaks (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: Experience ‘Freaks’ in stunning high-definition with exclusive extras from the Criterion Collection. A must-have for collectors and cinephiles.
• Freaks Movie Poster: Own a piece of cinematic history with a high-quality reproduction of the original ‘Freaks’ movie poster. Perfect for fans of classic horror and cult films.
• Freaks T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for Tod Browning’s masterpiece with this unique movie-themed t-shirt. A conversation starter for any film enthusiast.

🎧 Soundtrack

Freaks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gruesome Tales” – performed by William Axt and Erno Rapee

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The moment Judd Apatow knew Freaks and Geeks wouldn’t last #insideofyou #freaksandgeeks

Ever wondered why ‘Freaks and Geeks’ got canceled so soon? Judd Apatow spills the beans in this clip, and it’s actually pretty fascinating to hear his side of the story – definitely worth a watch!

From CANCELED to CULT CLASSIC (Freaks and Geeks)

This video breaks down how ‘Freaks and Geeks’ went from a show that was cancelled to the cult classic we know and love today. They cover all the reasons why it ended and how the cast went on to HUGE fame…crazy, right?

How Freaks and Geeks Got Geek Culture AND Freak Culture

This video explores how the show perfectly captured geek and freak culture at a pivotal time. It’s super interesting to see how ahead of its time ‘Freaks and Geeks’ actually was!

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