Freaks (1932)
Tod Browning’s audacious Pre-Code shocker turns the circus into a moral arena, where the so-called monstrous reveal a humanity their tormentors sorely lack.
Freaks - Movie Information
- Original Title: Freaks
- Release Year: 1932
- Directed by: Tod Browning
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Horror
- Runtime: 1h 4m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 1, 1932 (Austria - 16), February 12, 1932 (United States), September 27, 2002 (United Kingdom - 12), October 7, 1932 (France - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Barnum (FR), Freaks (AT), Sirkussällskapet (FI), Nakaze (RS), Fenómenos (MX), Τα Τέρατα (GR), A Parada dos Monstros (PT), Freaks - Missgestaltete (DE)
- Production Companies: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Freaks - Plot
A circus’ beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry the leader of side-show performers, but his deformed friends discover she is only marrying him for his inheritance.
Freaks - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the unsettling world of Tod Browning’s circus unfold:
Can a full grown woman truly love a midget?
Where to Watch Freaks
Looking for where to watch Freaks?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Freaks - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tod Browning
Main Cast
- Harry Earles
- Olga Baclanova
- Daisy Earles
- Henry Victor
- Wallace Ford
- Leila Hyams
- Roscoe Ates
- Angelo Rossitto
- Jerry Austin
- Daisy Hilton
Writers
- Willis Goldbeck
- Leon Gordon
- Clarence Aaron ‘Tod’ Robbins
Producers
- Irving Thalberg
- Tod Browning
Freaks - FAQs
Why was Freaks banned after its release?
Freaks was banned in the United Kingdom for over 30 years following its 1932 release due to its disturbing content and use of real performers with physical disabilities. Many audiences and censors found the film deeply unsettling, and MGM withdrew it from distribution shortly after its premiere amid widespread controversy.
What is the ending of Freaks explained?
In the film’s climax, the sideshow performers exact revenge on the scheming Cleopatra and her strongman lover Hercules during a stormy night. Cleopatra is mutilated and transformed into a human-duck sideshow attraction, while Hercules is castrated or killed depending on the version viewed. It is one of cinema’s most chilling revenge conclusions.
Where can you stream Freaks (1932)?
Freaks (1932) is available to stream on Bloodstream with ads, and for free on FlixHouse, Darkroom, and Fawesome. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for current regional availability.
Is Freaks based on a true story?
Freaks is based on the 1923 short story “Spurs” by Clarence Aaron ‘Tod’ Robbins, which is a work of fiction. However, the film cast real sideshow performers — including Schlitzie, Johnny Eck, and the Hilton Sisters — lending the production an authentic and deeply human dimension that blurred the line between fiction and reality.
Who are the main actors in Freaks?
The principal cast includes Harry Earles as Hans, Olga Baclanova as the scheming trapeze artist Cleopatra, Daisy Earles as Frieda, Henry Victor as Hercules, Wallace Ford as Phroso, and Leila Hyams as Venus. Many supporting performers, including Schlitzie and Johnny Eck, were real sideshow artists.
What genre is Freaks (1932)?
Freaks is classified as a Drama and Horror film. It occupies a unique space in cinema history as a Pre-Code Hollywood production that blends psychological horror with a deeply humanist dramatic core, challenging audiences to confront their own prejudices about physical difference and beauty.
How long is the film Freaks?
Freaks has a runtime of approximately 64 minutes (1 hour and 4 minutes). It is worth noting that the original cut was reportedly much longer — around 90 minutes — but significant footage was removed by MGM following disastrous test screenings, and much of that excised material is now considered lost.
How was Freaks received by critics and audiences?
Initially a commercial and critical failure, Freaks was pulled from distribution and banned in several countries. Over decades it was reassessed as a bold, compassionate masterpiece. It now holds strong approval ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and is widely regarded as one of the most daring and empathetic horror films ever made.
More About Freaks
Explore further details, ratings, and historical records for this landmark film: