The Shocking Truth About Tod Browning’s Lost Footage in Freaks

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Not many classic movies retain their impact like the one crafted by Tod Browning in 1932, a story that leaves an indelible mark on viewers. This timeless narrative has kept audiences spellbound for nearly a century, and its contemporary analyses remain as relevant as ever. However, the version that audiences watch today is not exactly what Browning envisioned. In spite of its enduring fame and prestige, the film has been diminished from its original form.

The movie can be found in various versions today, and typically, there are two main endings that are commonly seen. It’s worth noting that the original version of the film might have been irretrievably lost, considering media advancements. While its 64-minute length could be considered reasonable, more than half an hour of content was trimmed to cater to initial audiences. Over time, tastes have shifted, some footage has vanished or been damaged, and even the way movies are made has undergone significant changes. Filmmakers today prefer digital footage that’s easier to manipulate compared to traditional reels. However, these alterations don’t diminish the poignancy of what was lost.

Tod Browning’s Freaks Is an Iconic Part of Early Horror Movie History

  • Despite its initial status as a commercial failure, Freaks was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1994.
  • Director Tod Browning turned down work on the commercial hit Arsène Lupin to direct Freaks.
  • Freaks was originally intended as a Lon Chaney film, a plan derailed by his untimely death in 1930.

Regarding the film “Freaks”, although it’s categorized as a horror movie, its central theme revolves around a problematic romance. The main female character, Cleopatra (played by Olga Baclanova), is portrayed as a selfish and self-centered trapeze artist. She marries one of the circus’ “dwarves”, Hans (Harry Earles), not out of love but to acquire his wealth. To solidify the marriage, Cleopatra quickly starts poisoning her husband after their wedding ceremony. Furthermore, she engages in an illicit relationship with her supposed true love, the strongman Hercules (Henry Victor).

Straightforwardly lays it all out. It reveals the gritty reality behind 20th-century circus performances. The main characters argue and form relationships. They are convincingly human and captivatingly authentic. As Cleopatra and Hercules’ schemes fail, they are rapidly submerged in unavoidable tides of revenge and repressed fury.

At a grand festival marking the union of two, an unusual turn of events unfolds as sideshow entertainers propose welcoming Cleopatra into their group. However, her self-absorbed inebriation disrupts the harmony, and a passionate kiss with Hercules brings an abrupt end to the joyous occasion.

In essence, Browning’s original ending portrays the consequences of the disgruntled circus performers’ actions. The once radiant Cleopatra is left scarred from tarring and feathering, and she now lives among those she once despised. Contrastingly, the revised finale depicts Hans reconciling with his peers from the circus. They exchange emotional goodbyes, and Frieda acknowledges that their retribution exceeded its bounds.

A Long List of Controversies Surrounds Freaks

  • Before gaining Hollywood acclaim, Tod Browning was a contortionist and clown.
  • Freaks was shot in just 24 days at a studio lot in Culver City, California.
  • Schlitzie’s enthusiasm and kindness earned him many celebrity admirers.

From an ideological standpoint, “Freaks” serves as a warning story about empathy and acceptance. Though some elements remained in the final version, Browning’s original script delved deeper into its philosophical essence. The film’s conventionally attractive characters – often referred to as ‘normal’ actors – come across as aloof and detached. They are much like Cleopatra, exhibiting vanity and avarice. Conversely, the so-called “freaks” elicit more empathy. They extend an invitation to an ‘outsider’, and their anger surfaces only when they’ve been pushed beyond their limits.

The story it tells remains relevant today, but unfortunately, it was released prematurely for some audiences. Upon initial release, Freaks faced harsh criticism just for featuring actors with disabilities. Similar to Cleopatra, many viewers failed to see beyond the surface and labeled it an exploitative horror film during its short stint in theaters.

Upon viewing the initial screening, the movie was met with considerably subdued enthusiasm. One audience member claimed it led to her miscarriage, while another labeled the director as morally questionable. In response to these criticisms, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer decided to drastically revise the film, removing more than a third of its content from the final cut. Editors also eliminated numerous lines that portrayed the film’s main characters in an unfavorable light.

In its time, before the Hays Code was enforced, the movie “Freaks” challenged societal norms and exposed deeply ingrained biases by featuring actors with disabilities. Many viewers at that time were uncomfortable with this representation.

In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, the controversial nature of this film caused quite a stir, ultimately forcing MGM to pull it off the big screen prematurely. Across America, numerous cinemas declined to screen Freaks, and in many regions, it was outright prohibited. Interestingly, Britain held back on approving its release until 1963, at which point they slapped it with an exceptionally high “X” rating.

How Freaks Became a Cult Classic

  • Angelo Rossitto gained enough fame from Freaks to have a successful film career. He later appeared in Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdome.
  • Freaks has many modern followers. One of its most outspoken admirers is Guillermo Del Toro, who cites it as one of his favorite films.
  • Some of the original cast members refused to perform in the film upon learning its plot.

How is it that this movie, initially overlooked, transformed into a celebrated classic? Despite a rocky start, Browning’s most impactful film was pushed to the margins of cinematic history. However, for decades, Freaks remained relatively unknown until it resurfaced as a significant counterculture icon in Europe. Its growing cult following spread across the Atlantic, sparking interest among Americans who eventually sought out this film.

Initially, people started peering past the initial shock value. In 1962, the movie “Freaks” garnered even more appreciation when it was screened at the Venice Film Festival. From then on, its appeal expanded, and a broader audience began to understand the film’s true nature. Although it has horror elements, Browning’s masterpiece was eventually acknowledged as a distinctive blend of empathy and discomfort.

While it may not be flawless, it’s worth noting that some aspects of “Freaks” have dated. However, its essential theme remains potent. The intentional horror and revulsion experienced as the story unfolds serve a purpose. Browning uses “Freaks” as a sharp critique of vanity and materialism. Through this film, he challenges viewers to look beyond physical appearances and delve deeper into the essence of humanity.

This movie isn’t exactly an easy watch, with its glamorous exterior hiding a sharp commentary on human behavior. Despite some critics labeling it as unduly grim in portraying difficult subjects, it’s important to recognize that growth seldom comes without discomfort. Brownings’ film compels viewers to confront themselves through an unsettling journey of self-examination. However, it doesn’t come across as directly judgmental; instead, it skillfully veils its criticisms beneath a cloak of plausible deniability. Viewers may argue they wouldn’t stoop to the level of Cleopatra, but that doesn’t prevent the film’s probing analyses of societal norms from making an impact.

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2025-04-26 00:10