Directed by Tod Browning. Written by Willis Goldbeck, Leon Gordon, Al Boasberg, Edgar Allan Woolf, Charles MacCarthur based on Clarence Aaron “Tod” Robins’s story “Spurs”. Starring Olga Baclanova, Henry Victor, Harry Earles and Daisy Earles.
Plot: a beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry the leader of a group of side show performers, but she’s really just a bitch after his money who ridicules him and his friends
I can’t believe we haven’t written about this one yet. This is such a beautiful story and a beautiful movie. When asked if a horror movie has ever truly made us cry we think of things like Train to Busan and Night of the Creeps and, of course, Freaks. Originally panned because critics thought no one would be interested in the story full of freaks, it is now a cult classic. And the true irony is that while older critics found the story of an average-size woman falling for a little person unbelievable, it’s the truth of it that makes the story so damned emotional nowadays.
It’s not that we love him because he’s small, although he is adorable. It’s that we love him because he’s innocent. The whole side show is. Almost from beginning to end. They were good to this average-sized woman. They even called her one of them. And all she could do was make fun.
I won’t go into too much detail about the film’s ending. It is a classic that I suggest you go into knowing as little as possible. Just know that it is original. One of the most original movie endings we’ve ever seen. The movie is realistic, the script is amazing and the cast is fantastic. It’s totally rewatchable. We own it and suggest you do the same. Especially if you can see it no other way.
It comes with a nice little “fuck you” sort of message. Don’t mess with mine and I won’t destroy yours. Haha. Beyond being a good horror movie, it’s just a fantastic movie in general.
Our score: 100. Yes, that’s right, we can’t find a flaw. If you can, get back to us.
I suppose I could list my favorite movies here, but instead I'll give you a strange glimpse into what makes me TaraRomero.
1. I met George Romero. He was the kindest and sweetest man. He talked to me for longer than he should have with the line getting longer. He also held my hand. And when he noticed the ladybug I have tattooed on my wrist, he said he liked it and asked me it's name. Till then, it had not had a name. Now, I call him George.
2. I love stickers. All stickers. I just adore them. I even ask for stickers for Christmas! As a matter of fact, the birthday that just past, every member of my immediate family gave me sticker packs as gifts. Affordable and extremely appreciated.
3. I have never put much stock in astrology or horoscopes, but I LOVE the magic of the MBTI. Omg. I am an INFP and it actually sounds just like me. Introverted mostly. Creative always. Heart before head and not the most logical. Totally me! For better or worse.
4. It's no surprise I count horror so high up on the list of things that make me, me. However, it's so within my soul that I was part of the Horror Club in college. Interesting bunch. And even took a Horror Lit class as an elective. I got an A.
5. Coffee always makes me happy. Always. I'm particularly fond of caramel macchiatos. But I'll drink black coffee if it's the only thing available.
6. I hate shock for the sake of shock and endings that depress me. I always mention the movies Within (2016) and the Eli Roth produced, written and starred in, Aftershock (2012), as proof of this distate I have. I abhor the idea that just because I like horror, some people think I'd actually praise a movie that lets you think the "Final Girl" just made it through the night, only to slap her in the face with a tsunami.
7. We are big time animal people. I mean, if I could, I'd have an elephant, a bear, a zebra, a penguin, an otter and a meerkat, living with me. Seriously though. We have 2 dogs right now and 2 cats. Both cats we picked up when they each came to our front door hungry. And both dogs we got from 2 different sets of neighbors. Both who, unfortunately, don't know how to care for pets long-term. But they're happy and healthy now!!
8. Revisiting my love of horror, one of the above cats, my cat, is a little black guy named Church. Because Pet Sematary. His middle name is even Pascow. To give credit where credit's due, the name was DJ's idea. But he loves horror too!
9. I'm big into art. Along with movie posters and an Anne Frank quote, I have some actual paintings on my wall. I really think Dali paints beautifully when he wants to. And if I don't get to see Michaelangelo's Pieta in person some day, I will be very disappointed.
10. Lastly, I find Emily Dickinson's poetry intriguing. I took an elective course about her as well. But do you know I injected horror even there? I was given a poem to dissect and I picked one on death, of course. Then, I researched old "Death Photos" and even printed out copies for everyone in the class. They were so interested in looking at them that it stopped them from all looking at me, and I was able to deal quite well with my stage fright. Haha
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