Tod Browning's 1932 horror masterpiece Freaks faced enormous controversy at the time of its release and in the decades which followed - it was a controversy which had no real foundation in the movie itself, built primarily upon the fact that Browning made the daring decision to populate his movie with people who suffered from real deformities rather than utilize costumes and make-up. This choice was clearly a wise one - the power of Freaks lies in its raw authenticity. Beautiful trapeze artist Cleopatra and her strong-man lover Hercules conspire to murder the sideshow midget Hans in order to steal his fortune - after seducing and marrying him, she slowly poisons him having earned the trust and acceptance of the other "freaks". Of course, the "freaks" are the victims, and the clear message that beauty runs skin deep is delivered with a poignant effectiveness that would have fallen flat on its face had Browning opted for special effects to create his gallery of sideshow "freak" characters. Few horror movies carry such a compassionate message as Freaks - essential viewing.
