Day 18: The Freak Show came to Town!!!!!!
My pick for today is.....
In the United States, this film was banned in a number of states and cities. Although no longer enforced, some of the laws were never officially repealed. Therefore, it is still technically illegal for this film to be shown some areas of the USA.
Prince Randian, the man with no arms or legs, developed a habit of lurking in dark corners and frightening passers-by with a blood-curdling yell.
The on-screen romance between Hans and Frieda was very subdued because the roles were being played by real life brother and sister Harry Earles and Daisy Earles.
The original casting had Victor McLaglen as Hercules, Myrna Loy as Cleopatra, and Jean Harlow as Venus. All balked at the prospect of co-starring with "sideshow exhibitions".
The bird costume worn by Olga Baclanova near the end of the film was originally designed by Lon Chaney before his death. A master of horror makeup and costumes, Chaney had designed the bird suit for his own use but died before he could utilize it on film. The costume had been in storage at MGM for several years when Tod Browning decided to use it for this film.
The film's original ending showed Hercules singing soprano in Madame Tetrallini's new sideshow because he has been castrated by the freaks. After intensely negative reaction by preview audiences, this scene was cut.
by Shawn
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