FREAKS (1932)
Director: Tod Browning
62 minutes

In 1932, MGM studios asked 'Dracula' director, Tod Browning, to produce the most frightening movie ever.

FREAKS was Browning's answer to the challenge. In the film, Browning tells a melodramatic tale of greed and deception using famous real-life sideshow performers of the era.

Considered shocking when first released (audience members were reported to have fainted during screenings) -- and even today, FREAKS was banned in England for 30 years.

FREAKS has the unique position of being both condemned and beloved by disability rights advocates.

Does Browning exploit the performers? Or does FREAKS portray sideshow performers in a sympathetic light, as actual characters rather than horrific metaphors or monsters?

See the film! Decide for yourself!

Shown along with:

Killer Cure (2003)
Director: Steve Carolan
12 minutes

Shoot Your Mouth Off Productions presents a surreal satire in which three people with cerebral palsy explore the implications of the belief disabled people are being punished for sins committed in past lives.

See the shocking result of the "cure" required to rid the world of people with disabilities!

Will our heroes survive?

Join us for a special Halloween edition of the disTHIS! Film Series! An audience discussion with disTHIS! curator, Lawrence Carter-Long, will follow immediately after the screenings.

Space is limited! Call 212.251.4092 to RSVP or email:

Lawrence@dnnyc.net

See you there!

The disTHIS! Film Series is made possible, in part, by generous support from the Christopher Reeve Foundation.