The Elephant Man Page #5

On it is a life-sized portrait, crudely painted, of a creature

that could only be possible in a nightmare. It is the figure

of a man turning into an elephant. The transformation,

however, is not complete; there is still more of the man

than beast. Palm trees in the background suggest the jungle

habitat in which this Perverted object might have once roamed.

Filled with curiosity, Treves moves toward the curtain.

ALDERMAN:

This exhibit degrades all who see

it, as well as the poor creature

himself.

OWNER:

He's a freak! How else can he live?

ALDERMAN:

Freaks are one thing. No one objects

to freaks, but this is entirely

different. This is monstrous, and

ought not to be allowed. These

officers will see to it that you are

on your way as soon as possible.

Good day.

The alderman turns and leaves the tent.

OWNER:

(to himself)

...Movin' again!

He shakes his head in disgust.

Now at the canvas, Treves tries to lift the edge to get a

peek inside the wagon, but the meaty hand of the Owner clamps

down on his wrist.

OWNER:

Have a care, guv'nor.

The two men look at each other for a solid moment.

TREVES:

Forgive me...

Treves backs away and returns his gaze to the painted canvas.

FADE TO BLACK:

OPERATING ROOM - THE LONDON HOSPITAL

We see a bellows pumping air into the open grate of a cast

iron stove. We hear moaning in the background. The coals

flare to a fierce glow. From the mouth of the stove protrude

the handles of several cauterizing irons, their heads imbedded

in the coals. Up above the irons, Treves stands by a waist-

high operating table covered with black leather. His face is

illuminated by an oil lantern held by a nurse.

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