In 19th century England, Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins) discovers John Merrick (John Hurt), a man suffering from a disfiguring congenital disease, who is being exploited as a side-show freak called The Elephant Man. Dr. Treves rescues Merrick and takes him under his wing. As trust and friendship ensue, Treves discovers that Merrick is not only an intelligent man, but is also quite artistic and genteel.