Few films have divided audiences quite like Freaks (1932).

Released by MGM during Hollywood's Golden Age, Tod Browning's masterpiece shocked audiences with its cast of real sideshow performers, sparked walkouts at preview screenings, was heavily censored and almost destroyed Browning's career.

Yet nearly a century later, Freaks is recognised as one of the most influential horror films ever made.

In this episode of 100 Things We Learned From Film, we uncover the incredible true story behind the making of Freaks. We explore the lives of the remarkable performers, including Harry Earles, Johnny Eck, Schlitzie, Prince Randian and the Hilton Sisters, reveal what was lost from the original 90-minute cut, and discuss whether the film was an act of exploitation or a surprisingly compassionate portrait of people who had long been treated as outsiders.

We'll also look at MGM's uneasy relationship with the production, the infamous preview screenings, the legendary rain-soaked finale, and the lasting influence Freaks has had on horror cinema, from The Elephant Man to American Horror Story: Freak Show.

If you've only ever heard about Freaks, prepare to discover why it's one of the most important and controversial films in cinema history.

Visit our website:

www.100thingswelearnedfromfilm.co.uk

Support the podcast on Patreon and help choose future episodes:

www.patreon.com/100thingsfilm

Follow us on your favourite podcast app, and don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for more behind-the-scenes stories, movie trivia and forgotten Hollywood history.

One grumpy bushman. One rebellious foster kid. One national manhunt.

This week on 100 Things We Learned From Film, we're heading into the New Zealand wilderness to uncover the incredible story behind Taika Waititi's Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016).

From Barry Crump's original novel and hidden Kiwi references to filming in some of New Zealand's most stunning locations, we're revealing the making-of stories, production secrets, casting decisions and behind-the-scenes facts that helped turn this modest independent film into a worldwide favourite.

Join us as we explore how Sam Neill and Julian Dennison created one of cinema's most unlikely friendships, why the production had to invent a birthday song at the last minute, the surprising tribute hidden in Hec's truck, and how a five-week shoot launched Taika Waititi onto the Hollywood A-list.

John's Crook this week so Planty is joined by Patron and Host of the phenomenal Repeat or Delete Podcast, Joe. It's the pod that takes looks at The Best and Worst of TV and decides whether or not to allow it to remain on the airwaves or bin it forever.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave us a review, and share the episode with another film fan—it really helps us grow.

Want your own chance to pick an episode, Support the show and get full episodes of our bonus show CARTOON CRAIC then you can pay us a quid a month on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/100thingsfilm

Visit our website:

https://100thingswelearnedfromfilm.co.uk

Follow us for more film facts, clips and behind-the-scenes content:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100thingsfilm

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100thingsfilm

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/100thingsfilm.bsky.social

One prank. One CB radio. One very bad idea. This week on 100 Things We Learned From Film, we're taking the scenic route through Joy Ride (2001) to uncover the incredible stories behind one of the most underrated thrillers of the 2000s.

Discover how J.J. Abrams helped create the film, why Ted Levine wasn't cast until after filming had finished, the multiple endings that almost changed everything, the Spielberg influence hiding in plain sight, and how Rusty Nail became one of horror's most unforgettable unseen villains.

If you think Joy Ride deserves more love, you're in the right place. If you enjoy the show, please share the episode. It really helps more film fans discover the channel.

Support the show and help choose future episodes on Patreon: https://patreon.com/100thingsfilm

Visit us at: https://100thingswelearnedfromfilm.co.uk