[Machine Translation] This is the major-label debut of director David Lynch, who gained some attention with his independent film Eraserhead (1977). Mel Brooks, a comedic actor and director known for "Young Frankenstein," recognized Lynch's talent and asked him to direct his own production of the film. The film was a big hit in Japan (No. 1 in foreign film distribution in 1981) as a moving true story. The cast includes John Hurt (Alien) as Merrick and Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs) as Treves.