Ep 14. Freaks

In season 1 episode 14 of the classic horror documentary series "100 Years of Horror," titled "Freaks," viewers are taken on a journey through the history and cultural significance of freak shows in the world of horror.

Beginning with the emergence of the freak show in the mid-19th century, the episode explores the fascination with and exploitation of individuals with physical deformities and differences. It traces the evolution of the freak show from its early days as a curious spectacle to its heyday in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when crowds would flock to see "human oddities" perform a variety of acts, from sword swallowing to fire breathing.

The episode highlights some of the most famous performers of the freak show era, including the conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker, who toured the world as the "Siamese Twins," and Joseph Merrick, who became known as the "Elephant Man" due to his severe facial deformities. It delves into the lives of these individuals, revealing the often cruel and exploitative conditions under which they were forced to perform.

The episode also explores the cultural impact of freak shows, both positive and negative. It examines how these shows helped to challenge conventional notions of beauty and normalcy, and how they provided a means of livelihood for those who might otherwise have struggled to survive in a society that often shunned and mistreated them. At the same time, however, the episode acknowledges the ways in which freak shows perpetuated negative stereotypes and reinforced the idea that people with physical differences were objects of curiosity and fear.

Throughout the episode, archival footage and interviews with experts in the field of freak shows and sideshows provide a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, and shed new light on the role that these shows played in shaping our understanding of what it means to be human. Cemetery Dance magazine called "100 Years of Horror" "not only a must-see for horror fans, but... an important piece of cinema history." Whether you're a longtime fan of the genre or simply curious about the cultural significance of freak shows, "Freaks" is an episode that is sure to entertain, enlighten, and perhaps even horrify.