We kick off a tribute to the amazing “Half Man” Johnny Eck with a screening of the film for which he remains best known. Baltimorean Eck was born in 1911 with no legs, and became a world famous actor, artist and sideshow performer. Freaks Director Tod Browning himself began in the circus (with a live burial act) before establishing his own name as a horror movie pioneer, directing Bela Lugosi in Dracula. Controversial upon its release for its focus on sideshow oddities, Freaks virtually derailed his career, though remains a cult classic today. Browning biographer Elias Savada (Dark Carnival) introduces the film, followed by an exhibit reception of Eck memorabilia and a performance tribute to Eck starring Johnny Fox and James Taylor.