In the late 1970s, Mel Brooks of all people, known principally for his racous comedies such as Springtime for Hitler and Spaceballs, was the only producer to recognize the stature of David Lynch's screenplay for The Elephant Man and willing to facilitate the making of this truly extraordinary movie. In order not to harm the film’s prospects with his (in the eyes of some) shady reputation, Brooks even had his name removed from the credits! "A marvellous movie, shot in stunning black-and-white.” Time Out