THAT MYSTERIOUS MAN IN "TOMORROW'S CHILDREN"

After looking more closely and carefully at PHOTOS of Schlitze and this actor, I had my doubts they are one and the same and published my conclusion that in fact they couldn't be.    Director Roussimoff noted my conclusion and was gracious enough to e-mail this author, offering the following rebuttal:

"There are factors to consider. First, it is virtually impossible to accurately compare features from photographs, unless the individual is filmed exactly under the same conditions posed in the identical positions and filmed from the exact angles using the same lighting. For example, many "before and after" photos are deceptive because they are intentionally photographed differently. As to Schlitze. Admittedly the photo of him laughing looks like another person, as his features are distorted by the extreme expression. For an accurate comparison, the same pose would be required. I disagree entirely about the shape of ears, skull etc. The shape of the ears are not different. Only they appear larger on a bald head filmed with a minimum of chiaroscuro effects. And hair also does much to alter an appearance not to mention making it hard to judge the shape of the skull. Weight loss or gain is another consideration. Most views of Stewart in "Tomorrow's Children" are high angle shots. The ones you show from "Freaks" are not. Further, Look carefully and you should recognize the identically shaped eyebrows (albeit trimmed or plucked in "TC"), the same indentation above both the nose bridge and over the brow. As well as the same almond shaped eyes. The mouth is hard to judge due in part to a mustache (another good way of altering an appearance) and we suspect Stewart's jaw to be dropping from him having been sedated. Then Schlitze had a slight curvature of the spine which caused him somewhat to stoop. And he had a peculiar tendency to bend his wrist. Look for this when Stuart walks. There are two more things. The lighting. The close up views of Stewart were filmed with a more dramatic sense of shadow and light. Very different from most shots in "Freaks" where Schlitze is photographed within a brighter composition. However, the most distinct scene in "Freaks" where Schlitze is lit with comparative drama and also is seen from a high angle is the climactic revenge sequence where Schlitze, knife in hand crawls under the wagon and through the mud. I suggest you look at that scene for a comparison."

1934, Bryan Foy Productions

Director Ari Roussimoff in his excellent and  well-researched documentary "Freaks Uncensored: A Human Sideshow" (1998) was the first to state that it was a very different-looking Schlitze that appeared in "Tomorrow's Children" (1934)

The character "Stewart" is a criminal and apparent "mental defective".  He has been ordered to be sterilized.  His father filed an appeal.  But when the Judge asks why the father isn't present at the hearing, one of the court officials replies because he's in jail himself.  The Judge summarily dismisses the appeal.

....for immediate sterilization."

"Next case."

"Guard, you'd better handcuff him again while he's still unconscious."

"Keep an eye on him....

.... We don't want any violence"t

"Stewart, you are to be transferred to one of the state hospitals....

Mr. Roussimoff proffered another important piece of compelling evidence that this is indeed Schlitze.  However, this evidence shall remain unrevealed awaiting independent verification.

Pre-op

Ari Roussimoff said: "When producer Bryan Foy wanted Schlitze back for an additional scene in the Los Angeles County Hospital, they disguised his then bald pate by covering it with a towel."   The film itself offers no clue why a towel is placed on his head.  It is there as Stewart is being moved  to the O.R. and is there on his return (above).