Bound by Flesh

In 1908, in Brighton, England, Daisy and Violet Hilton were born as Siamese twins. Their mother, struggling to accept their condition, made the heartbreaking decision to sell them to her midwife shortly after their birth.

Growing up, the Hilton sisters endured a tumultuous childhood marked by exploitation. They were exhibited in pubs and wax museums, traveling worldwide through carnivals and fairs, entertaining audiences while facing significant hardships.

In the 1930s and 40s, Daisy and Violet rose to fame as the highest-paid act in vaudeville. Their captivating performances led to overwhelming success, making them beloved figures adored by audiences across America.

A pivotal moment in their lives occurred when the sisters initiated a legal battle to gain their independence from their guardians. This sensational trial in San Antonio drew much attention and marked the beginning of their journey towards liberation.

After gaining their freedom, Daisy and Violet eagerly sought out romance in their lives. However, Violet soon faced tremendous obstacles when trying to obtain a marriage license, as laws at the time deemed her status as a Siamese twin a liability.

Violet Hilton experienced deep heartache following the sudden disappearance of her fiancé. Left alone and disheartened, she grappled with her unfulfilled dreams of love and companionship.

In a curious twist of fate, their manager arranged a publicity marriage for Violet during the 1936 Texas Centennial. This event was designed to exploit their uniqueness and capitalize on audience interest in their unusual circumstances.

The Hilton sisters expanded their talents to the silver screen by starring in Tod Browning's film *Freaks.* The film has gained recognition over the years and is now preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry.

In the 1950s, Daisy and Violet featured in the exploitation film *Chained for Life.* This film continued to showcase their unique story and the extraordinary lives they led in the world of entertainment.

Their life story reflects a rich tapestry of carnival and circus history that contributed significantly to the development of early American entertainment. The sisters left an indelible mark, influencing various forms of performance from vaudeville to Hollywood.