Bound by Flesh 2014
Directed by
Leslie Zemeckis
Made by
Sundance Selects
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Bound by Flesh (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
They were as inseparable as any two sisters could be, sharing their passions for singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments. They rose to fame as the highest-paid act in vaudeville during the 30s and 40s, capturing the hearts of America as the biggest celebrities of their time. This remarkable duo was known as Siamese twins and were alternatively called The Brighton United Twins, The San Antonio Twins, or simply Daisy and Violet Hilton.
Their extraordinary journey began in 1908 in Brighton, England, when their mother, overwhelmed by the realization that she had given birth to “freaks,” sold them to her midwife. What ensued was a Dickensian childhood filled with exploitation, as they were put on display in pubs and wax museums, zigzagging across the world through carnivals and fairs. While they earned substantial money for their performances, they never had the chance to enjoy it.
A turning point came when they fought for their freedom from their legal guardians in a sensational trial held in San Antonio. Once liberated, the sisters finally had the opportunity to explore romance. However, Violet faced numerous obstacles in her quest for love, as her attempts to obtain a marriage license were thwarted by laws that deemed her status as a Siamese twin an unmanageable liability. Devastated by the disappearance of her fiancé, she found herself alone. In a strange twist of fate, her manager orchestrated a publicity marriage during the 1936 Texas Centennial, intending to capitalize on their uniqueness for an audience willing to pay for the spectacle.
The sisters made their mark in film, starring in Freaks, which has since been recognized and preserved by the U.S. National Film Registry, and in the 1950s exploitation feature Chained for Life. For the first time, their story unfolds, revealing a rich tapestry of carnival and circus life that shaped early American entertainment, from vaudeville to burlesque, sideshows to Hollywood glamour.
Timeline
Track the key events of Bound by Flesh (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Birth of Daisy and Violet Hilton
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.
Childhood Exploitation
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.
Rise to Vaudeville Fame
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.
Fight for Freedom
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.
Exploration of Romance
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.
Devastation of Violet
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.
Publicity Marriage
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.
Film Career Begins
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.
Chained for Life
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.
Legacy in 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.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Bound by Flesh (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Daisy Hilton
Daisy Hilton is one half of the iconic Hilton sisters, born as Siamese twins with her sister Violet. Throughout their tumultuous journey, Daisy displays resilience and a strong sense of loyalty to her sister. She is portrayed as both a performer and a beacon of support through their hardships.
Violet Hilton
Violet Hilton is the other half of the Hilton sisters, characterized by her passion for romance and the struggle for independence. Despite facing obstacles in love and societal acceptance, she remains determined to forge her path. Her emotional journey adds depth to the story of the twins' rise in the entertainment world.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Bound by Flesh (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1900s-1940s
The film covers the early to mid-20th century, primarily focusing on the 1930s and 1940s when the Hilton sisters rose to fame in vaudeville. During this time, societal attitudes toward 'freaks' and performers were complex, leading to both exploitation and eventual acceptance in popular culture.
Location
Brighton, San Antonio, Texas
Brighton is known as a coastal resort in England where the Hilton sisters began their extraordinary journey. San Antonio, Texas, played a pivotal role in their lives, being the location of their sensational trial for freedom. The settings highlight the transition from exploitation to fame in the early 20th-century entertainment scene.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Bound by Flesh (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Sisterhood
The bond between sisters Daisy and Violet Hilton is central to the narrative. Their inseparable connection shapes their lives as performers in the face of adversity. Their journey illustrates the power of sisterhood in overcoming challenges and finding success.
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Exploitation
The theme of exploitation resonates throughout the sisters' lives, as they navigate childhood sold for profit and their struggles for autonomy. The film highlights the harsh realities faced by those deemed different and the societal echo of their plight.
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Fame
The rise to fame of the Hilton sisters showcases the allure and pitfalls of celebrity. Their story reflects the glamour of early 20th-century entertainment and the unique challenges faced by performers who defied conventional norms.
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