Siamese Twins
Running Time: 55 minutes (approx)What is it like to spend every second joined to another person, sleeping, eating, working and even having sex? This compelling and intimate film shows how four pairs of Siamese twins have struggled with a conjoined existence but gone on to lead remarkably full and separate lives. The term Siamese twins originates from Eng and Chang, conjoined twins from Siam who toured America after 1829 in a sensational act that earned them fame and wealth. Settling in North Carolina, they married two sisters who bore them a total of 22 children. Ronnie and Donnie Galyon were the last Siamese twins to exhibit themselves for money. Born in 1952, they spent 30 years with carnivals, and earned enough to buy a house and retire to Ohio. Joined from the chest to the groin, Ronnie and Donnie grew sick of each other, and often threw fists. Today, theyve learnt to co-operate and we witness them leading their everyday lives. Lori and Reba Schappel were born joined at the head, and spent 20 years locked away in an institution before obtaining independent lives. Though they share parts of the same brain, they are very different personalities, and candidly reveal how compromise has dominated their lives. Reba is a country and western singer, while Lori dreams of a family and kids. When Reba tours, Lori patiently tags along, and when Lori is on a date, Riba has learnt to switch off. Less successful in their personal lives were vaudeville performers Daisy and Violet Hilton who were repeatedly refused permission to marry and ended up destitute in 60s North Carolina. Their few surviving friends recall how they ended their days weighing vegetables at a supermarket. Still looking for more?
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Siamese Twins is a Documentary programme.
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United Kingdom
United States
Comments
I am a twin I remember seeing these brother at the Ohio State fair when I was young. My brother and i BOUGHT A tickit for what we thought would be a quick look. To our surprize a lady came out and askus if we would like to meet Ronnie and Donnie.She took us inside the trailer and we met the brothers.
I am not sure who this woman was. I always thought it was thier mother because she hugged us and told us how lucky we were. She tears in her eyes and was very kind to us.One thing I remember was gettting a veiw at the folks looking in at us. And remember thinking I wouldn't like to live like this.I wish I had stayed in contact. If anyone would know how to contack them I would love to meet them again.The twins are two years older then my brother and I.
Ronnie and Donnie are actually my second cousins. They are direct cousins of my dad. Sadly, my dad passed away in '91 and nearly all ties to his side of the family were lost. Much of the family is still located in Dayton. The last time I saw the twins was about 3-4 years ago at a family member's funeral, and they were doing fine.