I admit that I can't judge this low budget exploitation movie fairly. I have seen both Broadway productions of "Side Show", first in the late 1990s and then later in the revival a little over a year ago. Both lasted for only a short time, running exactly the same number of performances. In spite of a massive cult following and high praise by the critics, they had what is in my opinion the unfortunate complex of the guilt factor which potential audiences felt that they couldn't watch a musical about Siamese twins desperate to find a happy life and love because they would be too busy judging them for what they believe to be freaks. Indeed the Hilton sisters, violet and Daisy did appear in the 1932 cult horror movie, freaks, and their only other screen appearance was this very low budget film many years after that. They have greatly aged and certainly are not the beauties that are depicted in the musicals, but there is a sincerity in them that makes you really care about them.
Somewhat autobiographical, this has them as vaudeville performers, much like themselves, although they have different characters names. One of them is on trial for murdering her husband, as the drama flashes back to the events leading up to the alleged crime. Those who have seen the musical will recognize several familiar elements that are part of this as well as the stage show. They both long for love but realize that they're being tied together makes at virtually impossible. One fantasy sequence has one of the sisters, obviously depicted in long shots by a double, fantasizing about being "normal" and having a romantic excursion with a man she loves. Then they visit a doctor in desperation to be separated, after which the doctor explains the risks. The dream sequence is very beautiful to look at, and is much more lavish then what the budget for the remainder of the film called for. Of course, it's a white picket fence with flowers and beautiful gardens, and the glow on the close up the of you're having been separated is magnetic to be for sure.
Rather blowzy in appearance, the sister's ages are obvious, so the thought of one of them being a cold-blooded killer and a dangerous dame isn't believable. It's obvious that the husband to be (Mario Laval) is a scoundrel, and the presence of a much younger, more desirable woman (Patricia Wright) makes his motives more obvious. When he can't go through with the wedding night, the stage is set for retribution. Sometimes sweet, often exploitative, this shows that they were certainly great entertainers as singers, but their acting leaves much to be desired. They give it their best shot so you can't help but admire them. Also present is Allen Jenkins as their agent whom equally blowzy Edna Holland (as their companion) refers to as Mr. 10%. So even though this was made on an obviously very low budget, there is more than just a morbid curiosity attached to it. Their ending may have been sad, but their re-discovery through "Side Show" is a triumph of humanity over their sad lives and has opened up many hearts of those who were touched by the emotional impact of what the story revealed. In that sense, their lives were not a waste because their souls have lived on.
Somewhat autobiographical, this has them as vaudeville performers, much like themselves, although they have different characters names. One of them is on trial for murdering her husband, as the drama flashes back to the events leading up to the alleged crime. Those who have seen the musical will recognize several familiar elements that are part of this as well as the stage show. They both long for love but realize that they're being tied together makes at virtually impossible. One fantasy sequence has one of the sisters, obviously depicted in long shots by a double, fantasizing about being "normal" and having a romantic excursion with a man she loves. Then they visit a doctor in desperation to be separated, after which the doctor explains the risks. The dream sequence is very beautiful to look at, and is much more lavish then what the budget for the remainder of the film called for. Of course, it's a white picket fence with flowers and beautiful gardens, and the glow on the close up the of you're having been separated is magnetic to be for sure.
Rather blowzy in appearance, the sister's ages are obvious, so the thought of one of them being a cold-blooded killer and a dangerous dame isn't believable. It's obvious that the husband to be (Mario Laval) is a scoundrel, and the presence of a much younger, more desirable woman (Patricia Wright) makes his motives more obvious. When he can't go through with the wedding night, the stage is set for retribution. Sometimes sweet, often exploitative, this shows that they were certainly great entertainers as singers, but their acting leaves much to be desired. They give it their best shot so you can't help but admire them. Also present is Allen Jenkins as their agent whom equally blowzy Edna Holland (as their companion) refers to as Mr. 10%. So even though this was made on an obviously very low budget, there is more than just a morbid curiosity attached to it. Their ending may have been sad, but their re-discovery through "Side Show" is a triumph of humanity over their sad lives and has opened up many hearts of those who were touched by the emotional impact of what the story revealed. In that sense, their lives were not a waste because their souls have lived on.