Chapter
The History and Decline of Sideshows
44:38 - 52:37 (07:59)
The sideshow industry was popular as it gave people an opportunity to see the 'freaks' with their own eyes. However, sideshows vanished as they were considered to be degrading by society and performers lost their fortunes.
Clips
This episode discusses the life of Schlitzie, a famous pinhead who was forced into the circus and eventually committed to an asylum by his own family, and his eventual rediscovery by a fellow circus performer.
44:38 - 46:56 (02:17)
Summary
This episode discusses the life of Schlitzie, a famous pinhead who was forced into the circus and eventually committed to an asylum by his own family, and his eventual rediscovery by a fellow circus performer.
ChapterThe History and Decline of Sideshows
EpisodeSelects: How Freak Shows Worked
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The rise of television and at-home entertainment marked the end of the traveling sideshow, which was also affected by the advancements in science and medicine.
46:56 - 50:35 (03:38)
Summary
The rise of television and at-home entertainment marked the end of the traveling sideshow, which was also affected by the advancements in science and medicine.
ChapterThe History and Decline of Sideshows
EpisodeSelects: How Freak Shows Worked
PodcastStuff You Should Know
This podcast episode talks about how sideshows and freaks have been both popular and controversial entertainment throughout history, and how these performers have been victims of abuse, exploitation, and abandonment.
50:35 - 52:37 (02:02)
Summary
This podcast episode talks about how sideshows and freaks have been both popular and controversial entertainment throughout history, and how these performers have been victims of abuse, exploitation, and abandonment.