York’s world-famous reclusive Chaplin twins, Freda and Greta, are the inspiration behind a new Hollywood film, Bucking Fastard, which stars Hollywood A-listers Rooney Mara and her sister Kate.
The Chaplin twins, who lived in the Tang Hall area of York, shot to fame in the early 1980s following a high-profile court case. They were charged with breach of the peace for allegedly harassing a local truck driver, Ken Iveson. This case marked the first time their eccentric lives were thrust into the spotlight, with media coverage from across the globe, including reports from Brazil, Sweden, and Minnesota.
The twins were known for their bizarre behavior, including dressing identically, speaking in unison, and even walking in step. They were inseparable, and during their trial, they shouted their innocence together, saying, “No, no, no, no, no. It’s not true. It’s not true. We haven’t been near him, we haven’t been near there, it is a bitter, bitter lie,” though the magistrates ordered them to be quiet. The pair was sentenced to one month in jail.
Their story continued to captivate the public, leading to the production of two documentaries: A Pair of One by Julia Darling in 1987, and The Twins by Journeyman Pictures in 1994. Greta passed away in 2007, followed by Freda in 2020. They are buried together at Fulford Cemetery.
Now, their extraordinary story is receiving the Hollywood treatment. Filming for Bucking Fastard is currently underway, with Rooney Mara and Kate Mara playing Joan and Jean, twin sisters inspired by Freda and Greta. The title of the film is drawn from a verbal slip the twins made together during their court case.
The Mara sisters, known as Hollywood royalty, bring their immense talents to the project. Rooney Mara, famous for her roles in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Carol, is the partner of Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Kate Mara, renowned for her roles in Brokeback Mountain and Fantastic Four, is married to actor Jamie Bell.
The film is directed by acclaimed German filmmaker Werner Herzog, who has been fascinated by the Chaplin twins’ unique story for years. With its combination of captivating performances and an intriguing tale, Bucking Fastard is set to bring the mysterious world of the Chaplin twins to the big screen.
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