In a story that appears to be lifted from a work of fiction, three brothers unintentionally became involved in a terrifying experiment that a heartless scientist was conducting. Though they were divided by circumstance and united by blood, their reunion provided some temporary comfort but was unable to erase the memories of their common history.
The story begins on July 12, 1961, a tragic day in New York City when an unmarried mother gave birth to identical twins. Despite having a good start, the boys were quickly placed in the care of different adoptive families, with their mother’s motives for leaving them unknown.
Years later, Robert Shafran, Edward Galland, and David Kellman were shocked to learn of their shared existence.
Following David’s confession and Robert and Edward’s coincidental meeting on a college campus, their amazing narrative caused a media frenzy and widespread intrigue.
But underlying their newfound stardom was the disturbing reality of their upbringing.
The boys had been used as pawns in a scientific experiment directed by psychologist Peter Neubauer, without their knowledge. The experiment aimed to investigate the relative contributions of nurture and nature to human development by placing participants in different socioeconomic homes.
Even though the brothers’ very identical characteristics and interests defied predictions, the experiment hurt their mental health. Robert and David’s broken relationships and Edward’s untimely death serve as moving reminders of the experiment’s long-lasting effects.
Even though it was short-lived, their joint venture—a restaurant called “Triplets”—failed, reflecting the conflict in their relationships. Nevertheless, in the middle of the chaos, Robert and David persisted, going their ways as adults.
As the years go by and a TV show revitalizes their tale, it’s impossible to resist wondering if shared experiences and time will bring the separated siblings back together.
If their fraternity can bear the burden of their turbulent past, only time will tell.
