The Flesh and the Fiends
Directed by John Gilling
Horror audiences have long been fascinated by the tale of Robert Knox, a Scottish doctor who in 1828 became notorious for his complicity in a series of murders committed by grave robbers Burke and Hare, who received cash in exchange for fresh cadavers. John Gilling’s exceptionally eerie 1960 retelling stars Peter Cushing, who had just become a horror star thanks to Hammer’s FRANKENSTEIN, DRACULA and MUMMY films, and HALLOWEEN’s Donald Pleasence.
A Scottish doctor doesn’t ask questions when two killers begin bringing him suspiciously fresh cadavers.
Cast: Peter Cushing, June Laverick, Donald Pleasence
Member Reviews
Great movie. It looks a lot better than the picture that Shudder uses. Great acting. Not exactly horror but definitely a creepy historical drama. Loved the acting. I thought for sure that Peter Cushing's eye was always like that and I had just never noticed.
Great film, loved the acting, and the story. The Burke and Hare story has been told so many times by so many people and not one of them is the same. But so far for me each has it's merits and I have enjoyed them all. I believe my favorite thus far
solid from start to finish, and well Peter Cushing and Donald Pleasence in the same movie is just cake. oh yea this was day 4 of 365 horror, and day 4 of birthday horror.
This film is just brilliant from start to finish. A smart script with actors who became famous for their now iconic performances in horror and sci-fi. Donald Pleasance is so young here I almost did not recognize him save his memorable voice. Dr. Loomis in Halloween is here a killer. Peter Cushing famous for Hammer Films was introduced to me as a boy in the original Star Wars as Grand Moff Tarkin. This British gem questions the ethical breech of the medical academy in light of one doctor's zealous pursuit of progress. The class system is the ultimate pre-determined fate for those living in the Victorian age.
This was really good, macabre, gripping and based on true events. It felt like you could actually understand the characters. This is why I like Shudder great old movie I never would have heard of otherwise