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 take on Burke and Hare. Sort of a other side of the street view of the accident as it were. With a famous and illustrious cast you would not expect anything less than a great movie and you won't be disappointed with this one.
Donald Pleasence is actually chilling as one of a pair of opportunistic killers. There's a scene where he capers with glee as he watches his partner murder an old woman. Peter Cushing is excellent in a more complex role as the doctor who has decided to overlook the suspicious circumstances of the cadavers being supplied to his anatomy students. The gorgeous blond barfly is Billie Whitelaw, who would later become famous playing Mrs. Baylock in The Omen.
lots of flesh and pretty fiendy but very slow paced with an unsatisfying ending
classic
great cast