The Flesh and the Fiends

The Flesh and the Fiends

Year: 1960

Runtime: 94 mins

Language: English

Director: John Gilling

HorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsCreepy chilling and terrifying horrorChilling experiments and classic monster horrorTerrifying haunted and supernatural horror

In 19th‑century Edinburgh, surgeon Dr. Robert Knox is desperate for bodies to advance his anatomical research. When conventional sources dry up, the unscrupulous pair William Burke and William Hare begin providing fresh cadavers—initially by grave‑robbing and soon by murder—to satisfy Knox’s experiments, revealing a chilling partnership between science and crime.

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Timeline & Setting – The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Flesh and the Fiends (1960). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1828

The film takes place in the early 19th century, a time marked by scientific curiosity but also limited medical laws regarding human dissection. In 1828, society grappled with issues of morality, legality, and scientific progress as the boundaries between ethics and necessity were blurred in the pursuit of medical knowledge.

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland

The movie is set in Edinburgh in 1828, a city known for its rich history and contributions to science and medicine. During this period, Edinburgh was a hub for medical advancements, but also a place where legal and moral boundaries were tested. The city’s architecture and institutions of the 19th century serve as a vivid backdrop to the story of medical ethics and crime.

🏴 Scottish 🏛 Historical 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)

Meet the key characters of The Flesh and the Fiends (1960), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

William Hare

Hare is portrayed as a pragmatic and opportunistic character, willing to commit heinous acts for profit. His actions highlight greed and moral depravity, making him a central figure in the criminal enterprise. Despite his brutality, he is also depicted as pragmatic and adaptable, ultimately turning state's witness.

💰 Greedy 🔪 Murderer 🤝 Survivor

William Burke

Burke is depicted as a violent and unscrupulous man driven by economic hardship. His partnership with Hare leads him to commit murders, exposing the dark side of desperation and societal neglect. His character embodies the perils of moral weakness and obsession with money.

💸 Desperate 🔪 Murderer ⚖️ Executed

Dr. Robert Knox

Knox is a skilled but morally conflicted anatomist, passionate about medical progress but entangled in the scandal. His professional reputation is damaged by the murders, yet he remains a complex figure who feels guilt and ultimately seeks redemption. His character reflects the ethical gray areas faced by scientists of the period.

🎓 Scientist 🩺 Ethical 🥀 Guilt-ridden

Mary Patterson

Mary is a spirited young woman and Jackson’s love interest. Her involvement in the story underscores themes of innocence and tragedy, as she also falls victim to the killers. Her character adds emotional depth and highlights the personal costs of the violent crimes.

❤️ Lover 🩸 Victim 🎭 Tragedy

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)

Explore the central themes of The Flesh and the Fiends (1960), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🩸 Morality

The movie explores the moral dilemmas faced by medical practitioners desperate to advance science with limited legal resources. It highlights the ethical violations involved in grave robbing and murder, raising questions about the limits of scientific pursuit and the consequences of moral compromise.

⚖️ Justice

The story examines the themes of justice and law, contrasting the illegal actions of Burke and Hare with the societal and legal responses to their crimes. It portrays how justice is ultimately pursued through mob violence and legal punishment, reflecting societal tensions in 19th-century Edinburgh.

🔥 Corruption

The film delves into institutional and moral corruption, particularly within the medical community and local authorities. Dr. Knox's complicity and the public outrage emphasize the perilous intersection of ambition, ethics, and societal influence during that era.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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