The Flesh and the Fiends

In 1828 Edinburgh, Dr. Knox is a renowned anatomist drawing large crowds to his anatomy lectures. He strongly believes in advancing the medical profession despite clashing with traditional colleagues. His lectures highlight his dedication to the scientific pursuit of understanding the human body.

Due to restrictive laws, legally available cadavers are scarce, forcing medical practitioners to seek bodies through grave robbers known as 'Resurrection men.' Dr. Knox’s students Jackson and Mitchell are tasked with acquiring these bodies, which are highly valuable especially when fresh.

William Burke and William Hare, lodgers at Burke’s house, find a deceased tenant who owes rent and realize the body can be sold to the medical school for profit. Their illicit activities begin as they start murdering locals to supply more bodies.

While paying Burke and Hare at a tavern, Jackson becomes involved with Mary Patterson, a notorious prostitute. Meanwhile, Burke and Hare continue their murderous scheme, and Jackson’s connection to them deepens due to his relationship with Mary.

Jackson and Mitchell begin suspecting that the bodies supplied by Burke and Hare are victims of murder. Despite their suspicions, Dr. Knox dismisses concerns, prioritizing his scientific work over ethical considerations.

Jackson discovers the body of his girlfriend Mary Patterson in the lecture room, which shocks him deeply. His confrontation with Burke and Hare leads to his own death as he tries to stop their murderous activities.

Burke and Hare murder a mentally ill youth, which triggers suspicion and leads to their arrest. Their crimes become public knowledge as the murder victims are identified, turning the killers into suspects.

Hare agrees to testify against Burke to reduce his own punishment. Burke is sentenced to hanging, still angry that Dr. Knox did not pay him for the last body, and faces execution, maintaining his grievances.

Dr. Knox becomes the subject of widespread outrage due to his alleged complicity, though he is not formally punished. His colleagues defend him, and he continues his work, burdened by guilt over the murders.

Dr. Knox admits to his niece Martha that he found the murders troubling, realizing the victims were 'small in my scheme of things.' His conscience is weighed down, but he still prepares to lecture on anatomy.

Despite the murders and public outrage, Dr. Knox resumes his teaching. When his lectures start again, they are unexpectedly well attended, suggesting a complex relationship between reputation, guilt, and public fascination.

The film ends with Dr. Knox beginning his lecture with the Hippocratic Oath, reaffirming his vow to 'never do harm.' This signifies his attempt at redemption and acknowledgment of the ethical boundaries of medicine.