JOURNAL ARTICLE

THE FLESH AND THE FIENDS.

  • Published In: All About History, 2025, n. 157. P. 81 1 of 2

  • Database: History Reference Ultimate 2 of 2

Abstract

The article examines the film "The Flesh and the Fiends," which depicts the notorious story of William Burke and William Hare, who committed murders in Edinburgh to sell the bodies for dissection. While the film portrays five killings, historical accounts suggest they were responsible for at least 16 murders. The character of Dr. Knox, played by Peter Cushing, is depicted with a factual scar from smallpox, and the film explores themes of moral ambiguity regarding his awareness of the crimes. Although some elements, such as the character of Mary Patterson and the fate of Hare, are fictionalized, the article concludes that the film is more accurate than other adaptations of this grim tale. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:All About History. 2025/07, Issue 157, p81
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Biography
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2052-5877
  • Accession Number:185769307
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