The Flesh and the Fiends (1960) - full transcript

Take the luggage
from the back please, won't you?

Aye, miss, I will.

All right, Davey,
I'll see to it.

Good evening.

Dr. Mitchell.

I hope you're better
at diagnosing an illness

than you are
at recognizing a face.

Martha, oh, forgive me.

You weren't expected
until next week.

I exercised a woman's privilege:
I changed my mind.

Woman, indeed... and yet,
three years ago...



Was I really so awful
three years ago?

Well, you were very young.

I know one thing, Martha.

- You are very beautiful now.
- Thank you.

How is the doctor?

Oh, he doesn't change.

Brilliant, aggressive,
provocative.

Verbose as ever.

But even he will be
at a loss for words

when he sees his favorite niece.

Miracles, gentlemen,
are an apology for ignorance,

and a retreat for fools.

You, men of medicine,

are the modern miracle makers.



To primitive man,

the human body was a miracle.

To us, it is a structure
of some 260 bones,

and attendant lens, muscles,

blood vessels, nerves,
organs, and tissues.

A complicated structure,
I grant you,

but to us, no longer a miracle.

And so today, some of you

become doctors
in your own right.

Masters of anatomy.

I congratulate you.

You are entering
the most honorable profession

in the world.

Sometimes too honorable.

If half my colleagues

pursued the study of disease

as strenuously
as the honor of knighthood,

the country would be
a damn sight healthier place

to live in.

But, let me warn you.

Your studies do not end here.

As long as you face
the challenge of death,

they never will end.

Remember, also, that death
is not only your enemy,

it is your friend.

Death is
an incident-producing clay.

Use it, mold it,

learn from it.

And finally,
hearken to the words

of Mr. Alexander Pope:

"Know first thyself,"

presume not God to scan.

"The proper study
of mankind is man."

Yes, gentlemen, man.

Alive or dead.

- Excuse me, sir.
- Yes, Jackson?

- May I speak to you, sir.
- Certainly.

Thank you, sir.

- Well?
- I was hoping to have graduated

- this time, sir.
- Not more than I, Mr. Jackson.

You'll tell me where I fail,
won't you, sir?

I try...
I work harder than most.

- I tried to please you.
- Please me, indeed.

Do you consider yourself
harshly treated?

- No, sir.
- Unjustly?

- No, sir, but...
- I will diagnose the cause

of your failure, Jackson...
You are far too emotional.

Emotion is a drug
that dulls the intellect.

You must learn to approach
the science and medicine

with a more clinical mind.

Confine yourself
to the abstract.

When you are capable
of doing that,

then you will graduate
with honors.

- Yes, sir.
- Jackson.

- Sir?
- Are you short of money?

Well, sometimes it does get
a bit difficult, sir...

I asked for a statement,
not a soliloquy.

You could assist Davey
to treat the subjects.

- You know what to do?
- Yes, sir.

That'll put an extra guinea
a month in your pocket.

Thank you, sir, that's
very generous of you, sir.

Oh, Mitchell.

Well, another 30
witch doctors let loose

upon the unsuspecting populace.

Good heavens.

- Uncle.
- Oh, dear child.

Mitchell, we must write
and thank Madam Decleaux

- for this... this miracle.
- I thought you

- didn't believe in them.
- Oh, I do now.

From a gawky, long-leg
schoolgirl to this.

You look quite wonderful,
my dear.

A tribute to French cooking.

- I'm proud of you.
- Thank you.

And I'm grateful to you
for sending me to France.

Mitchell, we must drink
a toast to France.

You're the man
for a pretty speech.

Oh, I can hardly compete
with you, sir.

Would you call
my speeches pretty?

Tell me, my dear,
did you have a good journey?

- Wonderful.
- Comfortable?

Excuse me, sir, there are
two gentlemen here with a stiff.

I beg your pardon.

With a subject, sir.

Thank you.

Yes, sir.

Attend to this, will you?
And don't wait for me.

And tell him all about
the broken hearts

you left behind you in Paris.

Well, are you going to tell me?

About the broken hearts

I trust your interest
is purely academic.

No.

Oh, it's wonderful to be home.

I hope you're not gonna find
Edinburgh dull after Paris.

- Should I?
- Oh, it needn't be.

I can be the most romantic city
in the world.

Then it has secrets
I'd never dreamed of.

- It has.
- And will you show me

these secrets, Dr. Mitchell?

Some of them.

Nice and fresh, sir...
Just a week in the grave.

I'll give you five guineas.

- Oh, but, sir...
- Five, I said.

Well, Doctor, seeing
you're such a good customer.

Where will you gentlemen
be celebrating tonight?

Well, I I go to
The Merry Duke, sir.

Take this on account.

Jackson... Jackson!

When my housekeeper returns,
you'll get her to change this.

Go down to the tavern
and give them the balance.

- Very good, Jackson.
- Thank you kindly, sir.

"Nice and fresh."

You'd think the medical counsel
could do something

- about it, sir.
- In what way?

So that academies could be
supplied legally with bodies.

They could petition Parliament.

Yes, Parliament...
With 500 walking corpses there,

you would think
they could spare one.

A member from Edinburgh
would do nicely.

Easy now, Jackson, we don't want
it to fall apart on the ground.

No, sir.

Come on, my darling, come on,
give me a little kiss now.

You see them two, Willy?

Oh, they call themselves
resurrectionists.

They supposedly think
that that's a classic taunt

of the professional way, Willy.

It's disgusting,
the place is going downhill

when they serve
the likes of them.

Still, there's money
in equality.

Do you mean to tell me
you have the upper hand

in a broken down old corpse
that's been in Europe for weeks

for the sake of money?
I'm surprised on ya.

But the old woman keeps
going on about money, Willy.

Do you know what
she was saying to me?

She was saying
I should look for work.

- No.
- Aye, it's as true

- as I sit here..
- What?

Are you a landlord as well?

Excuse me.

Good evening.

One, two,

three, four.

Thank you, kindly.

- Get your hands off me!
- They weren't no dirties

- until equality came in.
- I have no changed

since the day you were born,
and a stinking minute!

Don't let him near me, mister.

Give the lady back her skirt.

- Come and get it!
- Watch him sir.

Thank you, much obliged.

If you stay a while,
I'll buy you a drink.

No, no, I'd better...

Help! Police! Mugger!

Help! Help! Police! Mugger!

Come with me... quick, quick!

Get in here!

Get in here quick!

This way... come on.

Hey, Mary, where are ya going?

Oh, do you have to call for them
in the streets to get a fellow?

No, well at least I can still
get 'em sober, deary.

Come on.

- Hey, come on.
- Hey, give me a glass.

Come on.

Here, get underneath the light.

Let's have a look at you.

It's not so bad...
I'll soon fix that.

Sit yourself down.

- Thanks for your trouble.
- Oh, it's the least I could do.

You helped me...
Bring that chair over will ya?

Well, there's no need
to make all this fuss.

No fuss.

Have you been here before?

No, no, I haven't.

You're one
of the medical students,

- aren't you?
- How did you know?

Oh, we get a lot
of your type in here.

Them, and art students.

They come to understand
the human form.

That's anatomy, isn't it?

Yes, but not quite
as it's studied

at the... academy.

I could teach them more
than they'll learn at college.

Don't you think I could?

- I think I'd better go.
- Did those villains

get your purse?

- No, no, it's still here.
- Good.

- I'd better go.
- Don't ya like me?

Yes, I do.

Stay a wee while.

No, I...

Lee-da-dee-dee la-dee-dee-dee.

La-dee-da-dee la-dee-da-dum.

La-dee-dum la-da-

La-da-dee-da-dee I! A-ee.

How's your head?

Oh that? It's all right.

When'll I see you again?

Oh.

I'm here.

- All the time.
- I mean, really see you.

Take you out or something.

Take me out?

That's a good one.

And what would your friends say
if they saw you out

with the likes of me?

Don't laugh, Mary.

When?

Tomorrow maybe.

Tomorrow.

You better go.

You're going to be late
for your class.

Good Lord, yes.

Old Knox'll have me.

All right, tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Catch, Jamie.

What a lovely
rotting apple, Jamie.

Save me some core, Mr. Hare.

Did you hear that, Willy?

Save him some core...
Oh, it's a great sense

the boy has,
give him the rotten...

There's one thing
you gotta learn.

It's a hard life
for an injured fella.

- Look, Mr. Burke.
- What is it, Jenny?

They told me to get you home,
something terrible's happened.

- Well, what is it?
- You'll see it

when you get home.

Could it be that woman's
broke her neck?

Stop your wishful thinking, man.

It's a grand clown
you are, Willy.

Good old John.

- Just a handful of bones.
- Aye, that he was.

Aye, it's no wonder
he passed out on us.

Can ya hurry up
and get him out now?

I'll do what I can for ya.

Aye, it makes
the place look untidy.

- Guess the news, Willy.
- Surprise me.

Old John's been and died on us.

- No.
- He must've passed away

in the night
without a word of warning.

Ya hear that, Willy?
The lodger's died

owing me money...
Three pounds it is!

What kind of a man is it
could do thing like that.

Trust old John
to take the easy way out.

- How's business?
- Very slack.

I am away for some milk,
Mrs. Burke.

He'll be gone sooner
than that dog can wag his tail.

That'll be tomorrow...
I don't know

what the rest of my lodgers
are gonna Say.

Well, he's one less
to worry about,

that dirty old swindler.

Oh, stop your moaning and go
and put the bed-to-let sign out.

- What's for dinner?
- Kippers.

Can make do
with the ones we had yesterday,

- they're still repeating on me.
- If you're down a copper

or two, you could've finned
a haddock.

Or there's one there
in the cupboard

- but I think it's gone off.
- So how's poor Johnny?

Ya know, Burke, I was thinking.

It's a shame for Johnny
to be going to a pauper's grave.

And him with an unpaid debt
on his dying conscience.

Aye.

Sure they put them things
on very loose.

- What are you up to?
- Burke,

could your missus go down
to the pub and get a can of gin?

And what do you think
you're going to use for money?

Stop your clacking, woman...
Have you no respect

for the dead?

- Here.
- You're not so generous

when it comes to paying
your share of the house.

Here's your man here
says be out with ya.

Yeah.

We could get six guineas
for him up at the doctor's place

and that would
wipe out the debt.

Aye, and besides, giving him his
rightful chance to salvation.

It's a great pleasure
to be doing someone

a kind service.

If only he knew

how happy he would be.

And he got a mean outfit...

No wonder he died owing me
money.

- Good evening.
- Good evening, Doctor.

"Out of this nettle rash danger,
pluck this flower."

Thank you, sir.

- Thank you for the flowers.
- I'm glad you like them.

Why is he giving this party,
Geoffrey?

To launch you
on Edinburgh society.

Real reason?

To collect his friends
and enemies alike into one room,

and then insult them all
indiscriminately.

I tell you, gentlemen, medicine
is being driven underground.

The law yields to us
the body of a criminal

when he is caught and hanged.

When we have to wait
a very long time for justice

to unravel itself...
Meanwhile, the resurrectionist

- plies a very useful trade.
- Oh, really, Knox?

- You deny it?
- Well, I agree

you doctors need bodies
for dissection,

but to condone the violation
of graves by these ghouls.

I neither condone nor condemn...
I accept.

Is the feeding
of worms more sacred

- than the pursuit of truth?
- I think the reverend feels

that to violate the grave
is to violate the soul.

- I do.
- Oh, really?

I am told that
when the body is clay,

the soul has already flown
one way or the other.

Fortunately for the poor victims
of these grave snatchers,

that is true:
Their soul has left the body.

Of course... I was wondering why
I'd never come across one

- in my work.
- Oh no, Robert...

So you deny
that the soul exists?

I deny nothing.

I can show you the heart,
my dear reverend.

Can you show me the soul?

- It is there?
- Where?

Beneath the armpit?
Between the eyes?

- Deep in the abdomen?
- The fact that you cannot see it

does not prove
its non-existence.

After all,
you can't see a thought.

No, but you try having one
without a brain.

Gentlemen, gentlemen.

The trouble with Knox is
he's a teacher.

Ho-ho, I'm old-fashioned.

You can have
too much of anatomy.

For me, a surgeon needs
two things:

A patient disposition,
and a pair of strong hands.

Admirable qualifications
for a laborer

building the Caledonian Canal.

I suggest you're wasting
your talents, Dr. Ferguson.

- I consider that an insult, sir.
- I complimented your strength...

Now, now, now,
gentlemen, gentlemen.

Elliot, is it true what I hear?

They say no matter what
the complaint,

you have but one prescription:
Cenapas.

- That's a libel.
- I know.

A lawyer told me the story.

Well you must sue him sometime...
Excuse me.

That man is doing
the devil's work.

Aye.

He does it brilliantly.

It's terrible creepy here,
isn't it, Willy?

Sh-sh-sh...
I'd leave the talking to me.

Sure, he's the perfect specimen,

your honor... Burke,
stand aside so the gentleman

could see our gentleman.

Died only a few hours ago,
your honor.

We heard
you like them fresh, sir.

This one's as fresh
as a new-cut cabbage.

Excellent.

Excellent...
I'll give you seven guineas.

- Thank you kindly, your honor.
- Is this your

- normal line of business?
- Well, it's Mr. Burke here.

He's paid way of running
a small lodging establishment,

you see, and.

I see.

Put him in the brine, Davey.

May the saints
preserve your honor.

And may his soul rest in peace.

Amen.

- This way.
- Come on, Willy.

Oh...

How do you do, Ms. Knox?

I'm well, thank you,
Mr. Jackson.

- How do you do?
- Are you not going to

- introduce me to your friends?
- Yes.

This is Mary Patterson.

- Mary, this is Ms. Knox.
- How do you do?

- How do you do?
- This is Dr. Mitchell.

- One of our doctors.
- Oh, you're one of them, are ya?

How do you do?
I'm very pleased to meet ya.

- It's a lovely day.
- Oh yes, yes, it is.

Most unexpected
for the time of the year.

Well yeah, it's very much better
than yesterday, don't ya think?

Is that your boat?

It's a punt, Mary.

It looks nice.

- I wish we had one, Chris.
- Well, why don't you borrow it

for the afternoon?

You'd be very welcome.

Oh, what, with Chris
paddling, no fair.

I don't fancy walking home
with wet drawers.

I think we'd better go, Mary.

- Goodbye, Ms. Knox.
- Goodbye, Mr. Jackson.

Dr. Mitchell.

Come on, Mary.

Well.

- She's very pretty, isn't she?
- Yes, she's very pretty.

- I feel sorry for Jackson.
- Oh, why?

Oh, he tries so hard,
and he always fails.

Well, it's not from
lack of encouragement.

The doctor's been
very patient with him.

He's been giving him
extra coaching.

But I'm afraid
his mind's not on his work.

Come to that, neither is mine.

- What's the matter, Mary?
- Well you're ashamed

to introduce me to your friends.

They're not exactly friends,
and I wasn't ashamed.

Well, you looked it!

Look, Mary.

I'm proud of you.

You know that...
I'm the proudest man

in the world.

Oh, you need a woman
about the place.

I need you.

- Oh yes, Mary.
- Oh no, wait till tonight.

- Tonight, tonight.
- Can't, I've gotta work tonight.

Work? Tonight?

I've got papers to prepare
for tomorrow's lecture.

I thought perhaps we could go
out for a wee drink somewhere.

- And then come back here.
- No, I've...

Don't work tonight, Chris.

Not tonight.

- Come on, Burke.
- No.

Burke, wake up, Burke.

Sit up straight, man...
The money's gone.

- It's all gone.
- Aye, not a farthing left.

Well, what were you doing
wasting half of it

on the likes of her?

Sure, Aggie is what they call
a capital investment.

- She's a what?
- It's a thing

the businessmen talk about.

Poor old Aggie.

Isn't she a sight
to make your heart bleed?

That's the drink
that's took hold of her.

Come on, Aggie, wake up, girl.

You can't go
sleeping here the night.

- Give me a hand, Burke.
- Well, what have you in mind?

Well, the poor thing
needs a decent bed.

It's the least
we can do for her.

Come on, Aggie,
go on with Mr. Burke here.

The kindest landlord
in the town.

You know, Burke,

there's no one here
to see old Aggie go except us.

12 o'clock.

All's well.

12 o'clock.

All's well,

12 o'clock.

All's well,

- Drink.
- What's she doing here?

Mind your business.

Hey, where am I?

Oh, Aggie, you're among friends.

Me and Burke here.

Aggie, my dear,
you're in no condition

to be walking abroad now.

Burke, give Aggie
a drink of the whiskey.

That's my girl.

I can see the bloom coming back
to your cheeks, all right.

Helen, grab a seat
and keep watch.

- What for?
- Do as Willy says, woman.

Let us know
if you see anyone coming.

- Willy...
- It won't take a second.

Now, Burke, you wouldn't want
to be turning old Aggie out

with her feeling so weary.

What are you up to, what?

Now, Aggie, you're not thinking
our intentions are dishonorable.

You're old enough
to be my own mother.

Rest her soul.

You're a couple
of kind-hearted boys.

There's no men as kind

as the old folk these days, no.

I'm awful sleepy.

That's right, Aggie.

You have a rest.

Have a good rest.

Do ya hear that, Burke?

She wants a rest.

Hardly a whisper.

Sure the old girl's better off.

She'd nowhere to go.

That must be a terrible thing
when you're old.

She bit my hand, Willy.

She bit it.

Well, you can't
blame her for that.

Here.

Put her in here.

Fold her up nicely, Burke.

Can't blame her for that.

Filthy thing.

The filthy rotten thing.

Ain't she a beauty,

Willy?

Ain't she a beauty?

Burke!

Six, seven, eight.

You say you found her
dead drunk in the street?

But fresh as a herring,
your honor.

And already pickled,
as you might say.

I prefer the subjects
to be pickled externally.

This one is liable to explode.

However,

her heart, I suppose.

You're a great man to be
doing business with, Doctor.

Do you take the snuff?

Would you be wanting
a more or less regular supply

of our foreign fortunes
like Aggie?

There's always a big demand
for subjects here.

Oh, isn't... isn't
there hundreds

just like her in this old town.

Nowhere to sleep
with the freezing cold.

It's a wonder the whole place
isn't littered with corpses.

- Goodnight, Doctor.
- Aye, goodnight to ya, Doctor.

Probably the best thing
for her, Davey?

Aye.

She was a fair age, sir.

She'll serve
a more useful purpose now

than she did in life.

See to her in the morning,
will you?

Aye, sir.

Do you know what?

A man could become
a millionaire at this game.

- Do you think so, Willy?
- Weren't I telling ya?

And you know,
it gives a man pride,

respect of himself
to be doing a good job.

Just think of it Willy:

Burke and Hare,

members of
the great medical profession.

I draw your attention
to the protuberance

of the frontal lobe.

This gentleman might have been
a useful citizen,

but he was hanged
some 20 years ago

for murdering his entire family.

Mr. Jackson.

Mr. Jackson!

- Yes, sir?
- Will you be kind enough

to step onto the platform?

Yes, sir.

Now, sir, will you please
explain to us

how modern surgery might've
saved this man from the gallows?

Yes, sir.

- First...
- Use the pointer, Mr. Jackson.

We are waiting.

Yes, sir.

- First...
- Please don't mumble, sir,

and turn your head
so the class can hear you.

First, by removing
the protuberance

- on the frontal lobe...
- Removing it?

What are you proposing to do,
scalp him?

Quiet!

I'm sorry, sir.

You cannot enlighten us?

No, sir.

Were you not given a thesis
to prepare on this subject,

- Mr. Jackson?
- Yes, sir, but you see...

That will be all.

Mr. Smithy.

Proceed, Mr. Smithy.

Modern surgery could've
lifted part of the lobe

approximately
an eight of an inch,

so that the pressure
would be taken off the brain.

Very good, continue please.

Come all young men and maiden.

Bow down to me.

Come all young men and maiden.

Gotta listen unto me.

Well unto you do I unfold

go and prove my destiny.

What ya looking at me
like that for?

I was just looking.

Cotton!

Chris!

Chris!

Oh, Chris.

Mary.

It's all right.

How you must hate me.

No.

Here.

Where did you go?

I went across the road
for a wee drink,

you know how it is.

Yeah, I know how it is.

- Chris?
- Yeah?

You know what
you asked me to think about?

About marrying me?

Well?

No, Chris.

Couldn't I make you happy, Mary?

You see the way I am.

Half of me wants to be with you,
and the other half keeps tugging

the other way.

I'm not a good girl
for you Chris, I never was.

I need to go out and laugh
and have fun,

and maybe have a drink
too much, you know?

I don't want
to make you miserable.

Look, Mary, I know it's dull
for you, sitting about here,

but I've got exams to pass.

I'm going to be a doctor.

Well, I know that.

But I will try
and take you out more.

Honestly, I will.

Will you, Chris?

You promise me one thing, Mary.

What?

Stay away from that house.

I'll try.

- Really I will, I'll try, Chris.
- Promise me.

- I promise.
- Good.

And tomorrow night
I'll take you out

and set the town on... fire!

Oh, Chris, oh, let's not
talk about fire, Chris.

It's the real aristocrat
you are, Willy.

That's the finest whiskey
that I ever seen in my life.

Suits the color of your eyes.

- Bloodshot.
- Keep a civil tongue

- in your head, woman.
- Is there nothing for me?

- What do you want?
- Oh, I saw

the bed-to-let notice,
and if the bed's still vacant...

Oh, don't stand there
in the draught.

Come in.

Don't worry,
you're with friends.

- Okay.
- That's more than welcome ya are

and that's for truth, Burke?

Aye, that's the truth,

as welcome as a golden gilly.

Hey, would ya... would ya like
a bite of something to sup...

Helen, my darling,
don't just stand there.

Go and get the gentleman
a plate of something.

You're very kind.

I'm a poor man,
but I won't be any bother.

Oh, sir, you'll be
no bother at all.

Have you been long in Edinburgh?

No, I just arrived the day.

I'm down from Inveraray.

That's a wall up in the
Highlands, you ken.

Is it now?
Did you hear that, Burke?

The gentleman's come all
the way down from the Highland.

Aye.

Will you be wanting
the bed for long?

Well, that's hard to say.

I'm looking for work, you see.

I see, tell me...
Oh, do you take the snuff?

How kind, thank you.

Tell me, Mr.

McLaren, Angus McLaren.

We'll just call ya Angus.

Tell me, Angus,

have you...

Have you got any friends
in this town?

No, I am just a crafter.

And there are hard times by,

so I just thought to myself,

"It'd be nice
to visit the capital"

and make a decent sum of money,
so as I can end my days

- "in peace."
- Isn't that what we all want?

Just to end our days in peace.

You've done business
with us before, I gather?

Oh, aye, sir, that we have.

With Dr. Knox.

The doctor is occupied
at the moment.

I'll attend to you myself.

I am Dr. Mitchell.

Well, open the box.

Aye, sir.

Would you believe that?

This man died
only a few hours ago.

Oh, aye, that's right,
doctor... you see,

we got him quick before
the parish undertaker

could get his
thieving hands on him.

Where'd you get him?

Well, you see, the poor old soul

was lodging
at my colleague's house.

That's Mr. Burke here.

And he seemed to take ill.

Just old age...
Passing away in the night.

How did he get that bruise?

Bruise?

- Has he got a bruise?
- Well, look for yourself, man.

Oh.

Do you see that, Burke?

He's got a bruise
on the side of his head.

Isn't it amazing?

You know, I... I'm glad
you pointed that out, doctor...

- I said, "Where did he get it?"
- I don't think there's any need

to cross-examine our friends,
Dr. Mitchell.

We've had several
fine specimens from these

gentlemen in the past.

I was merely trying to establish
the cause of death, sir.

Don't tell me he was
a patient of yours, Mitchell.

Yes, I think eight guineas
is the current market price,

- is it not?
- Eight guineas it is, sir.

And as ever, sir,
it's a pleasure to be

doing business with
a fine gentleman like yourself.

Aye, that it is, Doctor.

Show our friends out, and then
lock up, will you, Davey?

Goodnight, dear Doctor.

Goodnight.

Dr. Knox.

Dr. Mitchell.

Are you satisfied that subject
died a natural death?

Why do you ask?

Those those two men.

What do you know
about them, sir?

- I know nothing, and care less.
- And you'll continue

to accept subjects from them
without question?

I will continue
to teach anatomy,

using the best specimens
available

to turn out doctors
who will replace quacks.

Is there anything else?

No, sir.

Then goodnight, Mitchell.

- Is Dr. Knox engaged?
- We don't wish to be disturbed.

- The doctor is busy now.
- We'd like to see him

on an urgent matter...
Will you kindly tell him?

Come in, gentlemen.

This is a great honor.

Four of England's
leading surgeons.

- Dear me.
- I hope you still consider it

an honor when you've heard
the purpose of our visit.

Nothing could change
my opinion of you, gentlemen.

Proceed.

An article by Dr. Knox.

Page 13, but pray don't
trouble to find the place,

Dr. Elliot,
I have an excellent memory.

"A few months ago, a man came
to the Edinburgh Infirmary"

with an aneurysm connected
with one of the larger arteries

of the neck,

notwithstanding
its obvious characteristics,

even to the merest beginner,
that it was an aneurysm.

A certain...
distinguished surgeon

pronounced it to be an abscess.

Accordingly, this celebrity,
who was once an amateur member

of the ring,
and who prides himself,

among other things,
upon the strength

of his hands and arms,
without pretention to head,

plunged his knife into what
he believed to be an abscess,

"and the patient died
in a few seconds."

Oh well, damned effrontery.

- How dare you?
- "Dare"?

- Is that a challenge?
- Why didn't you name

the surgeon? Were you
frightened of a lawsuit?

Well, since we all
know your name,

- and your reputation.
- You heard that, gentlemen.

You surprise me, Dr. Ferguson...
I would prefer

- to remain anonymous.
- I intend to sue you

to the last penny
in your possession.

A most laudable enterprise.

No doubt, your plea occupation
over a rich harvest

will inspire
a more adequate excuse

- for your next failure.
- Why you...

Why didn't you
let him strike me?

Or were you thinking
it would've provided

a more potent weapon
in the law-courts

than a mere wrangle over
an undisputed fact.

I see before me four white,
angry baffled faces.

Why, because I have
written an article?

Because I have accused
one of you of murder?

My friends, go ahead

take me to the high courts!

And in the words of your puppet,

sue me for every penny
I possess.

A business-like venture.

I wish you better success
in the field of commerce

than you have enjoyed in the
scared task of our profession.

Is that all you have to say?

No!

I'm aware that the path of truth
was never strewn with roses.

On every hand,
one encounters a gray gauntlet

of empty threats.

To be condemned by ignorance is
a complement to the knowledge.

Group your miserable way
to the law-courts if you dare!

I will meet you on the steps
with a torch light

to scorch into your souls

and leave them bare as a warning
to your future victims.

Now if you would be so good

as to incline your heads
slightly to the right,

you will observe the door.

Please use it.

Why do you deliberately
insult them?

- Are you criticizing me?
- No, not criticizing.

I wouldn't be so presumptuous

but I'm warning you,
those doctors

will harm you if they can.

How can they harm me?

By making capital out of
the merest whisper of gossip.

Such as?

An association with men
like Burke and Hare.

And who will listen to them?

Am I to be as scared
of expressing the truth

as they are at hearing it?

I'll tell you, Mitchel,
it will take more

than a handful of quacks
to shake me.

I am producing surgeons
who will fight for humanity,

not destroy it.

And in the process of doing that

nothing, nothing
will stand in my way.

The individual is not important.

And listen unto me.

Why am I cheery.

What we got is destiny.

My mother died when I was young,

what truth do I relate

oh my father beat me tenderly...

- Hey, what's the time?
- What's it matter?

Oh, I said I'd be home
to meet Chris.

- Chris.
- Goodness.

- Oh, Jamie.
- Hello, Maggie.

- I got a new line for you.
- All right.

Come on, what's your line,
what's your line, Jamie?

It goes like this,
there are creepy and crawlers

and six legged bogies and things
that go bump in the neck...

Oh, that's very good, Jamie.

- Isn't that good?
- Ey, it's good.

Jamie.

I give you a penny?

If you can remember
the rest of it.

Oh, come on, let's go over
to the house, Mary.

Come on, there'll be
free drinks over there.

My mother died when I was young.

- Another time!
- Get outta here.

Mary?

Get your coat, Mary.

Get out of here.

If you want a scene
I'll give it to you.

You're drunk, Mary.

Let me take you home.

Oh, let me take you home.

Did you hear that?

I'm gonna take you home,
he says!

Go on, if you were half a man

you'd drag me out of here
by the roots of my hair.

But you just try it
and I'll kill you.

Go home yourself, Chris Jackson,

scratch away with
your pen like a good boy

for the doctor will be pleased
with you in the morning.

And don't keep a light
burning for me

'cause I no be back.

I'm not gonna be bored anymore

by your mealy mouth talk.

Come on.

Come on, come.

Come on.

Chris!

Chris.

Chris!

What is it now?

Nothing.

Give me your drink.

Of course, my darling.

I'm a poor fool to be grieving
for the likes of him.

Imagine me thinking I could
make a man of a ninny.

There's plenty more of that

where we're going.

And where will that be?

Tanner's close,
just the three of us.

As cozy as three bugs in a rug.

It's just around the corner.

Just around the corner.

Just around the corner!

Just around the corner.

Just around the corner!

Just around the corner.

Come on.

Mary!

What the heck, what the heck!

La-da-dee-da-da-dum

I gotta make my bed soon.

Say I'm weary all about...

Burke, where's your wife?

She's gone to see
her twin sister.

You'll wait here.

Why, Willy, what for?

Because I'm telling you.

Oh.

Don't make the place
untidy, Willy.

We're together, Mary.

Just the two of us.

No.

Leave me alone.

I can give you money.

No!

Let go!

No!

No.

No, no, no!

Stop!

No, no, please.

No, no, please, no, no!

No!

No, no!

No!

No, no, no, no.

No, no, no!

No, please, please!

Shut up, shut up!

- Please!
- Shut up!

Hey, Willy,
the old woman's coming.

Well, let's get our...

Hey.

What's she doing here?

She's dead.

Did you touch her?

Nobody touched her.

Willy just killed her,
that's all.

Oh, that's all right.

I don't want a thing
like that in the house,

- she'll get us a bad name.
- Look, me and Willy has work

- to do so go to bed, woman.
- What and her lying there?

Get rid of that first,
just look at the mess

she's made in my bed anyway.

- She looks lovely, Willy.
- Ey.

You know, I'm thinking
the good doctor

should give us
a bit more this time.

Your enemy,

it is your friend.

Death is an incident

producing clay.

Oh, you're at work early,
Mr. Jackson.

Yes, Davey.

This one's the best
we've had so far.

Doctor wants some drawings taken

before we put her in the brine.

No.

That would be...

Jackson.

What is it then?

What's the matter with you?

Jackson!

Burke and Hare.

- Mr. Jackson.
- Burke and Hare.

What is the matter with Jackson?

Ey, he was acting very strange.

I can tell you why.

- Well?
- Burke and Hare

has just brought in the body
of a woman named Mary Patterson.

She was Jackson's girl.

You killed Mary Patterson.

I never touched her,
be off with yah.

You killed her.

Now get back
to where you come from.

You killed her!

You and your cut-throat friends!

You killed my Mary

and took her to Dr. Knox!

You killed...

Well, Burke, that's one subject

we won't be selling
to Dr. Knox.

Goodnight, Mr. Hare.

Goodnight, dear sir.

Come on, my darling.

He'll be as sober as a judge
in the morning.

What's the matter
with your friend?

He's fine, we'll
see you later, Jamie.

I might as well
come along with you.

Can I give you a hand?

- He doesn't look very well.
- He's all right.

He's had too much
to drink that's all.

I wish I could
say the same for myself.

Well.

Here.

Mr. Hare, you've given me
a golden guinea.

Here ye, here ye.

Murder, murder in Westport.

Murder most foul.

If any in the name of the king

have any information please...

Christopher Jackson.

- Are you quite sure, sir?
- Quite.

You say he was stabbed?

Yes, sir, he was found in
an alleyway early this morning.

Do you know of any reason
why somebody

- should want to kill him?
- None, he was a quite man,

hard working, I don't know
about his personal life.

Do you, Dr. Mitchell?

I can't think why anybody
should want to kill him.

Well, thank you, gentlemen.

I don't think I need
detain you any longer.

Thank you, inspector.

Why didn't you convey your
suspicions to the police?

- Did you want me to?
- And why not?

You know what I fear, sir.

An opportunity for
your enemies to destroy you.

Your consideration for me
is very touching, Mitchell.

However, if you seriously
think that Burke and Hare

are responsible
for Jackson's murder

your duty as a citizen
is obvious.

Or if you'll really consider
that the life of a street woman

is more important than
the advance of surgery

than stand in the market square
and scream murder to the mob.

I was thinking only
of Jackson, sir.

Hey, come on!

Did you see that, Wally?

Ey, the good doctor coming away
from the police station.

Lot a good that will
do the police.

Hey, watch your skulkin'
there for you daft loon.

Did you get the drunk home
safely?

Ey.

We got him home safely, Jamie.

I just was asking, you see,
I'd done a terrible sin.

- What'd you done here?
- I... I found a man

in the alleyway, he was dead.

And what was the wicked thing
you did then, Jamie?

I stole a ring off his finger.

And then you know,
I went to confession

and the priest said I should
take it to the police.

Now what do you
think about that?

And did you take it
to the police, Jamie?

Not yet.

You didn't, ey?

Well, that's a wise boy
you are, Jamie.

Wise?

Yeah, have you got it
on you now?

No.

If you take my advice,
you'll sell it.

You see the police
may get to thinking

that it was you
that killed the man.

Now me and Mr. Burke here,
we may be interested

in buying it from you.

Seeing as we're in
the trading business.

Would yah... would yah really?

- Wouldn't we, Willy?
- Ey, we would.

Say, you run along
and get it, Jamie.

Shall I bring it here?

No, bring it
to the house tonight.

Then we can all drink just
to celebrate the transaction.

There's no time like a night
for talking business.

Well, what do you think, Willy?

I don't think he's half
as daft as we thought he was.

- Jamie.
- Hello, Maggie.

I've been searching everywhere
for Mary, have you not seen her?

No, Maggie.

I haven't seen Mary
for nigh and two days now.

- I'm worry about her.
- Worried?

You were talking
to Hare just now.

Oh, I was...

Oh, it's a secret, Maggie.

Geoffrey.

I have a confession to make.

Oh?

Today, I overheard
some of the students

discussing the doctor.

They were saying terrible
things, Geoffrey.

They were saying that
the doctor isn't particular

how or where he procures
bodies for dissection.

This isn't true,
is it, Geoffrey?

Geoffrey.

This isn't true?

No, madam.

No.

Good evening, Mitchell.

Can we discuss
tomorrow's lecture?

I trust you've
received my notes.

Yes, sir.

Our subject is the heart.

Don't worry.

Hello, Mr. Burke.

Hello, Mr. Hare.

Hello, hello.

Hello, Mr. Burke?

Are you there?

Hello, Mr. Burke?

Are you there?

Mr. Hare?

It's me, Jamie.

Mr. Burke, Mr. Burke, no!

Helen, get outside,
watch for anyone coming.

Into the house, Willy.

Get him out of here
as quick as you can.

What's the matter, Helen?

- There's no more screaming.
- Only the pigs.

Get the box ready, Burke.

Oh.

And don't let's be
forgetting the ring.

That's what he'd come here for.

Murder!

Murder.

Help, murder, murder!

Help, they murdered Jamie!

Who murdered Jamie, who?

It was Burke and Hare!

I'd seen them, I'd seen them!

What's it say there?

But I tell you it was murder

and I saw it happen
with my own eyes!

Now just a minute,
just a minute, lady.

And it was poor Daft Jamie!

Those witched cut-throat
Burke and Hare were murdering!

Will you calm yourself, lady?

I can't make an accusation
of murder

against somebody without
some proof of the fact.

Well, you come by
the house you might find

the evidence you're wanting!

What's happened to Jamie,
inspector?

- What's been going on?
- No, no, no. No.

Hold your hymns, there's no
cause to be grieving yet.

All right, Mrs. Burke,
where are they?

- What... what do you mean?
- What do you think I mean?

You can't come busting into to
decent peoples homes like that.

- Where's Daft Jamie?
- I don't know.

I never saw him, I swear it.

I never saw him, I tell you!

You're lying!

They murdered Jamie
and you saw it happen!

- No, I didn't, that is not true.
- And Mary Patterson,

you dirty thief!

It's not true I tell you!

Stop it will you!

Stop it you bisselneck,
you oughtta...!

Stop it you two,
stop it will yah!

They're dead!

They're both dead!

And if you want to find them

go to the Academy of Dr. Knox.

Dr. Knox, in a few minutes

Burke and Hare will bring you
another subject.

I beg of you not to receive it.

- And why not?
- Because the police know

it was murdered,
a woman witnessed it.

Is this what you mean?

Yes.

Was this young man well known?

Everybody knew Daft Jamie.

And a woman screamed murder

yet our friends Burke and Hare
were not undoubtedly perturbed

when they brought him here.

Because the know you
have more to lose than they.

They're relying on you
to cover their traces.

Are you accusing me
of collusion with them?

Dr. Knox, I don't know
what to believe any longer.

But I beg of you,
for your own sake

dispose of the body before...

You were saying?

It's too late.

Open the door, Davey.

My conscience is answerable

only for me, Dr. Mitchell.

Nothing is too late.

I'm sorry to disturb you,
Doctor,

but, I've received some
information from this woman.

I have already been informed,
inspector.

That's him, that's Jamie!

Poor Jamie.

It was delivered
a few minutes ago

by two men of the name
of Burke and Hare.

Have you examined the body?

You interrupted my intention,
inspector.

Take a look now,
Dr. Knox, if you'd please.

Could you state
the cause of death?

Violence

without any doubt.

They've been murdering
right under our noses.

What's the law doing about it?

Let's get after them ourselves.

- Come on!
- That's right!

Willy, Willy, they're after you!

They're coming towards
the house!

They're coming after
the pair of you.

Listen!

What do we do, Willy?

It's all up with us.

They're close by.

The warehouse,
we can hang there.

- What about me?
- You stay here, woman!

They'll turn and run
at the sight

- of your ugly face!
- No, don't leave me!

You coward,
you just give up and go on!

There's Helen Burke!

They're away to the warehouse!

They're away to the warehouse,
come on, already now.

What have I done?

They're coming, Willy.

Just shows you can never
trust a woman.

Come on!

A board, Willy.

Come on, over here!

Heave, heave.

Heave, heave, heave!

Heave!

All right!

Get Burke!

Get off me!

There he is!

Come out here.

They got them both,
they got them!

They've arrested Burke and Hare.

In the case of the Crown
versus William Burke.

Call the first witness
for the prosecution.

Call William Hare.

William Hare!

Silence in court.

Place your hand on the bible.

Do you solemnly swear
to tell the truth,

the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?

For that I do, you honor.

Hare turns Kings evidence!

He turns Kings evidence!

Here ye.

In the trial of the Crown
versus William Burke,

the verdict has been reached.

Burke guilty!

Dr. Knox no charge!

Dr. Knox no charge.

But why should
that old scoundrel

get away free as air?

Not with the crime
that was going on.

Damn me, one of them
deserves to live

- and as for Hare...
- They've never did

and honest days work
in their lives.

At the very least,
Knox should be put behind bars!

He's as guilty
as either of them!

Now if anybody else has
anything to say against Knox

you better tell me now.

Be seated please.

Keep your seats.

The subject of this morning's
lecture, gentlemen

is neurology.

Get it over with!

I wonder what he's thinking now!

It's a curse on Dr. Knox,
I'm thinking, Father.

Do you know, he never paid us

for the last subject
we brought him?

Now you must make an
Act of Contrition, my son.

That's none of my business,
Father.

But if he paid us
for the subject

like an honest man,
I'd be standing here

in a decent pair of trousers.

Meeting the public
as I am for the first time.

Our God bless...

Hang.

There are no charges
against you, Mr. Hare.

You're free to go.

But the mob,
they'll be waiting for me.

You can go out the back way.

Will you send someone with me?

All right.

As far as the door.

Not me eyes.

Not me... not me eyes.

- Come on out.
- Come on!

I could get the coach
around the back for you,

it would take
a few minutes longer.

And keep the Medical Council
waiting, Davey?

That would be unforgivable.

Oh, I beg of you
not to go out there.

Geoffrey!

Take care of her, Mitchell.

- Off with your head!
- Off with your head!

Off with you head!

Murderer!

Murderer.

Off with your head!

Off with your head.

He's indestructible.

No he isn't indestructible,
Geoffrey.

With all the jackals
snapping at his heels

he's bound to fall.

In a few minutes
he faces the Medical Council

doctors, who for years
have tried to destroy him.

And he hasn't got a friend

who will raise a finger
to help him.

This is not a court of law,
Dr. Knox.

The Medical Council is concerned

only with the honor
of our profession.

Have you nothing to say?

Nothing.

You are my judges, gentlemen.

This is a heaven sent
opportunity.

Make the most of it.

Mr. Chairmen, gentlemen.

I don't think we require
your presence, Dr. Mitchell.

I feel there is something
you ought to here, sir.

Very well.

Gentlemen, I haven't come here
to defend Dr. Knox

and I'm not going
to plead for him.

We have all traded in death.

Bodies snatched from the grave.

Bodies taken from coffins
before they went into the grave.

In all the years
of your experience

can you deny that doubt
has ever entered you minds?

- As to what, Dr. Mitchell?
- As to the cause of death.

This is a scandalous
implication!

It is not on that,
it is an accusation!

We are students of Hippocrates

but some of us are hypocrites.

Look into your hearts
and seek the truth

and then, then if you
condemn Dr. Knox,

ask yourselves whether or not
you condemn each other.

And the entire
medical profession.

Dr. Mitchell, I demand that
you retract that statement!

Mister, mister!

Give us a hand there, mister?

Give us a hand there.

And what will you buy with it?

Oh, just a few sweeties,
that's all.

I'm sorry,
I haven't any money with me.

If you want to come to my house

I'll give you some there.

No thank you.

You might send me to Dr. Knox.

Doctor?

Davey.

I can't tell you
how glad I am to see you.

I thought I'd never
see you again.

And why?

Because of the mob,
"Death to Dr. Knox"

they've been
shouting it all night.

So you didn't expect me
to return in one piece?

Or perhaps as a subject
for my dissecting table.

I've only been walking, Martha.

- All night?
- All night.

Excellent for the constitution.

Most terrifying for the soul.

- The soul?
- Oh, yes.

I admit its existence.

We are not demigods now.

As a child, I believed
in God and the Devil.

It took a child
to show me what I am now.

- I failed, Martha.
- Oh, no.

Yes, I've failed.

Oh, I don't care
what they say about me.

I've listened to
the screams of the mob

and the howls of deprecation
from the Medical Council.

Blood lust and hatred.

I bracket my colleagues
with the rest.

I despise them all.

Every one?

Until this morning, yes.

But I've just heard the voice
of conscience.

From a small child
I heard the truth.

And what did the voice
of conscience say?

It said, "You are an ogre,
Dr. Knox."

You have killed humanity”.

For the sake of humanity.

For the sake of achievement,
ambition,

those bits of clay.

Poor lumps of humanity that
Burke and Hare brought in.

I have to confess to you,
Martha.

They seemed so small
in my scheme of things.

But I knew how they died.

They've reached their decision.

You are exonerated.

So.

They've decided
to let the world judge me.

Very courageous of them.

It is time for my lecture.

I have never missed
a lecture, Mitchell.

No, sir.

It will be quite
a new experience

talking to empty walls.

At least they
won't criticize me.

Thank you, darling.

Be seated, gentlemen.

Before commencing
this morning's lecture,

let us consider
the Oath of Hippocrates

the sacred oath
of our profession.

I will prescribe regimen
for the good of my patients

according to my ability
and my judgement.

And never do harm to anyone.