The Doctor and the Devils

The Doctor and the Devils is a British horror film directed by Freddie Francis, based on the Burke and Hare murders that took place in Edinburgh in the 19th century. The screenplay, written by Ronald Harwood, is loosely adapted from the original narrative poems by Dylan Thomas. The film stars Timothy Dalton as Dr. Thomas Rock, a character inspired by the historical figure Robert Knox, who becomes involved with grave robbers Burke and Hare to obtain specimens for his anatomical research.

Plot

Set in the early 19th century, The Doctor and the Devils follows Dr. Thomas Rock, an ambitious and pioneering anatomist who believes that progress in medical science is paramount. Frustrated by the scarcity of legal cadavers for study, Rock becomes entangled with a pair of grave robbers, Fallon and Broom, who begin to supply him with fresh corpses. Unbeknownst to Rock, the duo starts to murder people to keep up with his demand, leading to a moral and ethical crisis that engulfs all involved.

Cast

• Timothy Dalton as Dr. Thomas Rock
• Jonathan Pryce as Robert Fallon
• Stephen Rea as Timothy Broom
• Julian Sands as Dr. Murray
• Twiggy as Jennie Bailey
• Patrick Stewart as Prof. Macklin

Production

The film's production history dates back to the 1950s when Dylan Thomas first wrote a screenplay based on the Burke and Hare story. However, it was not until the 1980s that the project was finally realized, with Freddie Francis at the helm. The film is noted for its atmospheric cinematography and its attempt to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the medical profession.

Themes

The Doctor and the Devils delves into themes of obsession, morality, and the ethics of scientific progress. It questions the limits of sacrificing human life for the sake of medical advancement and explores the consequences of blurring the lines between right and wrong in the pursuit of knowledge.

Reception

Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its atmospheric setting and the performances of its cast, particularly Dalton and Pryce, while others criticized it for its pacing and for not fully exploring its ethical dilemmas. Despite its mixed critical reception, the film has gained a cult following over the years for its unique take on the Burke and Hare story and its contribution to the horror genre.

See Also

• Burke and Hare murders
• Robert Knox
• History of anatomy
• Horror film