Question 1

Which real-life killers inspired the story of The Flesh and the Fiends?

Accepted Answer

The film is an adaptation of the story of real-life killers William Burke and William Hare who, around 1827 in Edinburgh, Scotland, provided more than a dozen corpses to anatomist Dr. Knox.

Question 2

Why did Peter Cushing keep his left eye partially closed while playing Dr. Knox?

Accepted Answer

Peter Cushing plays Dr. Knox with his left eye partially closed throughout, in the character of the real-life Dr. Robert Knox whose left eye had been badly damaged by smallpox in infancy.

Question 3

What impact did the murders portrayed in the film have on medical legislation?

Accepted Answer

The murders raised public awareness of the need for bodies for medical research and contributed to the passing of the Anatomy Act 1832.

Question 4

What happened to Burke's remains after his execution?

Accepted Answer

Burke was hanged and his corpse was dissected and his skeleton displayed at the Anatomical Museum of Edinburgh Medical School where, as of 2020, it remains.

Question 5

What differences exist between the UK and European DVD versions of the film?

Accepted Answer

The DVD release contains the UK version and the European version which includes topless women, seen very briefly in the tavern then prominently in its two backroom revelry scenes.

The Flesh and the Fiends

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