The story of William Buke and William Hare and Dr Robert Knox, this is a well told tale with suspense, tension, drama and a bit of black comedy. There are several narrative strands woven together seamlessly, and filmed in atmospheric black and white with perfect use of the widescreen format. Stanley Black provides an ideal film score. John Gilling directed a range of genre films well and this undoubtedly is one of his best.
It also must be one of the best performances by Peter Cushing and Donald Pleasence. Cushing as Knox is single minded and determined to carry out his zealous purposes for humanity. He also has a nice line in sardonic humour. Pleasence as Hare is impish and cunning and chilling. Both actors play characters whom you don't like but you can't take your eyes off them.
Also excellent in support are George Rose as Burke, Renee Houston as Helen Burke, Billie Whitelaw as the wayward Mary, John Cairney as the medical student Jackson and Melvyn Hayes as Daft Jamie. The murder of the latter is particularly gruelling, The murder of Aggie is also grim, with Hare capering around almost in glee. (Aggie was played by the delightful Esma Cannon which seemed to make it even worse. The fiends!) The crowd scenes are well staged too.
Fully recommended.
It also must be one of the best performances by Peter Cushing and Donald Pleasence. Cushing as Knox is single minded and determined to carry out his zealous purposes for humanity. He also has a nice line in sardonic humour. Pleasence as Hare is impish and cunning and chilling. Both actors play characters whom you don't like but you can't take your eyes off them.
Also excellent in support are George Rose as Burke, Renee Houston as Helen Burke, Billie Whitelaw as the wayward Mary, John Cairney as the medical student Jackson and Melvyn Hayes as Daft Jamie. The murder of the latter is particularly gruelling, The murder of Aggie is also grim, with Hare capering around almost in glee. (Aggie was played by the delightful Esma Cannon which seemed to make it even worse. The fiends!) The crowd scenes are well staged too.
Fully recommended.