MovieChat Forums > The Evil of Frankenstein (1964) Discussion > Peter Cushing overlooked film

Peter Cushing overlooked film

posted 16 years ago by john_chris2006
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There is much to be admired by Peter Cushing in the Hammer/Frankenstein films but to me there is a movie in which his acting is overlooked and that film is "The Flesh and the Fiends" which is based on the infamous true story Burke & Hare, the pair from Edinburgh who steal corpses and sells them to the medical schools throughout the city. Cushing plays the doctor who doesn't question where the bodies come from as long as it leads to a better understanding of anatomy, morals take no part in his actions. This is a rarely seen DVD and it comes in 2 versions on one disc; the U.K. version and the Continental version. The Continental version was considered very risque by it's time. Almost taking the spotlight from Peter Cushing is a young Donald Pleasance. This movie can be obtained from web sites which specialize in cult films. I would be interested to know if anybody else has seen this under-rated classic.

[–] HaemovoreRex 16 years ago

Yes indeed, it's a true classic.
Cushing, as you said was absolutely superb in his role (as always) whilst Pleasance to, gave a wonderful portrayal of Hare; simultaneously menacing, calculating and cold hearted. A very special mention also to George Rose as the somewhat less than intelligent William Burke who brought some wonderful humour even to such grim proceedings such as when he bemoaned the fact that he didn't have new trousers for his own hanging(!!!)
Incidentally, if you haven't already seen it, may I also recommend 'The Doctor And The Devils' which is a very similar film from 1985 and which in keeping with the Hammer connections, was directed by none other than Freddie Francis.
A great cast to, including Timothy Dalton, Patrick Stewart, Julian Sands and Jonathan Pryce.
Well worth checking out

Mmmmmmm.......what blood type are you?

[–] john_chris2006 16 years ago

Yes I do indeed have the Doctor & the Devils and in some ways is just as creepy as Doctor and the Fiends. The atmosphere is as gritty, seedy, dirty, and depressing as the previous film. Most of the actors did an admirable job, even Twiggy. Only thing I had trouble was with her attempt at her accent, which seemed over the top. Jonathan Pryce's acting was brilliant in that he portrayed a man with no morals whatsoever, a true socio-path. Timothy Dalton's Dr. Knox did not equal Cushing's performance, in my opinion. Unlike the Flesh and Fiends, which had some numerous humorous bits, the Doctor & the Devils was more relentlessly downbeat and oppressive.

[–] john_chris2006 16 years ago

I do have the DVD of Doctor & the Devils and in some ways the movie is just as dirty, seedy, disturbing as The Flesh and the Fiends. I actually can say I enjoyed Twiggy's performance in the film even though her forced accent was hard to take. Jonathan Pearce's performance was as creepy as anything put on film. I do not believe, however, that Timothy Dalton's Dr. Knox was not up to par with Peter Cushing in the Flesh and the Fiends. With it's faults, however, I would recommend the Doctor & the Devils to any fan of the genre.