The Doctor and the Devils (1985) Horror Movie Review

by Phil Kapp
(Brooklyn, New York, USA)

Released: October 4, 1985
Directed by: Freddie Francis
Written by: Dylan Thomas, Ronald Hardwood
Starring:

Timothy Dalton as Doctor Thomas Rock
Jonathan Pryce as Robert Fallong
Twiggy as Jennie Bailey
Julian Sands as Dr. Murray
Stephen Rea as Timothy Broom

This movie is one of several based on 19th century history and despite bombing at the box office, it may be the best. Its main characters are Dr. Rock, a brilliant anatomist, and Broom and Fallon, two murderers who bring him the bodies he needs to teach anatomy at a medical college.

There are many reasons why this story has been re-told. First, memorable characters. Second, the interface (or violent crash) between Rock's aristocratic, academic world, and the brutal world of Broom and Fallon. Rock is an arrogant man, believing he is right to defy outdated, hypocritical laws. These days were hard ones; regulations making cadavers nearly impossible to get. Arguably, he doesn't know where the killers get their bodies (they are people who have just been murdered). Or perhaps he does know, but refuses to deal with the truth. He is complicated, sometimes emotional (watch him as he lectures), other times ice cold. But he cares about the poverty overwhelming his city whereas few others do.

Fallon and Broom (based on real murderers Burke and Hare) are also fascinating, completely lacking in conscience. Can they get away with more killing? For Broom, it's simply about the money. The bodies come straight from the graveyard at first. But Broom realizes that murder is easier, more profitable than grave-robbing. He explains this to Fallon; Fallon becomes the one doing the killing. He enjoys murder as much as he does getting paid for it. Gradually, Broom feels suspicion growing, a trail of evidence pointing at the two. Fallon doesn't want to hear it; he has new victims in mind already. "There's madness in you," Broom says.

Dr. Rock (based on real-life Dr. Knox) is arrogant and smug, yet sympathetic. One big reason: encounters with people change him. After saving the simpleminded Billy Bedlam's life, Rock meets Billy's sister Alice, a hooker. She gives Rock a ring to thank him, saying she knows it is not worth much, but "It's of value to me." Rock is stunned by her words.

Its debatable how early on Rock realizes that Broom and Fallon have moved from grave-robbing to murder. Desperation can make people not want to know the facts, keeping them blind to harsh truths. In his lectures to medical students, Rock spells out his code of honor. He calls himself a materialist who does not believe in the soul. The soul has no shape and the heart is not the seat of love, only an organ. Yet he says he is a man of sentiment, and a moralist. He tells his students that doctors must understand more than science. They must be caring individuals. The science of anatomy contributes to the great sum of all knowledge. The end justifies the means. Clearly, Rock's motivation is not riches, not his ego. Later, you see him put his money where his mouth is.

It is less clear whether Rock is in deep denial about the murderers. At one point he snaps, "Do you expect the dead to walk here? They need assistance. Broom and Fallon provide that assistance."

The real Burke felt that his only path to survival was testifying about Hare. Hare was convicted and put to death; Burke was freed. Dr. Knox's career took a downward spiral.

Sadly, this well-acted, well-written movie, directed by veteran Freddie Francis did poorly at the box office. Sadder, you wonder what Francis could have accomplished if he had access to better scripts. By the time he worked at Hammer, their best days were behind them. This was one of a few good screenplays he ever got.

Four out of five freak heads.