Title DossierComedy

Burke and Hare

ComedyCrimeHistory

A black comedy about two 19th-century grave robbers who find a lucrative business providing cadavers for an Edinburgh medical school.

Year

2011

Duration

1h 31m

IMDb

6.1

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Cast

Bill Bailey

Hangman

Tom Wilkinson

Doctor Robert Knox

Michael Smiley

Patterson

Cast

Bill Bailey

Hangman

Tom Wilkinson

Doctor Robert Knox

Michael Smiley

Patterson

Tim Curry

Doctor Monro

PD

Paul Davis

Patient

Christian Brassington

Charles

Gabrielle Downey

Mad Maggie

Stuart McQuarrie

Magistrate

Simon Pegg

William Burke

Andy Serkis

William Hare

MG

Mike Goodenough

Aggrieved Customer

Jessica Hynes

Lucky

Robert Fyfe

Old Donald

Robert Willox

Gravediggers' Bouncer

David Schofield

Fergus

David Hayman

Danny McTavish

Christopher Lee

Old Joseph

Ronnie Corbett

Captain Tam McLintoch

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Comments

10 Comments

ngominka.marienoelMar 19, 2026

Millind Gaba#MusicMGSep 9, 2022

@ Girlystyle: Hear, hear. The story itself is not "laugh-out-loud" funny; I thought the situational humor very rich. I'm not sure I agree with Burke's romantic subplot, but the true-crime basis for the script probably needed some kind of leavening. The production design was superb and there were plenty of great British actors to fill the niches. Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, John Landis directing-- honestly, what is there to complain about? Perhaps part of the problem is the lack of good dark humor these days. I've always thought John Landis to have a good understanding of this genre (American Werewolf in London a case in point), but when I see this film I have a distinct feeling of "looking back". After all, dark comedy is a subset of satire, and if there's one thing lacking in the Industry now, it's a finely-developed sense of irony.

Srijana KoiralaSep 8, 2022

I found this movie on Netflix after searching for something "good" to watch. I have to say that this was one of the more offbeat, and enjoyable films that I've seen all year. Based on a true story, except for the parts that aren't, "Burke and Hare" stars Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis as two down and outs who are willing to do anything to make a buck. After unsuccessful tries as con men and grave robbers, they stumble into a profession that, will supply bodies to the medical schools of Scotland. This is a black comedy that is very funny and often hilarious. Some people may feel that the subject matter is not to be made fun of. But in true British humor, nothing is sacred. The entire cast is terrific. From Simon Pegg to Tom Wilkinson to Tim Curry and Christopher Lee. Special kudos to Ronnie Corbett who is very funny as a Captain of the guard, tracking down his foe. On a night when you don't know what to watch. Give "Burke and Hare" a go. Highly Recommended.

Friday Dayday KalaneSep 8, 2022

Was looking forward to seeing this, big fan of Landis & Pegg. It's awful, the only good thing about it was that Jessica Spaced girl. The casting, acting & script appeared rushed especially with Isla Fisher who was laughably miscast. Look back at Trading Places, Blues brothers & Werewolf & you wonder what happens to talented & slightly off kilter directors. In the Blues Brothers he made the fatal mistake of having its 2 stars covering their eyes for 98% of the film & in this one he lets Pegg star without his trademark coverage of the 'nouth' (part between nose & mouth) Serkis is passable & equally ugly. Altogether, a wasted opportunity of a very promising premise.

Dinosaur 🦖Sep 8, 2022

Simon Pegg either seems to make great or rubbish movies. This does not fall into the great category. While there were undoubtedly funny moments the film really lacks any ability to engage the viewer. Andy Serkis is a great actor but was given little to use and it was difficult to form any real engagement with the characters. The movie tried to make the main characters likable but failed to explore any depth. While allegedly based on the events of the era a lack of content left me feeling disappointed. To be fair I watched it all the way through for the odd moments of humor the ending left me feeling like I had been robbed of precious time where I could have been doing something far more valuable. Given the other great films made by the director it is hard to see where the film failed to bring the elements together that make a film good (I won't even try and use the word great) its only saving grace was the performance of Jessica Hynes but that may jut be because I have a crush on her.

Solomone KoneSep 8, 2022

what a load of 'fookin sh*%e' man'. My wife and i are both in agreement, this is without doubt the worst film we've seen this year, and almost the worst ever. Utterly awful, dreadfully dreary tale with zero soul, passion or enthusiasm. Avoid like the hangman's noose or you'll just be wasting an hour of your life. I can't believe this website is actually forcing me to write 10 lines - it's just not worth it IMDb - you're being cruel to me man, rubbing my face in it - this is adding insult to injury - I only wanted to warn the world that plague lies within this tosh, masquerading as a serious film - you' should be encouraging this.

El maria de luxeSep 8, 2022

The press reviews I had read of the film seemed to uniformly pan it so I wasn't expecting too much when I went to see it (as a result of a word of mouth recommendation). And the recommendation was correct - it was a lot better than the critics painted - not a classic but a reasonable 7/10 film, a period black comedy but definitely more comedy than black. Since I'm not Scottish or Irish the accents didn't grate as they appeared to do to some of the critics on this site. The period touches seemed okay (and yes I got the Greyfriars Bobby reference). The theatrical flourishes (whether operating or stage) were suitably over-played.

Anita GordonSep 8, 2022

This one didn't really do it for me. I was expecting a bit more. It didn't really make me laugh and the plot didn't kee me interested

prince oberoiSep 8, 2022

I tend to go and see any new Simon Pegg movie when it comes out at the pictures and Burke and Hare was no exception. Given Pegg's past form, I was expecting a really good laugh, but sadly this film just didn't hit the spot in the same way that some of his earlier movies did. The plot was ripe for comedy: two hard-on-their-luck chancers become body snatchers in 19th century Edinburgh and come up against a motley crew of militiamen and local gangsters. Yet the film seemed to drag despite being around an hour and a half, which is hardly lengthy. I think the major problem was that the main stars spoke with unconvincing Irish accents. It just distracted me and I couldn't believe in the characters as a result. There were some decent set-pieces now and then, but the romance between Pegg and his actress girlfriend was a bit dull and predictable. Maybe this is a film that I'll give another go when it pops up on TV, but I wouldn't recommend paying to see it at the cinema, sadly.....

Bayyinah_sanaSep 8, 2022

I saw this last week, and it lived exactly up to my expectations. Not great, not terrible. Serkis and Pegg are funny in certain moments, both of them at times have expressions that genuinely make you laugh out loud!! Once you suspend your disbelief, Ronnie Corbett as the chief of the militia is pretty funny!! People have said it is too dark to be a comedy, and too light to be a drama. For me, this is a classic "leave your brain at the door" film. Most of people in cinema were laughing a few times, and I didn't find it too dark. Even the bits with dead bodies were more funny than frightening. If your wanting to have a laugh, and are not over squeamish, I recommend it. Doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't.