The Body Snatcher

MILITARY MARCHING DRUM

A WOMAN SINGS "When ye gang awa', Jamie..."

# ..ye but think of me

# But, laddie, that's a time awa'

# A mither's like to die... #

Here's a bit of something for you.

DOG GROWLS

-Now, laddie. I only want to be friendly.

-GATE OPENS

Here you are, Robbie.

Wait a minute, now.

He's been here since Wednesday, when we buried the lad.

Your son? He must have been a fine lad for the dog to love him so.

Aye, he was. Gentle with little things, like Robbie here.

Now I cannae get the dog to leave, but it's probably for the best.

I havnae the money for a grave-watcher.

Not much danger here in Edinburgh.

They're bold, the grave-robbers, and the daft doctors who drive them.

-I'm by way of being a medical myself.

-A doctor?

Student. I've been studying under Dr MacFarlane.

That is, I've been studying until today.

Here we are, ma'am.

Thank you.

Come, little miss.

Cabman Gray will carry you safe enough.

-Would you like to give my horse a pat?

-Yes.

He knows every little girl in Edinburgh.

As you run and play in the streets,

-he'll nicker at you as we go by.

-I can't run and play.

I forgot. All the more reason for Fred to give you a hello.

He'll keep an eye out for you. Won't you, Fred?

There we are.

There, now. Safe in your own wee cab.

Watch sharp, little miss, for Fred to give you a hello.

I would like to see Dr MacFarlane.

It's all right, darling. Don't be afraid.

Dr MacFarlane.

I'm Mrs Marsh. This is my daughter, Georgina.

-Dr Maximillian sent me to you.

-A famous colleague.

-Might you examine my little girl?

-Delighted to do so. Come in.

Thank you, Doctor.

-Born paralysed?

-No, it was an accident.

-Was the paralysis immediate?

-No.

She seemed to get better, then six months later she had back pains.

-How long until complete paralysis?

-Nearly a year.

-Any pain since?

-Yes, Doctor.

-Sporadic or constant?

It comes at intervals. They used to be months apart,

but they've been growing much more frequent.

Child, when you have this pain, where is it?

-I don't know.

-Is it the middle of your back?

-I don't know.

-Low down in your back?

-I don't know.

Point to where it hurts. You can do that, can't you?

-Useless, ma'am!

-Please, darling, don't be so stubborn.

Mother, he frightens me. KNOCK ON DOOR

-Excuse me, Dr MacFarlane.

-Come in.

Can you can do something with this young lady?

I can't get a yes or no out of her.

-I only came to speak to you...

-Test your bedside manner.

-Are you a doctor too?

-Not yet.

You'll be a good one. I know all about doctors.

It's a nice chair you have. Useful, too.

-It isn't English, is it?

-You want to ask me about my back,

-about where it hurts?

-Why, yes.

Well, it's all around here and down my legs.

It aches as if I'd been walking an awfully long way.

That's funny, isn't it? Because I can't walk at all.

Would you mind if I lifted you onto that table in there?

-The child seems to take to the lad.

-Yes, she does.

What accident was it, ma'am?

A carriage overturned. My husband was killed and Georgina was hurt.

-How long ago?

-Three years.

-Dr MacFarlane?

-Excuse me.

-Certainly.

See that?

Fettes, wheel her into the hall.

It seems Dr Maximillian is right.

The violence of the accident caused a traumatic tumour,

a growth that presses on the nerve centres.

-Can anything be done?

-Perhaps.

A very delicate operation, never performed before, but it could be done.

And you WILL try? You WILL operate?

-Not I, madam.

-But wherever I've taken Georgina,

they've mentioned your name. You're our only hope.

Believe me, if I were only a doctor, I'd do it at once, but I've a school to run.

-But surely, for a child who cannot walk or run...

-I regret it, madam.

To be responsible for training 30 doctors, to attend a thousand children like yours.

There's nothing I can say for one small child?

I am not heartless, madam.

I have every sympathy, but to see every case brought to me, I'd have no time to teach.

It's a great responsibility upon me, ma'am.

Fettes, see Mrs Marsh to the door. Good day to you, ma'am.

-Why did you want to see me?

-I'm afraid I must give up medicine.

Give it up?! You're made for a doctor!

I have to. My father is a parish vicar, not much of a living...

You're good. I'll not let you quit.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

-I'll make you an assistant, pay your keep and tuition...

-Only the best students are made assistants.

-But Richardson...

-He has a glib tongue.

-You'll be a better doctor. I'll explain your duties.

-Dr MacFarlane,

-I'd like a word with you.

-I'll follow you, Fettes.

-Are you having Fettes for your assistant?

-Yes, he's a good lad.

Aye, he is. That's why I ask you, MacFarlane.

You think it will spoil him? Wasn't I assistant to Knox?

Aye.

Did it spoil me, Meg, my lass?

Don't worry.

It'll do the boy no harm.

-I can't express my gratitude, sir.

-I'm happy, knowing I'll have trained the great Dr Fettes.

As to your duties - keep the accounts

and give statements to students.

-Also, as you'll be living here...

-< CRUNCH

Joseph!

Why are you sneaking about like a redskin? Make some noise!

-Let people know you're about.

-Yes, Doctor.

Or I'll think you're spying on me.

-You know where we get the bodies for the section?

-From the municipal council.

-They're the bodies of paupers.

-So the law stipulates.

There aren't enough of them, Fettes.

< HORSE NICKERS

DOG SNARLS

GROWLING CONTINUES...

..AND IS SILENCED

HORSE AND CARRIAGE APPROACHES

HARD KNOCKING AT DOOR

Give me a hand. This is heavy.

You'll find this specimen in good condition.

He was as bright as a thrush, not a week long gone.

A likely lad, I'm told.

You're a new assistant?

Aye. I'm Donald Fettes.

-I'm very pleased to know you, Master Fettes.

-Mr Gray?

That's right. Cabman Gray.

I've had dealings with MacFarlane in the past.

I always get on with his assistants,

providing that they understand my humble position.

-Dr MacFarlane said I should pay you.

-Of course.

That's the soul of the business.

I have no doubt the key is in your pocket.

And the desk is over there.

My fee is as usual,

ten pounds.

Although it's none of my business, I'd make the proper entry.

"Received, one specimen, £10."

Shall we say from a MacDuff? A royal name.

Good night, Mr Gray.

My respects, Master Fettes.

And may this be the first of many profitable meetings.

< LAUGHTER

Well, my boy. Your first meeting with the redoubtable Gray.

It's a milestone in your medical career.

LAUGHTER

All right, gentlemen. That'll do.

Dr MacFarlane asked me to review the points he discussed.

First, the construction of the ribs and the haemoptyses.

Was this your doing, Servis?

Mr Fettes?

-A lady is asking for you.

-What lady, Joseph?

If you gentlemen will excuse me...

-Good morning, Mr Fettes.

-You asked to see me?

-I want you to help my girl.

-I'm only a student.

Georgina said you were kind. Can you intercede for us with Dr MacFarlane?

I don't know if I can, Mrs Marsh.

-Did he tell you about Georgina?

-Aye.

Then he told you it was progressive.

It will grow worse. Soon she will not be able to move at all.

And you won't ask him to help?

I didn't mean it that way, but I'm in no position to ask favours.

Ask this one favour.

Of course I will.

Georgina was right. You ARE a kind man, Mr Fettes.

I'll do what I can.

You will find us every morning on the ramparts.

I take her there for her airing.

In an adult, this muscle can apply 175lbs of pressure,

The human jaw has double that strength.

That is to chew our food and bite our enemies.

Life can't be all skittles and ladies.

-Yes, sir.

-Time for luncheon.

I've a bit of beef to discuss.

I'll leave you to your own arrangements.

Richardson, I see you have that arm you wanted.

Yes, sir. This fella would have been a great one at hurling the bar.

Beautiful biceps.

-Burke and Hare could never have got the best of him!

-What did you say?

-Just making a joke, sir.

-It's a poor subject for jest for a medical student.

-What did you say to him imperial highness?

-Nothing but a merry word about Burke and Hare.

There's nothing in that to get excited about. They're dead and buried.

HE WHISTLES "Wi' A Hundred Pipers"

They killed his wee doggy too.

Little Robbie.

-KNOCK AT DOOR

-Come in.

Well, Fettes, where have you been?

I didn't see you at the afternoon session.

I don't think that I can go on, sir.

What do you mean? You've got your lodgings. It's all arranged.

I saw the woman whose son's body was delivered last night.

It was taken from Greyfriars.

I knew the woman and the little dog on the grave.

-He killed the dog.

-That's why you won't be a doctor?

Not if I'm a party to things like that, Dr MacFarlane.

Fettes, I was an assistant once.

I had to deal with men like Gray.

Do you think I wanted to? Do you think I want to do it now?

But I must, and YOU must.

Ignorant men dam progress with stupid, unjust laws.

If that dam will not break, we find other courses. Do you understand?

-Yes, but this woman and her son...

-He might be alive today

if more doctors worked with human specimens.

As for me, I'll let no man stop me when I know I'm right.

I need subjects for my students' enlightenment and my own knowledge.

If you're a real man and want to be a good doctor,

you will see it as I see it.

# When ye gang awa', Jamie

# Far across the sea, laddie

# When ye gang awa', Jamie

# What will ye send to me, laddie? #

-Evening, gentlemen.

-How are you?

THE BOY SINGS

We'll have a stiffener of hot rum, so we meet this fellow on fairly equal terms for warmth.

A fine specimen, isn't he, Toddy MacFarlane?

Come, Toddy, sit down here with me.

Don't call me that confounded name.

Well, then, Dr MacFarlane.

I knew a time when you liked Toddy. Many are dead who called you by it.

Rough and wild ones. But sit down, with your friend.

We have professional matters to discuss.

Medicine? That'll keep. Sit down.

You wouldn't want it said that you refused a glass to an old friend.

We'll buy you a glass, Gray.

I'm a pretty bad fellow myself, but MacFarlane's the boy.

Oh, Toddy MacFarlane!

-Why don't you order for your friend? On second thoughts,

-I

-will.

A bowl of hot punch and a cut from the loin of pork.

Don't worry, waiter.

I'm with my friend, the great Dr MacFarlane.

He wants to sit here with the commonality.

You were talking of medical matters. Don't let me stop you.

-Talk on, Toddy.

-I will not have you call me that!

You will not have it?

-Dr MacFarlane, remember the lady who came to see you yesterday, with the little girl?

-Yes.

She came again to ask if you'd break your rule and operate?

-You're her only hope.

-I'm a teacher.

A teacher, eh? Maybe you're afraid to be a doctor.

-Afraid?

-That you're not as good as you say.

-I'm the best man for the job.

-Do it, then.

I'd like for you to do the operation, Toddy.

Since when have you been this child's protector?

It's not the child I'm concerned with. It's you.

Prove that a lot of things I know haven't hurt Toddy MacFarlane.

-I'll not do it, Gray.

-Yes, you will.

-To oblige Mr Fettes and myself.

-No.

Maybe there's some private reasons between you and me that'll make you. Some long-lost friends,

eh, Toddy?

Say you'll do it for me and my friend, Mr Fettes.

It might be an interesting case.

-That's a good boy!

-You only want me to do it because I don't want to!

-Isn't it, Gray?

-Toddy hates me.

-Don't call me that!

Ever see the lads play knife?

Toddy would like to do that all over my body.

We medicals have a better way. If we dislike it, we dissect it.

You'll never get rid of me that way, Toddy.

We have two bodies - very different bodies.

But we're closer than if we had the same skin, for I saved your skin,

and you'll not forget it.

He said it might be an interesting case.

-You have his promise?

-Yes. But there will be great pain,

during and after. Great pain and shock.

Pain? Shock?

SHE'S brave enough, but I don't know about myself.

I wonder if I dare trust my child into any but God's hands.

I'd like to give you cause for courage.

Dr MacFarlane is the greatest man in medicine.

God gave him such gifts so that he could cure Georgina.

Thank you, Mr Fettes.

Throw it over here!

CHILDREN LAUGH

Mummy! Mummy!

-Take me to the wall. I hear him!

-Hear him?

-The white horse who'll greet me when he sees me.

-An old acquaintance, eh?

Put your arms around me and we'll go up and see it.

It was a brown horse, Mummy.

A cabbie said his horse would say hello next time he saw her.

Why do you want it to bid you good day?

-He was a nice horse.

-Maybe it's because you haven't friends enough.

-Could that be it?

-Of course I don't have friends. That's because I can't walk.

I've tried to get used to it.

Don't get used to the wrong things. Do you want to walk, run and play?

-You know how much she wants that.

-Aye, but how much?

-I want it so much.

-But you'll have great pain.

Greater pain than you've ever had.

Do you want it that much?

-Yes.

-Then Dr MacFarlane will make you well.

LAUGHTER >

Gray's head... Is that it, Toddy?

Is that what you broke under the poker?

Broken it, and have done with him forever?

HE DROPS THE POKER

My poor lad!

-My poor lad that can never be free of him.

-You're daft.

What's Gray? A man from whom I buy what I need.

-The rest is forgotten.

-You may deny him,

-but you'll not be rid of him by saying the devil's dead.

-Nonsense.

You're a fey creature, with mad ideas,

but you have a wildness that holds me to you.

No great lady can take my place?

KNOCK AT DOOR

KNOCK AT DOOR >

Come in.

Fettes, I didn't expect to see you on Sunday.

Do you want powders for that aching head? We drank a furious lot.

It's about the operation on the Marsh girl.

Do you hold me to a promise given in drink?

But...I met Mrs Marsh and told her.

-You irk me with your lack of understanding!

-But you promised.

Not I, nor anyone,

knows enough about the spinal column's intricacies to ensure a successful operation.

-I'd have to study it. Have we any subjects?

-No.

-Wilmot used the last spinal section.

-You see? It's out of the question.

Yes, I suppose so.

STREET SINGER SINGS "I'll send you a brand new goun, Jeannie"

# The brawest in the toun, lassie

# And it shall be of silk and gold

# Wi' flounces to the knee, lassie

Do you know where Gray the Cabman lives?

-# That's nae gift at all, Jamie...

-Thank you all the same.

# Silk and gold and all, laddie

# There's nae aucht gold in all the land

# I like when ye're awa', laddie. #

-<

-Come in.

Oh...

It's the young doctor, come to see me.

I'm honoured, honoured.

Come in, come in.

Here, sir. Take this.

It's the most comfortable chair.

To what do I owe the honour of this visit?

-Some business of Dr MacFarlane's?

-Dr MacFarlane didn't send me.

I came of my own accord.

What are the chances of your getting us a subject?

Well, that'd be difficult. Very difficult.

A dog bothered me during the last job.

People are so concerned about...dogs.

It raised the father and mother of a row. The kirkyard is guarded.

I wouldn't say it was impossible.

How soon? Dr MacFarlane is engaged in urgent research.

He can't wait. He'll have to.

-Can't you give me any idea?

-How could I?

I'll do the best I can. After all, I am financially interested.

You may tell Toddy I'll do what I can when I can,

as he knows I will.

He must wait and see, as the children do.

If that's your answer, I suppose it will have to do.

# Mony a heart will break in twa

# Should he ne'er come back again

# Will ye no' come back again?

# Will ye no' come back again? #

There's bad news, boy, bad news.

We have to go out again.

# What will ye send to me, laddie?

# I'll send ye a brand new goun, Jeannie

# The brawest in the toun, lassie

# And it shall be of silk and gold

# Wi' flounces to the knee, lassie

# That's nae gift at all, Jamie

# Silk and gold and all... #

SUDDENLY CUTS OFF

RAPPING AT DOOR

-There, sooner than we thought. A stroke of luck you might say.

-Good.

That's the street singer. I know her, I tell you, she was alive

only this evening, it's impossible she can be dead.

You could not have gotten this body fairly.

You're entirely mistaken.

You'd better give me my money and make the proper entry.

Goodnight, Doctor.

HE WHISTLES HAPPILY

-Good morning, Master Fettes.

-Do you know the street singer who sang "When ye gang awa', Jamie"?

Every street singer knows it.

She was beautiful. A wild lass from the Highlands.

It's a wonder I hadn't noticed her. Oh, this girl.

Dr MacFarlane, she was murdered.

I saw Gray last night to ask for a specimen.

On my way, I saw this girl.

-I gave her money. She was alive and singing.

-Well?

-Gray killed her.

-We can't be sure.

I am, and I'll report it. It's like Burke and Hare all over again!

I wouldn't do that.

Grave-robbing is one thing. This is murder!

She may have been an epileptic.

Thrown a fit, fallen out of bed and cracked her skull.

-It's all explained. That bruise on her forehead.

-I can't believe that.

Believe it or not, it's best to pretend you do.

You ordered the subject, received it and paid for it.

You are a party to murder.

-I didn't ask him to kill.

-Who would believe that?

Someone else might recognise her. She was very well known.

We should do what we always do: dissection.

I'll help you, of course.

I want the whole centrum myself,

for spinal work. You know why.

Have a drop. It will help.

I couldn't swallow.

How long has it been?

Only 20 minutes.

Only 20 minutes...

Now, watch closely, gentlemen.

This is the heart of the matter.

-Wait, doctor, wait, the child is fainting.

-Good, so much the better.

-Pulse?

-Slow. Not too alarming.

-Let us proceed.

The final step.

Push the ganglia to one side

and make the osseous incision here.

So, it's done.

The repair is effected.

Nothing left to do but replace the tissue

and let nature heal what is no longer a defect,

-merely a wound.

-Bravo.

In a second, you can consider her YOUR patient, Fettes.

-Doctor...

-What's wrong with you?

Creeping about! What do you want?

-Mr Gray...

-I don't want to speak with him.

Say there will be no more business between us.

Good afternoon, Toddy.

Well, I'm to have the pleasure of speaking to him myself. You can go.

That wasn't a friendly thing I heard, Toddy.

That has nothing to do with it.

I'm doing more lecturing and less dissection. It's for the students.

You know what you want and what you don't.

There's the end of our business.

But we'll still be friends, Toddy.

I'll be stopping by to see you and Meg, for auld lang syne.

I suppose I can't prevent that,

for auld lang syne.

And do you think you're getting rid of me, Toddy?

HE LAUGHS

I would like to speak to you.

-I presume you shall. This won't be my last visit.

-Alone.

-I saw something. I heard...

-What did you hear?

-I know...

Maybe some other time.

You'll have ample opportunity.

-Good afternoon, Master Fettes.

-Good afternoon.

I just saw Gray. What was he laughing at?

Perhaps his horse tickled him in the rib.

Mrs Marsh says the incision has healed clean and fine,

but Georgina has no desire to walk.

When she's ready, bring her to me.

-Do you know what happiness you've brought to them?

-That's the way of it, Fettes. Bring the lassie to me.

Don't you want to find the white horse?

-You can't do it from there. You have to walk.

-I can't!

You can't? Don't bribe her with childishness. Let her walk.

Her spine's all right. I know it is!

-She must WANT to walk.

-She's a cripple. Of course she does!

Child, get up out of that chair and walk!

I ask you to do a simple thing. Raise yourself with your hands to a standing posture,

then step out with your left foot.

Try it. I say, try it.

Lift yourself up now.

Good. Now step out.

-Step out!

-I can't.

I can't. My legs won't move!

-Nonsense. They will!

-Georgina's a good child, a brave child.

You saw her in the operation.

-She says she can't move.

-But everything's in place.

-She would if she could.

Then, all my surgery is no good.

There's something wrong with the child.

Something I don't know.

Something I can't diagnose.

I can do nothing for her.

See Mrs Marsh home. I'll be at Hobbs'.

-Join me there later.

-Yes, sir.

Do you have a fare for me - a gentleman taken with his wine?

-MacFarlane will want to be freighted home.

-Dr MacFarlane?

-He's as stiff as the bodies he deals with.

-I'll look in on him.

-Toddy.

-Oh, it's you, Gray. Come in. Have a glass with me.

Uncommon friendly tonight, Toddy - more like the old days.

I want someone to talk to. Fettes went off with the widow.

You know something of the human body.

I've had...some experience.

You'll understand. The backbone is a lot of little blocks.

The blocks are held together, so it works like that whip of yours.

-You know that?

-I've never had it explained by a learned man.

I set them, patched the muscles, put the nerves straight.

I did it and I did it right, but she won't walk.

-Oh, it's the girl Fettes was talking about.

-The same.

Look here, Gray. I fitted them together, like this,

so that it was right, and yet she won't walk.

You can't build life putting blocks together.

I'm an anatomist. I know how things work.

You're a fool, and no doctor. You only know the dead.

-I am. I teach medicine.

-Like Knox and I taught you?

In cellars and graveyards?

-Did Knox say what makes the blood flow?

-The heart pumps it.

And why are things remembered and forgot?

-The nerve centre, the brain.

-What makes a thought start?

-The brain!

You don't know and you never will.

Not from Knox nor me would you learn that.

Look. Look at yourself.

Could you be a healing man, with the things those eyes have seen?

You've a lot of knowledge, but no understanding.

-You'll not get that from me.

-I AM a doctor, a good one.

-I could make her walk, but she won't.

-Have another glass.

I'll take you home. Now you know you're Knox's man and my friend.

-Forever.

-I'm my own man. I'll have no more to do with you. What do you hold over me?

I stood in the witness box and took what should have been coming to YOU.

I ran through the streets with the mob yelling for my blood

because you were afraid. You still are.

No, I'm not. Shout it from the housetops.

Dr Knox is a gentleman in London.

Aye. There's something in what you say.

Yes, and if you've any regard for your neck,

stay away from my house, my school and from me!

Well, I've no wish for a rope cravat.

I never liked the smell o' hemp.

So I'll bid you good night, Dr MacFarlane.

THE DOOR SLAMS

Ah, Dr MacFarlane's man.

A surprise visit. Come in.

Come in.

You're welcome to my little nest.

Joseph, is it not?

Yes, that's right.

-You have something to say to me?

-Yes.

Something very private?

That's very interesting. Take a chair, Joseph.

CAT MEOWS

-Can anyone hear what we say?

-Only Brother.

I know you kill people to sell bodies.

You say you came here for your own account?

No-one knows you are here?

Give me money, or I tell the police you murder the subjects.

Well, Joseph, you shall have money.

Why should you not?

I don't suppose Dr MacFarlane is over-lavish with his pay?

-No.

-Here, have a glass of this.

You want money? Then you shall have it.

Let me see...

Five, five...

And in gold, six.

Shall we say...sixteen pounds, Joseph?

Yes.

I made you give me money, but you smile. Aren't you angry?

No, Joseph! Here, have some more brandy.

I'll wager it's better than the doctor's, eh? Drink up, man!

I have an idea, a splendid idea.

So good an idea, we must drink on it.

I admire you. It took courage to come here. I need such a man.

But drink, Joseph, drink!

You and I should work together.

Sell bodies to the doctors together? We dig them up?

We'll do no digging. The kirkyards are guarded.

-We'll Burke them.

-Burke them?

-You're lately come to Scotland?

-Yes.

But you may have heard the peddlers of verse try their names down the street.

# The rough young dogs the hellish pair

# The villain Burke, the meagre Hare. #

Never heard of it, what did they do?

18 people they killed and sold the bodies to Dr Knox -

£10 for a large, £8 for a small. That's good business!

Where did they get the people?

That was Hare's end.

Oh, you should have seen him. When he saw some old dame

deep in drink how he cousined her.

"Good day to you, Madam. Would you like a little glass of something before you take your rest?

"Come with me to my house and you shall be my guest.

"You shall have ports to drink if you like." Oh, how he cousined them.

He can't do that.

When he get them there, then what?

# Nor did they handle axe or knife to take the victim's life away

# No sooner done than in the chest

# They crammed their late-visit welcome guest. #

I don't understand the song. Tell me plain how they did it?

I'll show you how... I'll show you how they Burked them.

No...

Put your hand down. How can I show you, man?

This is how they did it, Joseph.

HE HUMS "Highland Laddie"

HE RIPS UP MATERIAL

SPLASH

You've no need to be anxious, Meg. MacFarlane will be back in time.

-I can keep you company.

-I call that no good fortune.

There was a time, lass, when I used to bring the doctor to your door,

that you weren't so cold to your old friend Gray.

Why are you at him all the time?

He's my friend. I like to see my friends.

I like to visit them.

A DOOR OPENS Well, he's come home.

You've no need to stay.

Gray, what are you doing here?

-Having a glass with my old crony.

-Crony indeed!

-Get out, Gray.

-I brought you a present. In very good condition.

-I ordered nothing from you.

-This is a gift.

-I take no gifts from you.

-You'll take this one.

-I told you to get out.

-Toddy, that's not friendly. I want to discuss business.

You are not to come here again for any reason,

-and you're getting out now.

-I wouldn't do it, Toddy.

It might become known when Dr MacFarlane finds his anatomy school without subjects,

he provides them himself from the midst of his own household.

What are you talking about?

Take a look downstairs, Toddy.

Take a look downstairs.

-Where's Fettes?

-I'll get him.

-Fettes, were you down here when Gray came?

-No.

Bring that candle over here.

A member of his household.

The more things are wrong, the more we must act as if things were right.

-Do as you did with the singer.

-No.

-What do you mean?

-I'll have no more to do with it.

You can't begin and then stop.

The entry of the girl's body is in your writing. I'll attend to Gray.

-You're not going!

-He must leave me alone.

-No! No!

-Mistress Cameron, this is no place for you.

-You must leave.

-I can't. You heard MacFarlane.

-Save yourself. Look at MacFarlane.

-He's a great man.

-Is it a great man whom Gray can order to his bidding,

and who, for shame, dare not acknowledge his wife,

so that I must play maidservant for the world's sake and for his success?

He could have been a great man, a good man, and a fine doctor

but there was always the shame of the old life to hold him back,

and Gray, Gray to hound him to his death.

-You're overexcited, Mistress Cameron.

-I'm cold as ice.

-But Gray's only a resurrection man.

-If he were only that.

He's evil. You will come to know him as MacFarlane does. MacFarlane was to Knox as you are to him.

That's how he met Gray and roistered with him.

Aye, and Gray even brought him to my door, and my love.

There's all that between them and more.

Burke and Hare and Knox.

-But that's long since.

-Gray can't threaten me with that.

Gray has not need to threaten you. Do you remember the trail?

I heard my parents speak of it. It was a famous case.

Do you remember the porter who testified against Burke?

-Aye.

-They didn't tell you how that porter cried out in the witness box

when the King's Counsellor pressed him hard.

How he cried out that he was shielding a gentleman of consequence.

That porter was Gray.

And the gentleman of consequence, who could swallow the shame of it,

-who took my last paltry savings to hire Gray...

-MacFarlane.

Listen to me. I'm one part in love with MacFarlane, and one part fey.

-You're a Lowlander, and don't know what Highlanders call the second sight.

-I've heard of it.

It's a gift to my people, and I see MacFarlane and Gray.

The pit yawns for them.

I would have you away from them and safe from the torment.

CAT MEOWS

-This is unexpected, Toddy.

-I wanted to see you.

You weren't here, so I waited. What do you want of me, Gray?

Want of you? I want nothing of you, Toddy.

I must be rid of you. You've become an evil cancer, rotting my mind.

-You've made a disease of me, eh?

-The only cure is to cut you out.

I'll not leave till I'm sure that I'm rid of you.

-If there's no other way...

-You're not threatening a friend?

-We've never been friends.

-Here, have a drink of something good.

-I've drunk enough.

Another little drop will never do you any harm.

You're getting old and it's a hard life, driving a cab in Edinburgh.

-I have other means of sustenance.

-The resurrection business may end.

What I was going to say is this...

Wouldn't you be more comfortable at Leith?

Would you bribe me to let you be?

I'd make you rich.

That wouldn't be as much fun as to have you come and beg.

-Beg? Beg of you, you graveyard rat?

-Aye, that is my pleasure.

I beg of you...

-I would lose the fun of having you come back and beg again.

-But why?

It would hurt me to see you no more. You're a pleasure to me.

-A pleasure to torment me?

-No, to know I can force you to my will.

I am a small man, a humble man. And, being poor,

I have had to do much that I did not want to do.

So long as the great Dr MacFarlane comes to my whistle,

that long am I a man, and if I have not that, I have nothing.

Then I am only a cab man and a grave robber.

You'll never get rid of me, Toddy.

Let be, Toddy. Let be. I've no wish to hurt you.

No, Toddy, you'll never get rid of me.

Don't force me to kill you, Toddy.

My pride has need of you.

That's better, Toddy.

That's more reasonable.

HORSE APPROACHES

Where's Fettes?

He's gone.

I sent him away. I'll not see another boy made miserable like you.

You've been with Gray?

Aye.

You'd better look at the face.

Look at it, Meg.

I'm rid of him forever. He'll not come again, whining and bullying.

Now he'll serve a good purpose, and tomorrow,

when he's been dissected and demonstrated, there's an end to him.

The next day, I'll take his horse and cab to sell at Penicuik fair.

Then, not a trace left...

rid of him forever.

No, Toddy,

you are not rid of him.

CHILDREN LAUGH

-Good morning.

-Good morning, Mr Fettes.

-­ I thought this was a school day.

-I left last night.

Left Dr MacFarlane?!

Play by yourself, darling. I'd like to speak to Mr Fettes.

This is serious. What's happened? It isn't because of Georgina?

No. I feel I have learnt nothing.

He taught the mathematics, but not the poetry, of medicine.

HORSE APPROACHES

Mummy!

I feel he had me on a road that led to knowledge, but not healing.

-If he could heal, Georgina would be walking.

-I think it was the pain.

Mummy, I'm sure it's the white horse.

She's afraid that if she stands, the pain will come again.

Mummy! I can't see over the wall.

Georgina...you're standing.

-You'll not need that.

-I wanted to see the horse.

-I have to tell Dr MacFarlane.

KNOCK AT DOOR >

The child has walked. I must tell Dr MacFarlane.

-He's not at home.

-Where can I find him?

You don't want to find him. I'll tell him.

I must tell him. Where is he?

There's no standing between a fool and his folly.

-He's at the Fisherman's Tryst, the inn at Penicuik.

-I know the inn.

-Use MacFarlane's horse and gig.

-I'll be there in an hour.

He couldn't get the better of old Angus, the horse dealer.

A sound horse, a closed carriage,

and I got his price down to £4/10/-.

and worth every bit of ten pounds.

Surely a man who had won so great a victory would buy the loser a drink.

-The man who bought the horse bought you a brandy.

-That's civil of him.

# To the lords of convention, 'twas Claver who spoke

# Ere the king's crown go down, there are crowns to be broke

# So each cavalier who loves honour and me,

# Let him follow the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee. #

-Doctor, the Marsh girl stood and walked.

-What's that?

She couldn't walk far, but she took a step or two.

-I knew it. I knew it. The moment I was rid of him.

-Who?

-Gray.

I'm rid of him.

What do you mean about Gray?

I've been able to induce him to leave Edinburgh.

He'll bother me no more.

Drink.

Here's to a good riddance. I'll be a new man, and a better teacher.

Doctors from my school will perform miracles.

# Saddle my horses and call up my men

# Fling all your gates open and let us gae free

# For it's up with the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee

# Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can

# Come saddle my horses and call up my men

# Fling all your gates open and let us gae free

# For it's up with the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee. #

Shh! Still your song. The Praedies are here.

They've buried their sister in Glencorse kirkyard.

Glencorse. That's a lonely cemetery.

-Not a soul for miles.

-They'll be thinking of that.

-It's us I'm thinking about.

-You've no thought of going there?

Gray's not the only man who can handle a shovel. I've had practice.

-You couldn't do that, Doctor.

-I have a new course of lectures.

We need subjects to demonstrate.

-Come on.

-No.

-I must have subjects. It's the only way I can teach.

The law shall not stop me, nor make me deal with creatures like Gray.

We'll do our own dirty work. Come.

Let me take over, Fettes.

So we can't do without Gray? Hah!

So I'll never be rid of him, eh?

HORSE WHINNIES

THUNDERCLAP

-Shall we put it on the back?

-No. There's no room.

Fettes...keep it off me, will you?

Fettes!

-GRAY'S VOICE ECHOES:

-'Toddy.'

'Toddy.'

'Toddy... Toddy.'

'Toddy. Toddy.'

'Toddy. Toddy.'

'Toddy...!'

-Whoa.

-What's the matter?

-Did you hear something, Fettes?

-Nothing but the wind.

Come on.

'Never... Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me.

'Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me.

'Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me.

-'Never get rid of me. Never get rid of me. Never! Never! Never!'

-Whoa. Whoa.

Fettes, let's have that light.

It's changed. Fettes, I swear, it's changed.

-Changed to what?

-Hurry with the lamp.

This is not a woman. Hold the lamp up. I must see her face.

-Gray.

-Dr MacFarlane!

-Gray!

-HORSE NEIGHS

HE SCREAMS

Subtitles by D Van-Cauter and C Morrison, ITFC, for BBC Subtitling 1999