If A Body Needs A Body Just Call Burke And Hare

True Crime Classics

If A Body Needs A Body Just Call Burke And Hare

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Published on Jul 22, 2024, 1:09:22 AM
Total time: 00:28:46

Episode Description

Step into the dark underbelly of 19th-century Edinburgh with "If A Body Needs A Body Just Call Burke And Hare," a macabre episode from the classic radio series "Crime Classics," which originally aired on December 2, 1953. This chilling story recounts the infamous deeds of two men who supplied dead bodies to meet the high demand of the city's medical schools.

In 1826, Edinburgh was renowned for its medical education, attracting students eager to study anatomy. However, the legal supply of cadavers, primarily executed criminals, was insufficient. This scarcity gave rise to the grim profession of grave snatching. Yet, even this illicit trade couldn't keep up with the burgeoning demand.

Enter Burke and Hare, two men who took a more sinister approach to solving the cadaver shortage. Their gruesome business model involved murder, providing fresh bodies for medical dissection without the need for exhumation.

Written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin, this episode brings the horrifying true story to life with a talented cast featuring Charles Davis, Betty Harford, William Johnstone, Elliott Lewis, Lou Merrill, Jeanette Nolan, Jay Novello, and Richard Peel. Bob Lemond's narration adds a chilling touch to this tale of greed, murder, and the dark side of medical progress.

Join us as we delve into the morbid world of Burke and Hare, where the quest for scientific advancement blurs the lines of morality and legality. Whether you're a fan of true crime, historical dramas, or classic radio thrillers, "If A Body Needs A Body Just Call Burke And Hare" promises to fascinate and horrify.

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Click to listen and explore the dark world of Burke and Hare, where the demand for medical cadavers leads to murder in this gripping episode of "Crime Classics."

More about True Crime Classics

True Crime Classics

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the golden age of radio with "True Crime Classics." This podcast series revives the most gripping crime episodes from vintage radio shows like "Crime Classics," "Barry Craig," "Philip Marlow," "Broadway Is My Beat," "Box 13," and "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar." Perfect for true crime enthusiasts and old-time radio lovers alike, each episode delivers a thrilling journey through historic cases, masterfully narrated and authentically preserved.

Relive the suspense, drama, and mystery as you follow legendary detectives and iconic sleuths solving some of the most intriguing crimes from the mid-20th century. Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan or a nostalgic radio aficionado, "True Crime Classics" offers an unparalleled listening experience that transports you to a bygone era.

Tune in weekly for new episodes, and don’t miss a single captivating story from the vault of classic radio crime dramas. Subscribe now and embark on a nostalgic adventure into the heart of vintage crime storytelling.