"Burke &amp; Hare" was developed by Ealing Studios, who had been known for producing acclaimed black comedy films such as "Kind Hearts and Coronets" and "The Ladykillers". John Landis read the screenplay, which piqued his interest in making the film. Landis wanted the film to be similar in style to Ealing's black comedies, as well as to the films of Laurel and Hardy, describing the portrayal of Burke and Hare in this film as an "evil Laurel and Hardy".