I first came across "Cover Up" way back in 1949 when it appeared at a Saturday afternoon matinée yet, on first release! This 13-year-old was most impressed. I found the characters intriguing and the murder mystery plot both thrilling and ingenious.
All elements in fact were handled with considerable finesse by director Alfred E. Green and his cast of seasoned players.
The ingrown small-town setting seemed ideal for both its noirish atmosphere and its ability to provide a conflict between the local citizens, anxious to keep small-town affairs within the community, and outside insurance investigator, Dennis O'Keefe, equally anxious to bring the true facts to light.
Script-wise, the investigator's zeal seemed a little unconvincing, but I let it pass, otherwise we would have no story.
O'Keefe's opposite number in the plot is William Bendix, who plays the local sheriff with just the right blend of suppressed antagonism and official non-helpfulness.
And then, caught in the middle, we have the lovely heroine, Barbara Britton.
All told, a satisfying thriller with only one discordant note in the chain-smoking O'Keefe who no longer seems such an admirable hero in our present society. (The Geneon DVD release rates at least 9/10).
All elements in fact were handled with considerable finesse by director Alfred E. Green and his cast of seasoned players.
The ingrown small-town setting seemed ideal for both its noirish atmosphere and its ability to provide a conflict between the local citizens, anxious to keep small-town affairs within the community, and outside insurance investigator, Dennis O'Keefe, equally anxious to bring the true facts to light.
Script-wise, the investigator's zeal seemed a little unconvincing, but I let it pass, otherwise we would have no story.
O'Keefe's opposite number in the plot is William Bendix, who plays the local sheriff with just the right blend of suppressed antagonism and official non-helpfulness.
And then, caught in the middle, we have the lovely heroine, Barbara Britton.
All told, a satisfying thriller with only one discordant note in the chain-smoking O'Keefe who no longer seems such an admirable hero in our present society. (The Geneon DVD release rates at least 9/10).