A case of mistaken identity over charred, human remains (necklace i.d.) precipitates a declaration of death for a wealthy young woman (Lockhart) who then secretly attends her own funeral, revealing herself to selected people in attendance that include her husband (Daniels), step-sister (O'Donnell) and lawyer (Beaumont), all coming under suspicion for trying to hasten Barbara's end. Bernie Vorhaus (B) directs on a screenplay by Karen DeWolf (B) & Dwight Babcock, based on Irene Watson's radio mystery of the same title. Bury offers a rare leading role to June who plays it cool as a cucumber in this nifty little noir, co-star Mark, aka, Stan Barton, reminding of popular-at-the-time Dennis O'Keefe, coincidentally to utter in dialogue the title of DO's soon-to-be-released Tony Mann vehicle ("raw deal") but sans the smoke, Mr Carlin instead tossing back a brandy whenever the noose tightens (gulp). Watch for top billed Cathy O'Donnell as Rusty, Hugh Beaumont of later Leave It to Beaver fame, John Dehner in an early reporter role, the ubiquitous Charles Lane whose characters put the rank in crank and Sonia "Do so!" Darrin as hard luck schemer, Helen. One of the brevity beauties of post-War, Sonia's stunning looks, sharp features & thin frame had her typecast the femme fatale, best recalled as Geiger's Agnes Lowzier, aka, the "grapefruit" gal who does battle with bookworm Bogie in Hawks' The-Big-Sleep (46). All of it is captured by the creative camera of John Alton (Raw-Deal American-in-Paris). Movie ratings, like lab values, will look to trends and rest within a range. I call Bury-Me-Dead a variant of good (2.5/4).
Review of Bury Me Dead
