I consider this 1958 film a classic of its kind but that doesn’t make it a “classic”. However it follows honorably in the footsteps of 1940s film producer Val Lewton in the “less is more” category by using sight and sound rather than shock to create a profound sense of unease. It’s a B movie all the way and clearly shows what can be done on a meager budget with that most valuable of resources…imagination.
Richard Boone (just before he played Paladin in HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL) stars as a caretaker who discovers that he has the power of life and death by sticking black and white pins in a cemetery map. The film becomes increasingly nightmarish when Boone decides to reverse the pins with terrifying results. If you’ve read a few of the other reviews you know about the ending that everybody loves to hate. It attempts to put a logical as opposed to supernatural explanation on what happens much like the ending to Tod Browning’s MARK OF THE VAMPIRE. The original ending (part of which is in the trailer) was meant to be supernatural but it was ultimately rejected. Despite the present ending, I BURY THE LIVING still has the ability to remain with you long after countless other “scarier” movies have been forgotten. Just ask Stephen King who talks about it in his book DANSE MACABRE.
If it’s B movie blood and gore you want than head for the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD but if you enjoy a literate script with TWILIGHT ZONE/ALFRED HITCHCOCK twists and turns, effective music, and solid performances then check this one out. Be advised there are a number of low budget DVD versions out there but the one to get is the MGM Midnite Movies edition from 2001. It’s no longer available new but there are plenty of used copies at good prices. The print quality and sound are the best available and give this little black and white gem its maximum impact.
The Capsule Critic 