Bury Me Dead

The movie opens with the discovery of a woman's body after a fire consumes the stables on Barbara Carlin's estate. It is assumed to be Barbara, since she was wearing her diamond necklace, making the case mysterious and suspicious from the start. The incident sparks an investigation into her supposed death and the events leading up to it.

Barbara secretly contacts Michael Dunn, the family lawyer, after the funeral. She advises her to notify the police immediately regarding her suspicions, but Barbara chooses to investigate privately, suspecting that someone is trying to murder her. This decision sets her on a path to uncover hidden motives among her acquaintances.

Flashbacks reveal potential motives from several suspects, notably her husband Rod, who is irresponsible and philandering and stood to gain her wealth through divorce. Rusty, believed to be Barbara's younger sister, is also a suspect due to her resentment and unreciprocated love for Rod. The revelations imply complex relationships and possible reasons for her murder.

It is eventually revealed that the woman buried under Barbara's name is actually Helen Lawrence, George Mandley's scheming girlfriend. Helen had tried on Barbara's necklace, indicating her presence at the scene and adding a layer of deception to the murder mystery. This discovery shifts suspicions and complicates the case.

Flashbacks depict Helen's manipulative relationship with George Mandley and her attempt to influence Rod into killing Barbara. Helen's scheme to extort money from Barbara through George is uncovered, revealing her motive for murder and her involvement in the conspiracy. Rusty, believing Rod loves her, boasts about her manipulations.

That night, a power outage occurs at Barbara's mansion, providing the perfect cover for an attack. Barbara is attacked in the dark by an unknown assailant, who flees before completing the act. This event heightens the suspense and confirms that someone wants her dead.

Rod is taken into custody by the police for questioning during which he is asked about insurance policies on Barbara's life. His insistence on returning to the mansion suggests he has critical information and that he may be involved in the case. The suspicion around him intensifies.

Michael accidentally reveals that Helen was murdered with a hammer, a detail only the killer would know. This slip indicates that the police or someone close is aware of the murder weapon, heightening the danger for everyone involved and leading to further suspicion.

In a desperate attempt to cover her tracks, Michael decides to stage Rusty and Barbara as a murder-suicide. The plan aims to divert suspicion away from the real killer, but it is interrupted when police arrive and gun down Michael just in time, preventing the cover-up.

As the police intervene, Michael is shot dead before he can complete his plan. Rusty and Barbara's lives are saved from being falsely implicated in a staged murder-suicide, but the case remains unresolved with lingering questions about the true killer and motives.