Burke's Law (TV Series) Who Killed Purity Mather? (1963) User Reviews

Ya gotta see Wally Cox in this episode!

[robsmithjr · 10/10 · 13 August 2019]

Here's another Harlan Ellison written episode and, again, a surreal set of characters shine set in a haunted tale of witches and mischief.

In this one Wally Cox is absolutely hilarious. Just see how he is spending his time and what he's watching on television! Gloria Swanson has a hoot of a role dolled up in quite a get up. She is still quite the looker in her 60s.

The mystery is solid. Ellison crafts a tale that you're very unlikely to figure out.

Bottom line: I recommend this episode. 10 out of 10 points.

Spooky introduction to Burke's Law

[lucyrfisher · 4/10 · 20 June 2018]

This is the first episode I've watched and it gives a strange, very 1963, view of witches, warlocks, vampires, horror movie fans and eccentrics in New York. We know they're out there - we've seen The Seventh Victim, Rosemary's Baby, Bell Book and Candle. I'm about halfway through, and my initial judgement is: school of "The Avengers", desperate wish to be cool, hip and flip. The first girl we meet is hilariously making a cocktail with a tripartite bottle and a giant shot glass. She speaks in baby talk. As the heart sinks, we wonder if they're all going to try and do Marilyn Monroe. Purity herself even evokes the Evil One by singing London Bridge is Falling Down, giggling, and going "la de da" when she forgets the words. The next female we encounter is called Girl Girl and speaks only in screams. But then her lederhosen-clad boyfriend leaves the room and she starts speaking normally. It turns out that she's hired to put on this "scared, ditsy" act three times a week. Doesn't your heart sink at the word "kooky"? Fortunately they are sending it up. Heaven knows what's going to happen next.