The 16 Jun 1961 DV included the picture among several upcoming projects by filmmaker Roger Corman, known for his cinematic renderings of stories by Edgar Allan Poe. However, Woolner Brothers Pictures also had plans to make a film of the Poe story, scheduled to begin 1 Nov 1961, as reported in the 21 Sep 1961 DV. Within days, the 29 Sep 1961 DV stated that the Woolners abandoned the project in deference to Corman, with the filmmaker promising to reimburse them “for their investment.”
Principal photography began 30 Oct 1961 at Producers Studio in Hollywood, CA, according to the 3 Nov 1961 DV. The 22 Mar 1962 DV claimed that filming also took place in England.
The 9 Jan 1962 DV announced that American International Pictures (AIP) acquired worldwide distribution rights, paying $500,000 for a half interest in the $450,000 production. Negotiations were stalled when the two parties reached an impasse over two-and-a-half percent of residuals from the film’s English release. The issue was settled with a coin toss, which Corman won, netting him an additional $50,000. On 21 Feb 1962, Var reported an exclusive British releasing pact between AIP and Anglo Amalgamated Film Distributors, Ltd. Premature Burial was the first release under the agreement.
One week later, the 28 Feb 1962 Var heralded the 8 Mar 1962 world premiere in Chicago, IL. Openings followed on 28 Mar 1962 in Los Angeles, CA, where a horse-drawn hearse bore a sign, which read, “Drive Safely—Live To See ‘The Premature Burial.’” The picture debuted 23 May 1962 in New York City on a double bill with the Woolner Brothers release, Flight of the Lost Balloon (1961, see entry).
Reviews were lukewarm, several of which commented that Corman’s approach to Poe had become predictable. Regardless, the picture earned approximately $1.25 million in its first three months, according to the 28 Jun 1962 DV. On 3 Oct 1963, DV reported that Premature Burial would be re-released in Nov 1964 with Tales of Terror (1962, see entry).