Thursday Television Review: Perry Mason

In the courtroom

Perry Mason (1957 – 1966)

Starring: Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, William Talman, Ray Collins, and Connie Cezon.

Summary

Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) is an extremely competent and accomplished defense attorney. Defending clients on some of the biggest cases, usually involving homicide. He goes head-to-head with one of the best, the DA for Los Angeles, Hamilton Burger (William Talman). Burger is quite often baffled by Perry’s ability in solving cases, but they respect each other just the same.

Burger and Perry

On Perry’s side is his ever-loyal personal secretary, Della Street (Barbara Hale). A constant companion, always willing to do a task or stay up a little later to help Perry solve a case. Perry relies heavily on private detective Paul Drake (William Hopper), who will do whatever it takes to track down information, no matter how long it takes. His is the only knock on the office back door, entering with a smile and a greeting to Della of “Hello beautiful!” He is also a very good friend of Perry’s. To wrap up his team, is Gertie (Connie Cezon), who runs the front desk, always dependable and joyful.

The gang…

Attempting to catch Perry in his tricks, police Lieutenant Arthur Tragg (Ray Collins) always seems to be right behind Perry. If Perry has decided to work with a client, he better act quickly, because Tragg will be right behind him ready for an arrest.

Lt. Tragg with Perry

Perry has the utmost confidence in his clients when he believes they’re innocent. With an instinct for the truth, Perry also has a soft heart and is willing to help those in need, sometimes not taking pay. With that, Perry cannot leave a case unfinished and must find the real killer and will hunt high and low to do so.

Investigating the scene

Review

Perry Mason captures the mood of the old detective noir films right from the opening theme. You instantly feel like you’re standing in the night under a lamp on a street corner in the rain. This was originally captured by Earle Stanley Gardner, who wrote the Perry Mason book series.

Uncovering clues

The chemistry between Della and Perry is unmistakable and quite cute. We all know they belong with each other, but of course that would ruin the show. 😉

Important news!

Raymond Burr carries the part of Perry with complete confidence, a perfect cast for the role. He plays the lawyer’s firm character, strong voice, practical reason, and thoroughness throughout the entire series. His performance of the courtroom antics are amusing and you almost feel sorry for Mr. Burger, played beautifully by William Talman. It wouldn’t be Perry Mason without Burger and when the actor took a hiatus for a year, the show lagged greatly. Many guest stars appeared on the show throughout the series, keep your eye out for several famous people who might not have been famous yet. 🙂

This never happens. 😉

Raymond Burr would be tagged as Perry Mason his entire life and would indeed return to the role later in life. Although not as well done as the original, it still caught people’s attention. Raymond Burr made several appearances as “Perry Mason” on other television shows, such as an episode of The Jack Benny Program.

On the Jack Benny Progarm

A great mystery series, perfect to turn on during a stormy night!

Ellen Nolan

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