Show235
This episode is based on the 1942 Erle Stanley Gardner novel of the same name. Submitted by PaulDrake 33, 27 October 2009.
Julie Sommars would later appear in another series centered on a mystery-solving defense lawyer—Matlock. According to the IMDb, she played A.D.A. Julie March (and Matlock’s friend) in 94 episodes between 1987 and 1994. Submitted by gracenote, 4/27/2011.
+ Julie was in 3 FBIs, 2 McClouds & the 1991 Perry Color movie TCOT Glass Coffin [IMDb]. Mike Bedard 5.7.15
++ Julie was also in a short-lived TV series called The Governor and JJ with Dan Dailey, 1969-1970. Submitted my MillieG, 3/1/18.
This is one of the few Perry Mason episodes where there is no trial or evidentiary hearing. Instead, everyone is gathered into the parlor â la Hercule Poirot for the denouement. Submitted by gracenote, 4/27/2011.
Always edgy Louise Latham makes the first of her two "Perry Mason" appearances here. According to production notes, she had a contract for two episodes, but the second one didn't take place until the fall, in Season 9, in TCOT Cheating Chancellor. Submitted by dwhite 1.20.13
Handsome Alan Reed, Jr. may be best remembered as beatnik Sheldon Epps on several episodes of the "Beverly Hillbillies." He left acting to produce commercials and co-wrote a loving little bio of dad, Alan Reed, Sr. called "Yabba Dabba Doo!" (Or "Never a Star")."
Although this episode is sans courtroom dynamics, the book has one of the best courtroom dramas of the series. The defendant? Della Street!! cgraul 2.12.16
It's for you, Mr. Mason: Paul tracks down Perry in the doctor's office after Frank is shot. jfh 23Feb2017.
Location: About 17 minutes in they drive to Empire Theatre. It’s such a tight shot I can’t be certain until I get a chance to drive by and explore but I think it’s the John Anson Ford Theater which is still rockin’ and is a short drive from the studio. Submitted by Eric Cooper, 14 September 11.
+ It is, indeed, the Anson Ford Theatre in Hollywood; but the hotel clerk is not saying 'Empire', he is mis-pronouncing 'Amphitheatre' (am-PIE-thee-AY-ter). The Ford is referred to, locally, as the Amphitheatre.
dwhite 1.20.13
Name of the "Careless Kitten": Monkey. Submitted by H. Mason 9/29/14
No credit for the dead body of Mr. Leach (Leech?)
+ In the Erle Stanley Gardner novel, the name is Leech. (Seems appropriate for a blackmailer.) Added by Dan K, 26 January 2020.
++ Even the IMDb listing for this episode (https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0673215/fullcredits/cast?ref_=m_tt_cl_sc) does not show a credit for the unfortunate Mr. Leach but it does list a credit for "Juror" (Christopher Riordan). Was there a juror in this episode? jfh 13Mar2019
This is the first of two PM directing credits for Vincent McEveety, who would later direct "A Perry Mason Mystery" in 1995 with Hal Holbrook and Barbara Hale...MikeM. 2/23/2017
This is the last of three PM appearances for the multi-talented and always memorable Lloyd Corrigan (Gerald Shore). Unfortunately, Lloyd Corrigan's many acting credits end in 1966. He passed away in 1969...MikeM. 3/1/2018
+ As a fan of the Boston Blackie movies, Lloyd Corrigan is immediately recognizable as having played Arthur Manleder, Blackie's millionaire friend. jfh 05Jul2018.
++ Wonderful Lloyd Corrigan also gave an unforgettable performance in The Thin Man Goes Home, 1945, the 5th in the series. And he appeared as Santa Claus in an episode of Lassie! He was delightful as Ned Buntline in several episodes of The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, too. Can you tell I'm a big fan of his? Submitted by JazzBaby, 6/17/2019.
Curious Coffee Service: In the epilogue, Della has 5 thermos cups on a tray along with the creamer and sugar bowl from the set. Does this mean that the set only has 4 cups, or does it mean the two youngsters don't rate the highest appreciation? And is there no saucer for Monkey? HiTechHiTouch 23Mar2018
+ Monkey got his aplenty by knocking over the cups and the creamer when he jumped on the table ;) jfh 05Jul2018.
++ This is the West Bend Thermo Serv plastic set that has replaced the chinaware Curious Coffee Set at Perry's office. The sugar and creamer, however, were not plastic. The original chinaware cups and saucers from the Curious Coffee Set are now only seen at the homes of the wealthy and the well-to-do, and occasionally in restaurants. Submitted by catyron, July 9th, 2018
+++The Curious Coffee Set is in use at the beginning of the episode, when Matilda Shore and Gerald Shore are having coffee and she is doing a puzzle. Submitted by Miss Carmody, 29 Feb. 2024
This is the second of three PM appearances for veteran character and voice actor Allan Melvin (Thomas Link), who had recurring roles on many television shows and cartoon series. Allan Melvin passed in 2008 at the age of 84. He was survived by his wife of 64 years and one of their two children...MikeM. 7/5/2018
1416 N. La Brea That's Helen's address as seen on the postcard as Perry reads it to Burger. Lots of people living at that address :-) Kilo 10/15/2018.