Show54
CARS: 1957 Ford Fairlane Club Coupe 2dr hardtop, white; 1956 Buick Special Convertible, white, black top up. Cameo: 1956 Buick Century 4dr hardtop, dark color & white. From The Cars by Greg Cockerill.
This episode of Perry Mason (TCOT Foot-Loose Doll) is based on an Erle Stanley Gardner novel of the same name. The season nine episode titled TCOT Fanciful Frail (#265, 9.24) is also based on this same ESG novel. So this ninth season episode is often considered to be a "re-make" of TCOT Foot-Loose Doll. See here. Submitted by Charles Richmond, 26 April 2013.
The same setup shot is used for the Dr. Barnes Seaside Hospital as in #30, TCOT Screaming Woman. See here. Submitted by Charles Richmond, 6/2/2004.
+ Funny in that Ruta Lee is in both episodes at “Dr. Barnes Seaside Hospital” this one and #30, TCOT Screaming Woman. Submitted by HamBurger, 5/31/2021
TCOT Rare Reporters. During the trial scene in which Senator Baylor (Barton MacLane) testifies, there are two very visible extras on Mason’s side in the front row who busily write in pocket-size notebooks, obviously portraying reporters. When Baylor drops the bombshell that he was the one stabbed by Mildred Crest, the two and another extra in the second row bolt from the courtroom to call in the story. Despite the many political and show business bigwigs involved in the Mason cases, this is the only instance I know of where this happens. Submitted by FredK, 1 Nov 2009.
Sightings: During the hearing, sitting next to the Senator himself, is the Little Old Lady in a Hat. She can be first seen when Mr. Burger raises ad objection and then moments later when the courtroom gallery is all a-twitter after a shocking revelation. On the second day of the hearing, a different lady is sitting next to the Senator, but the Lady is across the aisle. Submitted by gracep, 8/13/2010.
+ The same Little Old Lady in a Hat can be seen for a split second exiting the Claymore Apartment Hotel, just as Perry enters. She wears the same hat in court later on. Submitted by Evelyne, 1/25/2011.
++ Joining our Little Old Lady in the courtroom gallery are Quiet Old Man #1, Distinguished Gentleman #2, and a somewhat hidden Distinguished Gentleman #1. Earlier “Miss Carmody“ collects Miss Crest’s and Miss Richards’ dirty dishes in the L.A. restaurant. Lastly, at the Seaside Hospital, the silent nurse is played by Distinguished Lady #1, who also turns up as a spectator when court reconvenes. Submitted by gracenote, 2/28/2011.
+++ The Distinguished lady #4 sits next to the Senator at the second hearing. Submitted by BigBill767, 2/4/17.
++++ Our Miss Carmody also shows up in the courtroom, seated in the back row of the defense side, to the right (viewer's POV) of Sen. Baylor before he is called to the witness stand. Submitted by JazzBaby, 8/13/2019.
Uncredited Actors: In one shot, the courtroom spectator sitting behind Laura Richards (Eve McVeagh) is Don Anderson. In other shots of the courtroom that include Ms. McVeagh and more extras, there is a different actor in this seat. I can only guess that the director decided to add a reaction shot of McVeagh at some point and had to press a couple different extras into service to fill the area behind her. Submitted by FredK, 2 October 2010.
Character Names: Millie Crest’s real first name is Mildred, which actually seems to be used more than Millie. Submitted by gracenote, 2/28/2011.
+ "Patient's" name is Fern Driscoll. jfh MLK Day 2024
Senator Baylor stayed at the Claymore Hotel Apartments. In the previous episode Donna Sherwood said she lived there. Submitted by H. Mason 10/16/14
+ "Harriman" was also the 1st name of Admiral Nelson on Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea. Mike B. 6.15.16 MeTV airing.
++ There was an actual Senator Harriman: W. Averell Harriman --yelocab 29NOV18
+++ A minor correction, thanks to 21st century technology: W. Averell Harriman served in many political and diplomatic positions over an incredibly long career, including as Governor of New York. But he never served as a Senator, U.S. or otherwise. Submitted by BobH, 29 November 2018.
Same picture?: The painting outside the door of the apartment shared by Millie and Laura was on the wall outside of Helen Reynolds' apartment in episode 52 TCOT Borrowed Brunette. Submitted by H. Mason 10/16/14
Perry's Birthday In the final scene Della brings in a telegram and Perry asks, "Somebody sending me birthday greetings?" jfh 21Jun2017
Unsolved mysteries: What happened to Robert Wallace? Submitted by H. Mason 10/16/14
And why did he call Mildred in the first place? DOD 07/03/18
> Presumably to give her a chance to flee (aka "become a fugitive from justice") Notcom 121120.
This is the only PM appearance by Jan Harrison, who was once married to Carroll Shelby...MikeM. 9/21/2016
This is the first of four PM appearances for Barton MacLane (Senator Baylor), who is known for his recurring role as General Peterson on the television series "I Dream of Jeannie". Barton MacLane passed in 1969 at the age of 66...MikeM. 7/3/2018
+MacLane also played Lt. Dundy in The Maltese Falcon, a film that had quite a few actors also on Perry Mason, including Elisha Cook Jr. (2 episodes), Jerome Cowan (2 episodes), and even an uncredited role by our own William Hopper. Submitted by Vladimir Estragon 3/2/21.
This is the first of six PM appearances for John Bryant (here as "Bob Wallace") who reminds me of Gig Young. jfh 03Jul2018
Richard Gaines as Judge has three Perry credits, all as judges. Richard Gaines was a busy actor during Hollywood's Golden Era, most notably IMHO starring alongside Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck, and Fred MacMurray in "Double Indemnity". jfh 29Jul2020