When most people think of the fictional lawyer character Perry Mason, they think of the celebrated CBS TV series which ran from 1957 to 1966 and starred Raymond Burr.
The character was developed in the 1920s by Earl Stanley Gardner, a lawyer himself who was more interested in using his knowledge of the law to write pulp novels.
His books became so popular a series of movies were produced in the mid 1930s, with various actors playing Mason and his secretary, Della Street.
These films are far removed from the Burr Perry Mason. In one film, Perry is behind his desk one morning, suffering a hangover from the night before. In another, he marries Della. Paul Drake, the detective who worked for Perry, was a comic foil nicknamed "Spudsy." Far from the no-nonsense Drake played later on TV by William Hopper.
After the movies, Gardner continued writing his books, using a dictating machine. He disavowed a radio show that aired in the 1950s which had a soap opera feeling to it. So much so some of the characters spun off into the soaper "The Edge of Night."
In September 1957 the most famous Perry Mason reincarnation debuted on TV. The series ended in September 1966 after being placed opposite "Bonanza," which was broadcast in color.
As soon as the series left the air, attempts started to bring it back. In September 1973 "New Perry Mason" starring Monte Markham in the title role made its debut. People wouldn't accept the younger, hipper Markham in the role and it was pulled in January 1974.
Burr returned as Perry Mason in a series of TV films in the 1980s that ended after Burr's 1993 death.
Now there is talk of a new Perry Mason theatrical film, taking place in the 1930s. (The TV shows were always contemporary to the times.)
So for you enjoyment, I present some Perry Mason movies and TV shows, none of which feature Raymond Burr. While "New Perry Mason" is similar to the Burr series, the old movies are far different. Here you can watch four Mason movies from the 30s and all of the "New Perry Mason" episodes with the exception of "The Case of the Ominous Oath" and "Deadly Deeds." Take a look!
THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS BRIDE
THE CASE OF THE HOWLING DOG
THE CASE OF THE LUCKY LEGS
THE CASE OF THE VELVET CLAWS
THE CASE OF THE TORTURED TITAN (MONTE MARKHAM TV SERIES)
THE CASE OF THE PERILOUS PEN
CASE OF THE TELLTALE TRUNK
CASE OF THE WISTFUL WIDOWER
CASE OF THE HOROSCOPE HOMICIDE
CASE OF THE VIOLENT VALLEY
CASE OF THE MURDERED MURDER
CASE OF THE FURIOUS FATHER
CASE OF THE CAGEY CAGER
CASE OF THE FRENZIED FEMINIST
CASE OF THE PRODIGAL PROPHET
CASE OF THE JAILED JUSTICE
CASE OF THE SPURIOUS SPOUSE
BONUS: JUDD FOR THE DEFENSE: TEMPEST IN A TEXAS TOWN
"Spurious Spouse" included Carl Betz, an actor best known as the dad on the "Donna Reed Show." A year after the orignal Perry Mason TV series ended, Betz himself played an attorney, Clinton Judd. He took on topics like abortion and homosexuality. Here is a rare episode of that series.
Hopefully this will keep you entertained on cold winter nights or hot summer mornings or whatever.
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