Product Details

• Format: NTSC, Collector's Edition
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B0007L7IU2
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #53,640 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Customer Reviews

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4.0 out of 5 stars Courtroom Murder Mysteries, March 7, 2009

By	Acute Observer (N. Jersey Shore) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The "Perry Mason" novels were a form of mystery stories where the lawyer is the detective and the solution occurs in a courtroom. A real life court trial is not as dramatic as in fiction. Erle Stanley Gardner often educated his readers with new technology or medical-legal facts, and warned of swindles. The TV shows were simplified and modified versions from the originals or new stories. Some may criticize the tactics of Perry Mason but they represent life before the modern legal rules of the 1960s. The prices, automobiles, and monetary figures date these stories. They record the styles and culture of the 1950s. The many character actors enrich these stories, their emotions are often read from their facial expressions.

"The Case of the Waylaid Wolf" begins at the Lamont Engineering Corp. One secretary is asked to work late. What about her car? Loring Lamont Jr. takes Arlene for a ride. What is his intent? Loring's character is shown when he refuses to repay a loan. Arlene runs away, then visits Perry Mason the next day. They learn that Loring was killed last night. The police are looking for Arlene. There is a visit to a hi-fi store; we learn what this can mean. Who is OK? Arlene is arrested for stabbing Loring in the back. [Symbolism?] The physical evidence shows Loring's shoes and clothes are clean while Arlene's dress is muddy; this contradicts her story. Perry questions co-workers to get more facts. He surmises why two tickets were issued and Loring's clothes weren't muddy. Madge Elwood has left the state; she helped Arlene. Mr. Albert tells what he did; there is a shocking surprise admission. Mr. Kim tells what he saw that night. The identification of the red convertible leads to a solution that frees Perry's client. The last scene explains the other events. [The 1960 novel is a better and more complex story. Raymond Burr seems to be worried during this film. Was it connected to the absence of William Talman?]

"The Case of the Grumbling Grandfather" begins at night at the J. Gideon company. David Gideon is studying law at night, or is he? Dorine Hopkins tells David goodbye. Will they meet again? Will David help Dorine? Is she playing him? Will David find a dead body at Dorine's husband's place? J. Gideon calls Perry Mason for help. Perry investigates to find out more about the case. Was David trying to protect his family? Witnesses testify in court. Is one witness played for laughs? Who owned that convertible? Mr. Farrell is the chief witness against David. Perry questions a witness to get more information. There is an emotional outburst from a person in the courtroom. The facts free Perry's client. The last scene wraps up the loose ends by explaining what really happened. Does the solution seem too incredible? [This film shows how derived stories are not as good as the originals. Does David look under age?