Product Details

• Format: Collector's Edition
• Studio: Columbia House
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B0007QF7JQ
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,490 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars Courtroom Murder Mysteries, July 9, 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 who look like ordinary people enrich these stories, their emotions are often read from their facial expressions.

"The Case of the Ancient Romeo" begins with a rehearsal for a play. This stage company is in debt. Can the show go on? Only if they take the deal. Claire Adams will play 'Juliet', the others will be reassigned. None complain openly. They rehearse. There is conflict over money and bills. Will the police investigate? Something unusual happens in the play: Franz Lachman is dead! Perry Mason and Della Street were in the audience. Perry will represent Steve Brock ('Paris'). "The theater is not a nursery school." Can anyone buy their way to a part? Paul Drake investigates the events. Amos Martin refuses to talk to Perry. Is there a problem with that $10,000 check?
The witnesses testify in court. Ellen Carson saw a stranger at the show but she can't identify him. So did Bruner. Scharf ordered "curtains" but who ordered the lights out? Amos Martin said somebody forged that $10,000 check. McCraig tells of his bank withdrawal, and confesses about the jewelry smuggling from South Africa. The jury visits the stage to view a re-enactment. Perry surmises who sent the check to Claire Adams. A test reveals false testimony. Questioning reveals the truth about the murder and the crimes behind it. Perry's client is freed. The last scene ties up the loose ends. [This story educates you about show business.]

"The Case of the Festive Felon" begins with a woman sick in bed surrounded by unhappy people. Mrs. Bebe Brent gives an irreversible gift to her longtime nurse Hetty Randall. Was she more than a nurse? The nurse and the medicine arrive too late. Max Randall calls about that check; he is suspicious abut the greedy Brents. Madeline Randall discovers something about Reed Brent. Why is lawyer Justin Grover holding back that check? [Can you trust the rich to be fair?] Madeline visits Perry Mason for advice. "The courts are filled with families fighting over inheritances." A gift given outside of a will can't be contested. [Still true today?] There is the question of undue influence. Reed Brent tells the truth. Justin Grover invites Madeline over. But something happened; Justin Grover burned to death in a fire. Now Madeline is charged with felony murder. Perry questions Madeline about the events and explains the law. Is there a hidden secret? Yes, Lt. Anderson has shocking news.
The witnesses testify in court. Eloise tells about Bebe's prior life. Hetty tells her secret. The Brent family business has a shortage; who was the embezzler? A witness reveals new facts! Questioning a fresh witness reveals the truth that will free Perry's client. The last scene provides legal information on Madeline's status (but can she marry a cousin?) Note how scandalous facts are quickly passed over in this story about a wealthy family.
[Do these confessions seem believable or just a `deus ex machina' ending?]