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#146: The Case of the
Absent Artist
Original Airdate: 03/17/62

Summary Edit

From The Perry Mason TV Show Book
An offbeat episode starring Victor Buono as a philosophical deadbeat artist and Zasu Pitts--the silent film star--as Daphne Whilom.

Pete Manders has his ups and downs. He's been offered "Zingy," a popular comic strip for a song, but finds out the reason the purchase price is so low is to appease him for the loss of his "lovebird," Leslie, who's flying the coop. She's running away with previous "Zingy" owner, Gabe Philips, a man with two private and separate identities.

When Philips is murdered, Perry visits a hip little artists' colony in Port Harmony to dig up the dirt on the victim's alias, Otto Gervaert.

Credits Edit

Cast

Zasu Pitts as Daphne Whilom

Mark Roberts {	as Gabe Phillips
	as Otto Gervaert

Richard Erdman as Charles (Monty) Montrose
Victor Buono as Alexander Glovatski
Jay Barney as Harry Clark
Wesley Lau as Lt. Anderson
Arline Sax as Fiona Cregan
Wynne Pearce as Pete Manders
Pamela Curran as Leslie Lawrence
Carl Don as Myer
Lane Bradford as Arnold Buck
Bill Zuckert as Judge
Barney Phillips as Newburgh
Mabel Rea as Girl
Patrick Waltz as Court Clerk
Wes Bishop as Agnew
Marshall Kent as Man
Ann Staunton as Woman

Trivia Edit

The "Crying Cherub" painting from #89, TCOT Crying Cherub, can be seen in Otto Gervaert's studio. Submitted by Xanthippe Svanström, 11/30/04.

The "Crying Cherub" can also be seen in #187, TCOT Reluctant Model, in Goring Gilbert's studio. Submitted by daveb, date unknown.

The painting that Otto Gervaert picks up in his studio can also be seen in #187, TCOT Reluctant Model, and #260, TCOT Sausalito Sunrise. See appearances here. Submitted by daveb, date unknown.

Location: In the opening scene, there is a view of a dimly lit building with the words "Merry Go-Round" on it. This is the Looff Hippodrome on the Santa Monica Pier. The La Monica Ballroom at the pier is seen in the background as Paul and Perry drive to Otto's place. Submitted by Eric Cooper, 3/25/08. Some pictures and vidcaps here and here.

Location: Otto's place as seen in 2009 courtesy Eric Cooper, 5/1/09. See here.

Comments Edit

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