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#16: The Case of the
Demure Defendant
Original Airdate: 01/04/58

Summary Edit

From The Perry Mason TV Show Book
Nadine Marshall confesses to all the details of a murder while under a drug-aided hypnosis session with her doctor. The doctor seeks Perry's advice on what to do with the recording of Nadine's confession. Perry knows what not to do with it. He doesn't want to see it in the hands of Burger or Tragg until he investigates his hunch that the girl is really innocent.

Credits Edit

Cast

Christine White as Nadine
Clem Bevans as Capt. Hugo
Fay Baker as Marian Newburn
Walter Coy as Lester Newburn
Barry Atwater as Dr. Denair
Sherwood Price as John Locke
Alexander Campbell as Wellman
Morris Ankrum as Judge
Connie Cezon as Gertie
Maurice Manson as Dr. Granby
Steven Geray as Korbell
Joe Mell as Stand Owner
Paul Hahn as Ballistic's Man
Ashley Cowan as Messenger
John Mitchum as Operative
Jack Harris as Court Clerk
Lida Piazza as Miss Wilson
Rickie Sorensen as Arthur Lindner
Leilani Sorensen as Small Girl

Trivia Edit

CARS: 1957 Cadillac convertible, black w/ black & white int., top down (Mason), Late 50s Austin-Healey 100-6, top down. From The Cars by Greg Cockerill.

It may be a miracle, but Paul turns down food. When Perry and Della are busy preparing a celebratory dinner—for two if the table service is correct—Paul shows no interest in what’s being prepared. He must have been sick or worried about Perry's hijinks…

Continuity: In the courtroom scene near the end, Perry picks up the pen holder containing the buckshot from off the Judge’s desk to examine it. While Perry is holding the pen holder the camera cuts to a shot of the Judge and the pen holder has magically re-appeared on the Judge’s desk. Next shot is of Perry and he is still holding the pen holder.

Double Duty: As Perry drives his Eldorado into Logan City, he takes out his handkerchief and mops up some perspiration. How hot was it? It was so hot that in the next shot it's actually Lee Miller behind the wheel. Submitted by Francis, 1/8/12

Comments Edit

One of the few times that the identity of the murderer is not revealed until the final scene. Submitted by PaulDrake33, 6/26/2008.
+ Isn’t this actually typical of Perry Mason? Queried by gracep, 1/14/2011.
+ In most episodes, the murderer is revealed in the penultimate scene. The final scene usually takes place in Perry's office where everyone discusses the case, wraps up loose ends, and cracks a joke or two. Submitted by PaulDrake33, 1/26/2011.

Although his appearance is brief, Uncle Martin (Wellman) as played by Alexander Campbell is one of the most despicable characters ever on Perry Mason in my opinion. Often in the Perry Mason series, the viewer finds himself conflicted over the resolution of the case. The viewer wants the (presumed innocent) defendant to go free, but doesn’t really want the culprit named. Why? Because the victim was such a reptile, we sympathize with the killer. I consider this tension one of the strengths of the show. Submitted by billp, 1/1/09.

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