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#17: The Case of the
Sun Bather's Diary
Original Airdate: 01/11/58

Summary Edit

From The Perry Mason TV Show Book
Perry gets a phone call from a woman with some bare facts. Arlene Dowling was sunbathing when her house trailer and all her belongings were stolen. She's calling, wrapped in nothing more than a towel, from a golf course. Perry gets in hot water with Arlene. He starts out looking for her trailer, ends up defending her for murder, and is indicted for perjury for his efforts.

Credits Edit

Cast

Susan Morrow as Arlene Dowling
Carl Betz as Dr. Chandler
Gertrude Michael as Helen Rucker
Peter Leeds as Bill Emory
Ralph Moody as George L. Ballard
Connie Cezon as Gertie
Kenneth MacDonald as Judge
Paul Brinegar as Tom Sackett
Walter Reed as Detective Myers
Nesdon Booth as Mr. Hartsel
Jon Locke as Sam Elliott
John Pickard as Sergeant Neil

Trivia Edit

CARS: 1957 Ford Skyliner retractable, black, top up (Mason), 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer convertible, medium color, top up, 1957 Lincoln, 4dr sedan, black, 1957 Ford Fairlane, 2dr hardtop, black, 1957 Ford 2dr sedan, black. From The Cars by Greg Cockerill.

In that scene where Perry's driving along with Arlene and the cops are following them, the view out of the rear window doesn't match that in the rear view mirror. Submitted by daveb, date unknown.

Perry's office number, MA 5-1190, makes its third appearance, this time actually for Perry's office. George Ballard, reading a newspaper ad, says it aloud. The number was previously used in #14, TCOT Baited Hook, and #15, TCOT Fan Dancer's Horse. Submitted by D. A. Supernaw, 6/30/05.

In the scene where Arlene is sitting in a car listening to a radio broadcast, the radio announcer mistakenly says that the police are searching for the murderer of "Frank" Ballard, rather than George Ballard. Submitted by Bob H, 1/26/08. Also submitted by rpdmhunt, 12/21/07, but unfortunately not posted by daveb until 10/1/08.

+This episode is unique in that Perry is forced to take the oath and testify. Submitted by PaulDrake 33.

Comments Edit

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