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#179: The Case of the
Skeleton's Closet
Original Airdate: 05/02/63

Summary Edit

From The Perry Mason TV Show Book
Richard Harris is the author of Dishonored: The True Story of Community, an exposé of Cliffside Heights. The citizens are so incensed about the book that a group of them hire Perry to sue Harris for libel. Perry works out an out-of-court settlement, but Harris has some hold over his publisher, Albert McCann, who reneges on the deal.

When Harris is killed, Perry finds himself back in court with another murder trial. The defendant is Cliffside Heights resident Margaret Layton. She was once married to Harris and desperately wants to keep her children from learning who their father is. The police think that's a sufficient motive for murder.

Credits Edit

Cast

Keith Andes as Dave Weaver
Peggy McCay as Margaret Layton
Frank Aletter as Harry Collins
Michael Pate as Richard Harris
David Lewis as Albert McCann
Dabbs Greer as Jack Tabor
Pat Finley as Grace Kingman
John Heath as George Layton
Walter Mathews as Second Reporter
Diane Mountford as Janet Layton
Linda Marshall as Norma Weaver
Toby Michaels as Secretary
Sally Smith as Nancy Layton
Pitt Herbert as Dr. Desmond
John Truax as Guard
Jarone Bakewell as First Reporter

Trivia Edit

This episode features an uncredited black judge, perhaps a daring thing in 1963. The judge does not appear to be Ivan Dixon. Comparison pictures here. Posted by dave, 11/11/09.

+Pat Finley makes her initial foray into acting here (1963) as Grace Kingman. This would be her only appearance on Perry, and her last screen credit until 1970. Ms. Finley is probably best known for her role as Bob Newhart's sister, Ellen Hartley, in the Bob Newhart Show 1974-1976. She also appeared as a judge in three Perry Mason movies in the 90's. Submitted by PaulDrake 33. 16 December 2009.

Comments Edit

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