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#24: The Case of the
Deadly Double
Original Airdate: 03/01/58

Summary Edit

From The Perry Mason TV Show Book
Actress Constance Ford plays a dual role of sorts as a troubled woman living a double life. Helen Reed, a mild-mannered housewife by day, turns into Joyce Martel, a roaring harlot by night. Perry needs Joyce Martel's testimony to clear her brother of a murder rap. Helen Reed informs Perry that she can only recall her other half, Joyce, when her psychiatrist puts her under hypnosis.

A dramatic courtroom drama ensues, with Helen Reed turning into her double on the witness stand.

Credits Edit

Opening

Starring Raymond Burr
in The Case of The Deadly Double
Based upon characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner
Barbara Hale, William Hopper, William Talman, Ray Collins

Trailing

Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen
Written by Sam Neumann
Ben Brady | Producer
Produced by CBS Television in association with Paisano Productions
Gail Patrick Jackson | Executive Producer Sam White | Associate Producer

Raymond Burr as Perry Mason
Barbara Hale as Della Street
William Hopper as Paul Drake
William Talman as Hamilton Burger
Ray Collins as Lt. Tragg

Cast

Constance Ford as Helen Reed
Denver Pyle as Robert Crane
Carole Mathews as Cora Dunbar
Paul Langton as Harry Vance
Murray Hamilton as Johnny Hale
Abraham Sofaer as Dr. Maitland
Louise Truax as Sarah
Carleton G. Young as David Reed
Pierre Watkin as Judge
Frank Jenks as Cab Driver
Clark Howat as Sergeant Grant
Carlyle Mitchell as Dr. Desmond
Jack Gargan as Court Clerk
George E. Stone as George
Peter Opp as Johnson
Josef Elman as Tony
Kellogg Junge, Jr. as Tommy Reed

Uncredited Actors
Don Anderson as Courtroom Spectator
Kenner G. Kemp as Nightclub Patron at Bar (from IMDb)
Fred Kelsey as Courtroom Spectator (from IMDb)

Crew

Gene Wang | Story Editor

Production Supervisor … J. Paul Popkin
Director of Photography … Frank Redman, A.S.C.
Art Direction … Lyle Wheeler, Lewis Creber
Assistant Director … Wilbur F. McGaugh
Editorial Supervisor … Art Seid, A.C.E.
Film Editor … Richard W. Farrell
Makeup … Mel Berns
Hair Stylist … Annabell
Wardrobe Supervision … Dick James
Set Decorations … Walter M. Scott, Charles Q. Vassar
Properties … Ray Thompson
Production Sound Mixer … Robert O’Brien
Script Supervisor … Cosmo Genovese

This has been a CBS Television Network Production
Filmed in Hollywood by TCF Television Productions, Inc.

Trivia Edit

CARS: 1957 Cadillac convertible, black, white top up (Mason), 1957 Chevrolet 150 4dr sedan, V8, black (Police). From The Cars by Greg Cockerill.

Uncredited Actors: Don Anderson is one of the spectators in the courtroom. He’s seated just behind the defense table and can be seen over Raymond Burr’s shoulder in some reaction shots. Submitted by FredK 7 October 2010.

Sightings: As Joyce Martel enters a nightclub, we see Pencil Mustache Man drinking at a table with friends. He turns up later among the courtroom spectators, along with Distinguished Lady #2, Distinguished Lady #4, and Distinguished Gentleman #1. Submitted by gracenote, 9/2/2011.

Character Names: Johnny Hale’s middle name is Davis. Submitted by gracenote, 9/2/2011.

Comments Edit

This is one of my least favorite episodes. Joyce Martel is loud, obnoxious, brassy, and thoroughly unlikeable. To have to imagine that this woman shares the same body with Helen Reed is stretching it a bit. Submitted by PaulDrake 33, 12 July 2008.

I also don’t care for this episode. The Joyce Martel character was too over-the-top. But, I suppose that’s what the script called for. No, a more subtle, sinister characterization would have been better. Actually, something like what Constance Ford (who played Reed/Martel) did in “Potted Planter” would have worked. It’s a shame, too, because Abraham Sofaer is such a joy to hear. Submitted by billp, 1/18/2009.

A small plot inconsistency: At one point mid-episode, Dr. Maitlan tells Perry that Helen Reed has “only recently” learned of Joyce Martel. But in the epilogue, Della says that Helen didn‘t know of Joyce at all! Submitted by Ed Zoerner, 5/18/2009.

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