Show153
Another example of the Mason production staff’s curious sense of actor chemistry here. Though middle-aged, indoorsman Paul Tripp seems a bit out of his romantic league with former Playmate of the Month Joan Staley, the two were paired here and again (though less romantically) in episode #157 TCOT Double Entry Mind. Submitted by FredK, 19 November 2010.
Another episode where the women are either controlling and conniving, using others, or utterly naïve and innocent, at the mercy of others. Della is, of course, the exception. Submitted by gracep, 1/7/2011.
Especially in her scene with Merle after the fashion show, Jorja Curtright resembles Faye Dunaway in “Mommie Dearest”. DOD 01/16/2023
I’ve always thought this was a curious episode; Perry’s client seems to border between simply naïve and somewhat “touched” as some of her family believe. Even in the epilogue she hardly seems entirely there! Submitted by Ed Zoerner, 7/23/2011.
An article, "RAYMOND BURR: CLEAN CASES ONLY" by Herbert Mitgang published in the NYTimes late city edition of Sunday, 5 Aug 1962, Section 2, page X13, illustrates the high regard that the public had for "their heroic defense counsel" by Summer '62. The article serves as a credible, positive review of the first five seasons. You can see the article on the NYT microfilm files at your Public Library or read a NYTimes Company reprint here. If you track down the article on microfilm, don't miss Jack Gould's article "SUMMER RERUNS - Rule of Economics Shows Need for More Than One Run for the Money" at the top left of the same page. Submitted by Gary Woloski, 5/29/12.
Raymond Burr has stated in a 1985 interview that Perry Mason ran four years too long. If the show had ended when Burr thinks it should have, this would have been the final episode. Submitted by Wiseguy70005, 7/02/12.
+ I think what RB really meant was "...ran four years and one episode too long": though not as bad as some of the final season's efforts, the cravenous of many of the supporting characters here, combined with the general unlikeableness of Merle - who alternates b/w pathetic and irritating - makes this show one of PM's more unappealing offerings...I think we should all be grateful this wasn't the final show. (OTOH, had they decided to end here, something a la Final Fadeout would probably have been produced, and we might have been spared this episode altogether.) Submitted by Notcom, 012716.
The Party: It was supposed to be for Merle's 21st birthday. The guests seemed to pay no attention to her. She had no friends there (except Danny) and nobody her age. Anyone else think Paul Drake should have arrived earlier than he did? Submitted by H. Mason 12/12/14
+ Paul delivers a great line, perhaps worthy of PIs' patron saint Philip Marlowe, when Perry asks how the soiree evolved: "The party died. So did the hostess." Happy New Year! JohnK, 30 December 2021.
Guests at the fashion show drink from the Curious Coffee set. DOD 12/30/21
Goof: At the fashion show, Danny tells Merle that it'd difficult for the two of them to sneak away to see one another because the chauffer "follows you everywhere he goes." jfh 25Apr2024
Considering the not-so-subtle creepiness of the episode, it doesn't seem all that unusual that 'Merle' seems a bit touched. A birthday party where YOU are the guest of honor, but no one is paying you any attention? And no friends your age? And turning 21 on top of it?? Interestingly (well, to me) there was a Law And Order Criminal Intent episode that used a similar plot device (and, interestingly again, it starred a former Star Trek (Next Gen) actor, Brent Spiner. And it WAS really creepy. Considering how 'loving Aunt Olivia' was so concerned about Merle's welfare, (meaning the money), I wasn't too surprised how everything unfolded. Lastly, were those times filled with young, unemployed-by-choice grifters? Seems that way! Submitted by MikeReese, 1/26/2016
Murder Weapon: The makers of the show did a good job showing the knife in the background when Danny called the messenger service. When Paul called Perry it was missing from the display. There was an opportunity to show the murder weapon in early scenes of episode 105 (TCOT Loquacious Liar) but it didn't happen. Submitted by H. Mason 12/12/14
Why does Corbett remove his jacket and tie to give the package to the delivery service?
That staircase set gets yet another workout. Gets almost as much airtime as Perry's office. DODay 11/06/17
>>>minor correction it's Danny who goes to Julian's house to meet the delivery driver (as noted below). jfh 07Nov2022
+ The dialogue when Pierce talks to the messenger may give the reason why he was not wearing his jacket and tie. The messenger believed that Pierce was not part of the party which was a "black tie" affair. This would mean in case of an investigation, the messenger would not have associated Pierce with the stolen diamonds. I know that is a bit thin, but I believe that was the intent of the writers. Submitted by Kenmore 09/01/2020
It seems to me that the delivery guy could easily have identified the recipient of the package by the distinctive birthmark near her right elbow. jfh 15Dec2020
The Case of the Nice Caboose: At 16:40 on the DVD, in what looks like an outtake or ad lib, Della appears to be checking out Paul Drake's backside. JohnK, 6 January 2017
+ I love that moment, JohnK! I think you're right, it seems ad libbed on her part. William Hopper doesn't seem to know how to respond! Submitted by JazzBaby, 3/17/2019.
When Uncle Howard told Merle her aunt was dead we were led to believe she didn't know. However, later we learn that she did know and put the knife in her suitcase to protect her uncle. Kilo 1/25/2020.
+ Merle also does a nice job of setting up cousin Julian as the first suspect. jfh 15Dec2020
When Lt. Anderson opens Merle's suitcase, he apparently sees a neatly folded bundle wrapped in a slip, removes the bundle and says, "[as evidence of murder] this rather clinches it" before he even unwraps the bundle to expose the bloody knife. jfh 24Apr2024
It seems that Howard Langley (Paul Tripp) likes to surround himself with the ladies. The relatively brief, but stunning appearance of his golf partner Margo Stevens (Carol Anderson) in that black dress at the party is certainly an attention-getter. It's little wonder that the next scene is Howard seemingly staring at her while Julian (John Dahl) notices and raises his glass. Submitted by Kenmore 09/01/2020.