Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star

Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star is a compelling courtroom drama released in 1986 that hails from the long-standing tradition of Perry Mason television films. Directed by Ron Satlof and written by Anne Collins, the film features Raymond Burr reprising his defining role as the eponymous savvy criminal defense lawyer from the original television series. Alongside him, Barbara Hale returns as Perry's highly efficient and reliable secretary, Della Street, while William Katt portrays Paul Drake Jr., the late Paul Drake's son and a private investigator aiding Perry in his current cases.

The movie opens with a scene involving a popular talk show being broadcasted live on TV. Right in the middle of all the expected banter and charisma, tragedy strikes, blending reality with fiction as an on-air homicide transpires. An actor, Robert McKay (Joe Penny), fires a prop gun at his long-term rival, the infamous talk show host Steve Carr (Alan Thicke), resulting in a fatal shooting incident. The prop gun was supposed to be emptied, leading to a whirlwind of confusion, suspicion, and immediately subsequent allegations against McKay.

As the story unfolds, Perry Mason finds himself defending Robert McKay, who is now on trial for murder. His task is to replicate his time-hardened knack for finding the truth behind the lies and fighting against courtroom tricks and shoddy detective work. The riveting drama that emerges engrosses viewers and takes them deep into a slurry of bitterness, ambition, hostility, and fame that runs wild behind the glossy facade of television industry life.

Burr, reprising his iconic role, brings the character of Perry Mason back to life. His brilliant portrayal of calm, sharp-wittedness, resonates throughout the film, reminding viewers of the classic series and Mason's knack for unearthing hidden truths. Hale, as his unwavering secretary, flawlessly matches Burr's intensity, and their on-screen chemistry brings a sense of familiarity and authenticity.

Meanwhile, Katt's representation of Paul Drake Jr. adds a layer of diversity to the cast. Infusing the character with vibrancy and a fresh perspective, all while preserving the legacy of his father's namesake, makes Katt's character indispensable to the narrative's progression and appeal.

The film brilliantly incorporates suspense and intrigue, unraveling a complex plot that pays homage to the original series' core elements. The narrative's progression is steady, with each character introduced having their backstory, making them suspects until they are examined by Perry's relentless line of questioning. The exploration of the glamorous yet often toxic TV show culture adds an edge to the narrative and allows for more contemporary themes and conflicts to be introduced.

The direction by Ron Satlof admirably recreates and pays homage to the Perry Mason universe's feel and mood. The switching of scenes between high-paced courtroom trials and in-depth investigations give viewers a thrilling journey through the mysteries, maintaining a balance between suspense and narrative development. Anne Collins' script is tightly woven, revealing just enough clues so the viewers can form their conjectures, yet not enough so the final reveal doesn't lose its shocking power.

Perry Mason: The Case of the Shooting Star keeps viewers gripped to their seats with its suspenseful plot and carefully layered narrative that will invariably appeal to both new viewers and fans of the original series. As one of a series of Perry Mason films produced in the 80s and 90s, this film keeps the iconic franchise's spirit very much alive. Its captivating storyline, deeply layered characters, combined with the signature Perry Mason courtroom showdowns make the movie a must-watch for fans of courtroom drama and mystery genres.