Perry Mason

Perry Mason is an engrossing and suspenseful legal drama series that aired on CBS from 1957 to 1966. The show is an adaptation of detective novels written by Erle Stanley Gardner, featuring the main character Perry Mason. The show's title role is masterfully portrayed by actor Raymond Burr. Other notable main cast members include Barbara Hale as Della Street, Mason’s dependable and sharp-witted secretary; William Hopper as the steadfast private investigator, Paul Drake; William Talman as the firm but fair district attorney, Hamilton Burger; and Ray Collins as the persistent and investigative Lieutenant Tragg. Additionally, Wesley Lau, Richard Anderson, and John Dall also contributed with their specific roles in this long-running series.

The integral premise of the show revolves around Perry Mason, a virtuous and dauntless defense attorney based in Los Angeles. Famed for his thoughtful scrutiny and impressive rhetoric, Perry Mason is relentless in his pursuit of truth and justice. Each episode of the series follows a consistent pattern, with a murder occurrence, followed by a seemingly guilty client seeking Mason's assistance, and concluded with a dramatic courtroom scene where Mason, in many cases, is able to disclose the real guilty party.

Raymond Burr’s portrayal of the stoic and unwavering Perry Mason is instrumental to the show's appeal. He is incredibly convincing as a seasoned attorney who is never bested and is always driven to seek justice. Burr’s exceptional performance imparts a sense of trust and reliability that resonates with viewers and keeps them hooked to the nail-biting legal proceedings.

Adding to the main cast, there's Barbara Hale, who plays Della Street, Perry Mason's secretary. With her intelligence, wit, and efficiency, she sets the bar high for on-screen secretaries. William Hopper performs the role of Paul Drake, a professional investigator, with ease and charisma, while William Talman, who portrays Hamilton Burger, serves as the perfect foil to Mason, injecting tension into the court proceedings that make the series so engaging.

The Perry Mason TV series is catapulted further by its pioneering mix of mystery and law within a television series. The intelligent and clever use of legal provisions adds to the intrigue in each episode. Moreover, the format of presenting a different case in each episode while retaining the singular driving characters ensures a fresh storyline whilst maintaining familiar faces that viewers grow attached to over time.

The series also has an excellent set of supporting actors; among them are Wesley Lau who plays Assistant DA Anderson, a loyal yet trustworthy character; Richard Anderson, who brilliantly enacts Lieutenant Steve, a character often seen supporting Mason when investigations go awry; and John Dall who appears in selected episodes as a character with such depth and intrigue that contributes greatly to the compelling narratives of the series.

An integral part of Perry Mason's charm lies in its retro allure. The black and white film era, vintage cars, and fashion statements from the late 50s to mid-60s offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The show carries the viewer to Los Angeles of the mid-twentieth century, with the studio's backlots and the quintessential courtroom settings reflecting the aesthetics of the period.

The score of Perry Mason, composed by Fred Steiner, is another major highlight. Known as the "Perry Mason Theme," it manages to encapsively capture the suspense, thrill, and mystery that is ever-present in every episode of the show. Its compelling tune has become an integral part of the series' identity, one that heightens the show's charm.

In summary, Perry Mason presents a distinctive mix of suspense, courtroom drama, and murder mystery. It provides a perfect platform for actor Raymond Burr, who with his impeccable performance, captures the essence of the upright yet shrewd Perry Mason. His relationship with the other central characters and the evolving narratives within each episode keeps the viewer engrossed. All these factors combined have seen the show's enduring popularity over the years, with Perry Mason's character becoming synonymous with the ideal defense lawyer, not just in television, but in popular culture. The series stands as a blueprint for subsequent legal dramas and remains a treasured classic in television history.