The inaugural episode of Perry Mason, a legal drama that would captivate audiences for nearly a decade, aired on September 21, 1957, on CBS. This marked the beginning of a television phenomenon that redefined the courtroom drama and cemented Raymond Burr’s place in television history.
The Birth of a Legal Legend: Perry Mason’s Debut
The Perry Mason television series, based on the popular novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, premiered to immediate acclaim. The first episode, titled “The Case of the Restless Redhead,” set the stage for the series’ signature formula: a seemingly impossible crime, a wrongly accused client, and Perry Mason’s relentless pursuit of truth, culminating in a dramatic courtroom confession. The episode not only introduced viewers to the iconic characters of Perry Mason, Della Street, and Paul Drake but also established the show’s distinct visual style and compelling narrative structure.
Initial Reactions and Impact
The show’s debut was met with considerable enthusiasm. Critics praised the intelligent writing, Burr’s commanding performance as the title character, and the overall realism of the courtroom scenes (despite the fictional liberties taken). The immediate success of “The Case of the Restless Redhead” ensured the longevity of the Perry Mason series, paving the way for a long and influential run that would impact subsequent legal dramas for decades to come.
Perry Mason: Frequently Asked Questions
To further explore the rich history and lasting legacy of Perry Mason, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Who played Perry Mason in the original television series?
The role of Perry Mason was immortalized by Raymond Burr. His portrayal of the sharp, dedicated, and often unconventional defense attorney is considered iconic and remains synonymous with the character.
FAQ 2: What was the title of the very first episode?
As mentioned previously, the first episode was titled “The Case of the Restless Redhead.” This episode established the show’s format and introduced the core characters to viewers.
FAQ 3: How many seasons of the original Perry Mason series were produced?
The original Perry Mason series ran for nine seasons, from 1957 to 1966. During this time, a total of 271 episodes were produced.
FAQ 4: Who were Della Street and Paul Drake?
Della Street, played by Barbara Hale, was Perry Mason’s loyal and efficient secretary. Paul Drake, portrayed by William Hopper, was a private investigator who assisted Mason with gathering evidence and uncovering clues. Both characters were integral to the show’s success.
FAQ 5: What distinguished Perry Mason from other television lawyers of the time?
Unlike many television lawyers, Perry Mason was not afraid to bend the rules and employ unorthodox tactics to defend his clients. He was a skilled investigator and a master of courtroom strategy, often uncovering the true culprit through clever questioning and unexpected revelations.
FAQ 6: Were the Perry Mason television shows based on books?
Yes, the Perry Mason television series was based on the novels written by Erle Stanley Gardner. Gardner created the character of Perry Mason and wrote numerous novels featuring the defense attorney.
FAQ 7: Did Erle Stanley Gardner have any involvement in the television series?
Erle Stanley Gardner maintained some level of involvement in the television series, primarily in an advisory capacity. He ensured the show stayed true to the spirit of his characters and the essence of his novels.
FAQ 8: Where was the original Perry Mason series filmed?
The original Perry Mason series was primarily filmed in various locations in Los Angeles, California. This provided a realistic backdrop for the courtroom dramas and detective work depicted in the show.
FAQ 9: What made the courtroom scenes in Perry Mason so compelling?
The courtroom scenes in Perry Mason were renowned for their dramatic tension and unexpected twists. Mason’s astute questioning and the eventual confession of the real perpetrator were hallmarks of the series and kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
FAQ 10: Were there any Perry Mason movies or reboots after the original series ended?
Yes, following the original series, there were numerous Perry Mason television movies in the 1980s and 1990s, with Raymond Burr reprising his role until his death in 1993. More recently, an HBO reboot starring Matthew Rhys as Perry Mason premiered in 2020, offering a darker and grittier reimagining of the character’s origin story.
FAQ 11: What awards did the Perry Mason series win?
The original Perry Mason series won several Emmy Awards, including awards for Raymond Burr as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Barbara Hale as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. The show also received nominations for writing and directing.
FAQ 12: What is the lasting legacy of Perry Mason?
Perry Mason‘s lasting legacy lies in its influence on the legal drama genre and its portrayal of a principled and dedicated defense attorney. The show’s intelligent writing, compelling characters, and dramatic courtroom scenes continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic television series. It set a high bar for subsequent legal dramas and cemented Raymond Burr as a television icon.