The final episode of the original Perry Mason series, titled “The Case of the Final Fade-Out,” which aired on May 22, 1966, was the only episode filmed and broadcast in color. This marked a significant departure from the preceding 270 episodes, all of which were presented in black and white, and served as a nostalgic, albeit brief, glimpse into what could have been had the series continued into the color television era.
A Shift in Perspective: The Rationale Behind the Color Episode
The decision to film “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” in color was primarily driven by a confluence of factors, most prominently the increasing dominance of color television in American households. By 1966, color TVs were rapidly becoming more affordable and desirable, prompting networks and studios to transition away from black and white programming.
However, it’s crucial to understand that the decision wasn’t simply about aesthetics. The producers, led by executive producer Gail Patrick Jackson, were also cognizant of the show’s declining ratings. While Perry Mason remained a popular program, its viewership had begun to erode, partly due to changing audience tastes and the emergence of new and more visually dynamic television series. The color episode was, in essence, an attempt to rejuvenate the show and attract new viewers by capitalizing on the allure of color television. Sadly, these attempts did not yield a subsequent season.
The “Final Fade-Out” Plot: A Fitting Conclusion
“The Case of the Final Fade-Out” presented a compelling mystery that revolved around the murder of a temperamental movie producer. The episode featured a cast of notable guest stars, including Jackie Coogan and Erle Stanley Gardner himself (in a cameo role), and offered a satisfying resolution typical of the series’ formula. The visual vibrancy of the color format undoubtedly enhanced the viewing experience, adding depth and realism to the characters and settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Perry Mason’s Color Episode
This section addresses some common questions regarding “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” and the decision to film it in color.
FAQ 1: Why was only one episode of Perry Mason in color?
The primary reason was that the series was nearing its conclusion. While the producers hoped the color episode would boost ratings and potentially lead to a renewal, CBS ultimately decided to cancel the show after nine successful seasons. The cost of transitioning the entire production to color outweighed the perceived benefits of continuing the series.
FAQ 2: Was the decision to film in color a last-minute decision?
No, the decision to film “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” in color was likely made several months in advance of its airing. The production team needed time to prepare for the change, including updating equipment, training personnel, and ensuring that the sets and costumes were appropriately designed for color filming.
FAQ 3: Did Raymond Burr like filming in color?
While there isn’t extensive documentation on Raymond Burr’s specific feelings about filming in color, anecdotal evidence suggests that he embraced the change. He was a professional and dedicated actor, and he likely understood the rationale behind the decision. Burr was known to be supportive of modernizing the show, and this decision likely fell in line with that philosophy.
FAQ 4: Are there any color photographs from the Perry Mason era besides images from “The Case of the Final Fade-Out”?
Yes, there are a limited number of color promotional photographs taken during the run of the series. These were primarily used for publicity purposes and were not representative of the actual on-screen experience. They offer a tantalizing glimpse of what the show might have looked like had it been filmed in color from the beginning.
FAQ 5: How does the color in “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” compare to modern color television?
The color technology of the 1960s was significantly less advanced than that of today. The color in “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” might appear somewhat muted or less vibrant compared to modern high-definition color television. However, it still represents a significant improvement over black and white and provides a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
FAQ 6: Is “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” available on DVD or streaming services in color?
Yes, “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” is readily available on DVD and streaming services in its original color format. It is often prominently featured in Perry Mason box sets and online collections, highlighting its unique status as the only color episode.
FAQ 7: Did the color episode affect the show’s writing or storytelling?
No, the color episode did not significantly alter the show’s writing or storytelling. The plot, character development, and courtroom drama remained consistent with the established Perry Mason formula. The color primarily enhanced the visual aspects of the episode, adding depth and realism to the settings and characters.
FAQ 8: Were there any challenges in filming the episode in color?
Yes, filming in color presented several challenges. The production team had to ensure that the sets, costumes, and makeup were appropriate for color filming. Lighting techniques also had to be adjusted to accommodate the different requirements of color television. Furthermore, the cost of filming in color was higher than that of filming in black and white.
FAQ 9: Did any other legal dramas of the same era experiment with color?
While Perry Mason holds the distinction of being the only episode of that particular series filmed in color, other legal dramas of the era, such as The Defenders, also explored the potential of color television towards the end of their runs. However, complete transitions were largely dictated by the evolving broadcast landscape.
FAQ 10: Was the color episode a ratings success?
While specific ratings figures are difficult to obtain, anecdotal evidence suggests that “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” did attract a larger audience than some of the preceding black and white episodes. However, the increase in viewership was not substantial enough to convince CBS to renew the series for another season.
FAQ 11: Why did Perry Mason choose to stay in black and white for so long?
Several factors contributed to the show’s decision to remain in black and white for the majority of its run. One key reason was cost. Black and white filming was significantly cheaper than color filming, and the producers were likely mindful of budget constraints. Additionally, black and white television was still the dominant format in the early years of the series.
FAQ 12: Could a Perry Mason reboot work in color today?
Absolutely. Given the advancements in modern color television technology, a Perry Mason reboot would undoubtedly benefit from being filmed in color. The visual vibrancy and realism of color would enhance the storytelling and create a more immersive viewing experience for contemporary audiences. Indeed, the recent HBO reboot utilized a period-accurate color palette to great effect.
In conclusion, “The Case of the Final Fade-Out” stands as a unique and historically significant episode in the Perry Mason canon. Its status as the only color episode provides a fascinating glimpse into what could have been and serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of television technology during the 1960s.