Perry Mason

Perry Mason
Cowles Communications, Inc.; photograph by Robert Vose · Public domain · source
Name	Perry Mason
Creator	Erle Stanley Gardner
Portrayed	Raymond Burr
Nationality	American

Perry Mason is a fictional character created by Erle Stanley Gardner, an American author, and first appeared in the novel The Case of the Velvet Claws in 1933. The character was portrayed by Raymond Burr in the CBS television series Perry Mason from 1957 to 1966, and later by Barbara Hale and William Hopper in the Perry Mason television films. Perry Mason has become an iconic figure in American popular culture, known for his exceptional detective skills and his ability to solve complex cases, often with the help of his secretary Della Street and private investigator Paul Drake. The character's popularity has endured for decades, with numerous adaptations and interpretations, including the Perry Mason television series starring Matthew Rhys.

● Creation and Development

The creation of Perry Mason is attributed to Erle Stanley Gardner, who wrote the first novel featuring the character, The Case of the Velvet Claws, in 1933. Gardner was inspired by his own experiences as a lawyer and his interest in true crime stories, such as the Hall-Mills murder case and the Lindbergh kidnapping. The character was developed over the years through a series of novels and short stories, including The Case of the Sulky Girl and The Case of the Lucky Legs, which were published in The Saturday Evening Post and other magazines. Gardner's writing style and the character's popularity were influenced by the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous detective Sherlock Holmes, as well as the Hardy Boys series by Edward Stratemeyer.

● Characters

The Perry Mason series features a range of characters, including Della Street, Paul Drake, and Hamilton Burger, who are all integral to the stories and the television series. Della Street, played by Barbara Hale, is Perry Mason's loyal and efficient secretary, while Paul Drake, played by William Hopper, is a private investigator who often assists Mason in his cases. Hamilton Burger, played by William Talman, is the district attorney who frequently clashes with Mason in the courtroom, often with the help of his assistant Tragg. Other notable characters in the series include Lieutenant Andy Anderson and Gertrude the switchboard operator, who appear in various episodes and novels, including The Case of the Restless Redhead and The Case of the Deadly Toy.

● Television Series

The Perry Mason television series, which aired from 1957 to 1966, was a huge success and ran for nine seasons, with a total of 271 episodes. The show was produced by CBS and starred Raymond Burr as the titular character, with Barbara Hale and William Hopper in supporting roles. The series was known for its unique format, which featured a courtroom drama style, with each episode featuring a new case and a new set of characters, often including guest stars such as Bette Davis and William Shatner. The show was also notable for its use of realistic sets and location shooting, which added to the show's authenticity and helped to establish Los Angeles as a major filming location. The series was followed by a series of TV movies, including Perry Mason Returns and Perry Mason: The Case of the Murdered Madam, which aired on NBC and CBS.

● Films and Adaptations

In addition to the television series, Perry Mason has been featured in numerous films and adaptations, including Perry Mason, a 1934 film starring Warren William, and The Case of the Black Cat, a 1936 film starring Ricardo Cortez. The character has also been portrayed by Matthew Rhys in the HBO series Perry Mason, which premiered in 2020 and features a new take on the character and his backstory, including his experiences during World War I and his relationships with Della Street and Paul Drake. Other adaptations include Perry Mason, a radio series that aired from 1943 to 1955, and Perry Mason, a comic strip that was syndicated from 1950 to 1952.

● Impact and Legacy

The Perry Mason series has had a significant impact on popular culture, with the character becoming an iconic figure in American television and literature. The show's influence can be seen in numerous other courtroom dramas, including L.A. Law and The Practice, which have followed in its footsteps and featured similar characters and storylines. The character's popularity has also led to numerous parodies and references in other TV shows and films, including The Simpsons and Family Guy, which have featured Perry Mason as a character or referenced the show's iconic theme music. The series has also been recognized for its contributions to the genre of mystery fiction, with Erle Stanley Gardner being awarded the Edgar Award for his contributions to the field.

● Literary Works

The Perry Mason series has been the subject of numerous literary works, including the original novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, which have been widely acclaimed for their intricate plots and well-developed characters. The series has also been adapted into numerous short stories and novellas, which have been published in various anthologies and magazines, including The Saturday Evening Post and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. The character's popularity has also led to the creation of numerous pastiches and fan fiction, which have been written by fans and authors around the world, including Robert B. Parker and Sue Grafton. The series has also been the subject of numerous academic studies and critical analyses, which have examined the character's impact on popular culture and the genre of mystery fiction. Category:American television series