I really liked this episode. Good storyline and some good acting makes this an enjoyable watch.
This involves Dr Morris (Sheppard Strudwick) and his wife Janet (Bethel Leslie) and their marriage that has hit the rocks. Dr Morris wants a divorce so that he can be with his nurse and Ms Morris refuses to divorce him.
Dr Morris has a friend named David Kirby (Dabbs Greer who's face is well know to sitcom watchers) that helps him out in certain situation. Mainly helping the Doc run around on his wife. Mr Kirby is married to Ms Kirby (Jeanette Nolen) and has just opened a drive-in restaurant outside of town.
Dr Morris's plane crashed and it is proved that the good doctor had been drugged by another person. The last thing a witness saw was Ms Morris putting a thermos of coffee into the plane. And with all the Morris's problems Lt Tragg and Hamilton Burger charge ms Morris with the death of her husband. The show continues from that point with some twists and revelations that are classic to the 'Perry Mason' mystery machine.
In this episode we have some characters that are properly casted. Sheppard Strudwick, casted as the doctor, is well prepared for the part. He plays a part where he has disdain for his wife because she will not file for divorce. In fact I am not sure that in real life he had disdain for Bethel Leslie- who played his wife in the episode. His acting seemed to be natural and came across on screen that he really hated even the sight of Bethel Leslie--oh his wife.
Jeanette Nolen, casted as Ms Kirby, is another good casting success. She is to play a women that is running a drive-in and gets no help from her husband. She plays the part of a women that is in full control of any situation and will do anything to make the drive-in work.
Ray Collins (Lt Tragg) gets some good lines in this episode. From his meeting with Paul at the crash scene and his exchange with Perry on the witness stand- it is Tragg at his best. He even gave me a few laughs during the show.
This episode has everything that makes "Perry Mason" a great series. Good acting from nearly everyone in the cast. Heated courtroom exchanges between Burger and Perry. Judge ruling on testimonial evidence. And a humorous ending between Perry, Paul and Della.
Show is a very good watch for any mystery fan.