Thursday, March 29, 2012

Special Request: The Case of the Prudent Prosecutor

The Prudent Prosecutor from season 3 is certainly a milestone episode, there’s no mistake about that. Some people, however, have the incorrect assumption that it is unique and rare to the point that it is the only time Perry and Hamilton work together on a case. As I’ve shown many times in the past, this is not so. No, The Prudent Prosecutor’s main milestone is that it is the first time of many. It is also the first time of several when Hamilton asks for Perry’s help, and the first time we see one of Hamilton’s oneshot friends.

Jefferson Pike is a short-tempered fellow. He can’t stand the hold that a local crooked businessman has over his son. He’s so incensed by it that he takes the man’s gun and shoots himself in the leg, with the intention of telling around that his enemy shot him in the hopes of getting him arrested and out of the way.

Jefferson has a job at a lodge’s gun club somewhere in Los Angeles County. Even though he tells a friend of his about the “shooting”, he immediately clams up about it when he goes into the lodge and finds Hamilton in there with a few other people, all of whom have been duck hunting. Apparently, knowing that it’s a false tale, he doesn’t want to get in trouble by spinning it to the district attorney. (Or perhaps he doesn’t want to lie to someone who is as close a friend as Hamilton seems to be.) In any case, the friend he did tell is bewildered by his silence.

Later that night Jefferson calls Hamilton at what seems to be Hamilton’s home, giving us one of only two views of the place. (Originally I thought it was the lodge, but Hamilton had indicated he was going back to town. Hence, it’s probably his home.) He says he needs help for his son and wants a good defense attorney. If I remember right, he asks specifically for Perry. It’s either that or Hamilton recommends Perry to him. In any case, Hamilton then calls Perry on Jefferson’s behalf. Perry comments that he is surprised Hamilton is up so late “drumming up business” for him.

By the time Perry reaches Jefferson’s place the next morning, more trouble has happened. The man Jefferson detests has been murdered. And, to keep his son from taking the blame, Jefferson proclaims his own guilt in the matter.

One of the most amusing scenes happens here. In addition to Hamilton requesting Perry’s help, he wanted Lieutenant Tragg on the case once the murder happened. Tragg intercepts Perry and tries to get him to move along. But Hamilton shows up then and gives Perry a warm greeting, saying he’s glad Perry could make it. Tragg is bowled over. “You’re glad that he . . .” In bewilderment, he turns and wanders off, leaving the two lawyers to discuss the case.

It’s very rare to glean any tidbits about the characters’ backstories. Their pasts are largely closed books to the audience. But Hamilton confesses a small part of his history to Perry in trying to explain his concern for Jefferson. On a hunting trip in Canada twelve years ago, Hamilton was injured in a duck blind and Jefferson carried him three miles to safety. In the icy water, Jefferson lost two toes on the trek. Hamilton later got him the job at the gun club.

Hamilton does not often show his awkward side, but it definitely comes out here. He wants to ask Perry to defend Jefferson, yet can’t seem to get the words out. Not because of swallowing his pride, however (or at least not altogether), but because he feels he has no right to ask. Hamilton may have been justified in at least some of his prior frustrations with Perry; nevertheless, that isn’t an issue here. Knowing what Hamilton is trying to say, Perry just smiles and assures Hamilton that he will defend Jefferson. “Even if he did save your life,” he teasingly adds. Hamilton relaxes.

It’s one of my favorite scenes in the series. Despite the fact that it is most certainly not the only time they collaborate on a case, it is one of the only times they talk so candidly with each other. It’s clear from the scene that they each have an immense respect for the other, in addition to being close friends. That Perry can tease Hamilton, with Hamilton recognizing it as such and relaxing, shows that they’ve come quite a long way from the often antagonistic scenes in season 1. Hamilton cooling off and treating Perry in a friendly way happens many times in season 2 and succeeding seasons, but rarely do we get such an extended look at him in this light. Most such scenes are shorter and over much too soon. This scene, and the very last scene, combine to give us probably the most evidence in any one episode that there's a lot more going on in their relationship than some viewers might think. (Although there are plenty of glorious morsels in other episodes to further support it.)

Considering their backstory, Hamilton can’t bring himself to prosecute Jefferson for murder. He disqualifies himself and his office, which results in another prosecutor having to be sent in specifically for the case. Hamilton then sits in the gallery and observes the case as it unfolds.

Hamilton has always been exasperated by Perry’s courtroom tricks. It’s frustrating to be on the other end of them. But even when he is, it’s obvious through the seasons how he comes to be impressed by Perry’s skills. That is shown many times, from when he offers no objections once there is some foundation for Perry’s ideas to the times he listens in rapt attention and smiles in apparent awe and amazement for something Perry uncovers. In this episode, although he is not the acting prosecutor, Hamilton continues to be impressed. (It’s probably easier to enjoy it when he isn’t on the receiving end having to come up with a rebuttal, too.)

Amusingly, when the prosecutor is making objections later on, Hamilton’s patience is stretched so far that he mutters, “Oh, sit down and be quiet.” With his friend’s life at stake, he is thoroughly rooting for Perry. (Of course, despite any longings he himself has to succeed when he is prosecuting a case, he wants the truth above all else, even if that means Perry will end up winning.)

One thing I was disappointed about was that Hamilton and Perry don’t have much interaction once the case goes to court. In between the court scenes there is the usual investigation scene, and I had hoped Hamilton might be present. I suppose he wasn’t because of not having his office involved. But I thought he might come unofficially, off the record. I don’t know whether he really couldn’t without it appearing bad for him and his office or whether it was just the writers not thinking to write him into the scene.

There is a lovely and satisfying epilogue once everything is solved. Perry and Hamilton have apparently been out hunting together. They’re cleaning their rifles back near the gun club and discussing the case with Jefferson.

The killer had turned out to be Jefferson’s neighborhood friend, who also despised the murder victim. Jefferson shows some sympathy and understanding for him, as well as for the wife of another neighbor who seemed to have been involved with the murdered man. Jefferson is an interesting fellow that way. He seems to try to look for the good in most people and not think the worst of them. The murder victim is an exception; him having a hold over Jefferson’s son was the last straw there.

Jefferson leaves for a moment to talk to his son, who’s going up to Lake Tahoe to work. Hamilton and Perry observe, and Hamilton says with a smile, “You know, I think I won this case.” Perry smiles too, and they clink their mugs.

One curious omission to this episode is Paul Drake. He is nowhere to be seen. Out of the handful of episodes in which he does not appear, this is one where I would have particularly liked to see him. His reaction to the request for help and the truce would have been fascinating and enlightening. Perhaps we could have finally learned a little more on what he thinks of Hamilton after season 1. Then again, perhaps not, since Della is there and says nothing. If Paul had been there, however, I have a hard time believing he would have kept silent.

But in spite of any flaws or things that could have been done better, this episode is thrilling. It was a wonderful turning point in the series and I am very glad that Erle Stanley Gardner allowed it to happen.

Long live the curious and deep friendship of Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger.

14 comments:

  1. Good grief, I didn't even realize Paul was missing. He would've been fun in a reaction scene to parallel Tragg's. Just goes to show that nothing's perfect, though this is pretty close for an H. B. fan like me!

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    1. Sometimes I forget myself, haha. There's so many wonderful things going on that it's easy to forget. But when I do stop to think about it, I definitely wish Paul had been there.

      It certainly ranks among my favorite episodes too. I waited for years to finally be able to catch it, and it didn't disappoint in what I was hoping to find! Hmm, I should have mentioned that in this post. Although I think I mentioned it sometime in the past....

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  2. Lucky Ladybug,
    Just found your blog through the Della-Perry group and am so impressed! I love your reviews and will be spending endless hours trying to get caught up in reading all you've written. Many thanks from a huge Perry Mason fan for such a delightful, enlightening and memborable site!

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    1. Wow, thank you! I'm thrilled you're enjoying my little blog. :) It's a lot of fun to work with.

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  3. Hello Lucky Ladybug and fellow Masonites
    My name is Bob Siler and I'm a long time Perry Mason fan, and at 53, thats really a long time. I've recently put together a list of places where the stars of the show lived, which I call
    "The Perry Mason Tour". Ms. Ladybug, would you or any of your viewers like a copy? If so, my e - mail address is
    burbank1000@comcast.net
    I'd be more than happy to send out copies.
    I love this site and it would be my way of saying thanks for the great site.
    Take care
    Bob

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    1. Hello, Bob! Thank you for commenting! I'm very happy and honored that you enjoy this site! I would love to see your list. I'll be contacting you.

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  4. 2 more big +'s for this episode: guest stars Ruta Lee & Dabs Greer. Keeping with the PM tradition of including the most beautiful actresses of the day, Ruta Lee (2 PM appearances I think) is totally fabulous as she testifies wearing a mink coat :) Dabs Greer (my personal favorite character actor of all time) exceeds all expectations in his role (albeit a semi-minor character this time). Think he appeared 7x on PM

    Great episode all around for many reasons not least of all superb supporting cast from 1st minute to last

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  5. Ruta looks even better in that little skating outfit...one of the great PM lines: 'Yeah, I killed the old gas bag!'

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    1. A chilling line, and a memorable one!

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    2. Actually, I misquoted: 'I killed the big gas bag!' Funniest confession I ever heard!

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  6. With the advent of being able to record episodes i found it easier to follow the story details and who everyone was - with detailed description / names etc. I am old enough to hav seen the UK tv airings in the early 1960's ! I just was keen on the courtroom sections at that time ; i liked to see the various aspects of Mason , Burger , Drake and Tragg : personal , social , and professional ;each is defined to varying degrees throughout , and the personal /social aspects often at the end of the episodes - in this one , and in "The Lame Canary" for example. My one query is in "The Prudent Prosecutor" , Burger excuses himslf out of a conflict of interests. However in "The Dilemna of Paul Drake" , Mason doesnt , so is there some reason why not. I always look for before & after episode location photographs , with some 60 years in between!

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    1. Hi! Thanks for your comments! It is neat how they tried to make the characters so well-rounded and three-dimensional. They could have slipped into the trap of making them cartoony and one-dimensional, but they didn't.

      I would imagine the difference in those episodes is that Hamilton would have prosecuting a close friend who had saved his life, which he felt he couldn't do. But in Perry's case he was defending Paul and trying to help him. He probably felt he was the best qualified to help Paul beat the false charges.

      Before and after photographs are fascinating! Albeit sad sometimes, depending on what's happened.

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  7. Hi again , i am really glad you have kept this blog active. At the time of writing , various early B/W Perry Mason episodes are being aired in the UK on a channel called "CBS Justice" Yes - i can understand why there is no objection to Mason defending Drake ; in fact Lietenant Tragg offers Mason use of his own office to "interview" Drake , as Drake's defence attorney. I am always intrigued by Lieutenant Tragg's attitude to Mason ... quiet respect tempered with the serious positions he is generally going to find himself in as the initial arresting officer and thus being at odds with Mason's professional status , not the man himself. I agree that the above episode provides insight into the characters' persona. "Paul Drake's Dilemna" is another ; "The Case Of Lame Canary" has Burger in Mason's office at the end of the episode discussing the case. As regards Lieutenant Tragg , at the end of "The Case Of The Rolling Bones" , Tragg shows Mason where a bug had been installed in Mason's Office which had given Tragg an unfair advantage in locating various witnesses. Tragg & Mason ended up at the same locations practically at the same time. Tragg thus shows his respect in that final scene - for me , it's intriguing to see Tragg's various reactions to seeing Mason in various situations throughout each episode

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    1. Thank you! I wish I could think of new topics to post, but I'm always happy to discuss the old posts or Perry in general. That's great that Perry episodes are airing in the U.K.!

      Tragg sure is fascinating! I love those episodes and scenes you mentioned. Tragg has such a complex relationship with Perry and company. By contrast, Andy always seems to hold them at arm's length and not want to get too close. He also gets very uptight, especially in season 8. Steve has a more congenial relationship with them again. I like that they gave each police character his own personality instead of trying to make them all Tragg clones. There can only be one Tragg!

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