After watching episodes from the later years, I reverted and watched this episode from the first season. This episode was number two in the entire 'Perry Mason' series.
There is a big difference in this early show than in the later shows. Raymond Burr's performance as Perry is highly energetic with high emotions. (something lacking in the final two seasons) The viewer is caught up in this lawyer's world of trying to find the facts with full involvement of the Perry character. And his exchanges with other characters, especially Lt Tragg, is some of the best work of the entire series.
This episode begins with a man that sleep-walks during times of high stress. In the opening seasons Peter Cole (John MacNamara) comes walking into the bedroom holding the larges letter opener (the largest I have ever seen) and walks up to where his wife Doris Cole (Hillary Brooke) is sleeping. She awakes screaming when Edna, the niece, come running into the bedroom and arouses Peter. Needless to say Ms Cole files for divorce.
Right when the divorce will become final, a business partner of Peter Coles has a scheme to make Peter pay millions for his part of the business and hold the divorce over his head until the money is paid. However before the papers are signed Peter's brother-in-law is found dead and in come Perry to defend Peter for murder.
The viewer is now all aboard for the ride that will produce Perry in some of his best on-camera situations. I found this episode quite entertaining as we see Perry conduct the investigation that will lead his client to freedom. Along the way we meet characters that the viewer finds interesting and wants to follow throughout the entire episode.
Some of the acting seems, at times, slow. Perhaps the series did not yet command respect from CBS and retaking a scene was not of prime importance. But even with some questionable acting this episode delivers what made Perry Mason a favorite for many years.
Note- During the scene where Lt Tragg is talking to Steve Harris at the police station- Look at Lt Tragg's belt. Forget the fact it is pulled up to above the stomach- look at the buckle- perhaps they wore it like that in the late 50's.