The old pulp magazines produced some of the best writers out there, and one shining example is Erle Stanley Gardner. He ended up becoming the world’s best-selling author with his Perry Mason series. He began in the pulps in 1921 with a story in Breezy Stories and had soon graduated to the likes of Black Mask. By 1933 he graduated into the hardback book arena with his first Perry Mason novel.
Gardner continued writing Perry Mason novels until his death in 1970, but at the same time kept up his magazine writing. The man never forgot his roots. Whether he was writing for the slicks or the pulps or for the book market, his stories were polished and engaging.
‘The Case of the Careless Kitten’
The Case of the Careless Kitten is the 21st Perry Mason mystery that Erle Stanley Gardner wrote. And the gang’s all here. As usual, Perry, Della and Paul Drake carry the action. Lieutenant Tragg has quite a large part in this story, and good old Hamilton Burger, the D.A., gets his licks in, too. We get token appearances by telephone operator Gertie and law clerk Jackson. And even Sergeant Holcomb, Lieutenant Tragg’s predecessor, gets a mention.
All the courtroom action involves Perry Mason’s defending his secretary Della Street. The D.A. isn’t really after Della, but he knows if he can get a conviction of attempting to hide a vital witness, then he can also convict Mason and get him disbarred. Who is this vital witness?
Banker Franklin Shore has been missing for 10 years. Now he shows up out of the blue, and telephones his niece Helen Kendal. One Henry Leech is to take her to meet her uncle. But Henry Leech is found dead, shot through the temple. Who did it? Lieutenant Tragg is determined to find out, and nothing will stand in his way, not even Della Street. Della is accused of helping spirit away the missing banker from the home of his old gardener, so the police couldn’t use him as a witness.
And what about this careless kitten of the title? Well, that kitten belongs to young Helen Kendal, the niece. It is poisoned, and barely survives. Why would anyone want to poison an innocent kitten? And what important part does the kitten play in the final solution to this mystery? Only Perry Mason can determine in the climax of a terrific courtroom battle.
Keep in mind this story was written in 1942 as America was involved in World War II. So there is a lot of anti-Japanese sentiment in this mystery, racial slurs and such. And the requisite love story between a soldier home on leave and young Helen Kendal. All in all, a very satisfactory Perry Mason mystery.
It was adapted to the Perry Mason television series that starred Raymond Burr, minus the WWII references, of course. The show was broadcast on March 25, 1965, as part of the eighth season. The episode was filled with actors whose faces have become quite familiar: Lloyd Corrigan, Allan Melvin, Julie Sommars, and Alan Reed Jr.
‘The Case Of The Buried Clock’
Erle Stanley Gardner’s 22nd Perry Mason mystery was The Case Of The Buried Clock. By the time of this story, he had been writing Perry Mason for 10 years, and he’s really hitting his stride, here. The only person missing is Lieutenant Tragg. Other than him, the gang’s all here: Perry, Della, and Paul Drake. Cameo appearances by Jackson, the law clerk, and Gertie, the telephone operator. And a brief appearance, near the end, by Hamilton Burger, the District Attorney.
It was 1943, and America has been in World War II for a year and a half. Young Harley Raymand has been honorably discharged because of a war wound. Banker Vincent P. Blane asks Harley to stay at his mountain cabin and keep an eye on things. The next morning, Jack discovers murder in the mountain cabin. The dead man is Jack Hardisty, admitted embezzler and son-in-law to banker Blane.
Both of Vincent Blane’s daughters were at the cabin at various times yesterday, as was Blane himself. His daughter Milicent, wife of the deceased, is accused of his murder, and Perry Mason must defend her of the charge. He must also discover why a clock was buried up on the mountain. It seems to have absolutely no bearing on the case. But, who buried it? Who moved it? Where is it now? And what part does it play in this stunning mystery?
Another terrific Perry Mason mystery, with all the usual twists and turns. And that great courtroom action! How can you resist?
When it came to television, this story was adapted for an early season 2 episode that was broadcast on Nov. 1, 1958. It was a complex story to begin with, and they had to do a lot of compressing to get this to fit in a 50-minute TV show. But pay close attention, and you’ll be okay.
Many people prefer to watch a Perry Mason TV show rather than read a Perry Mason book. And that’s okay, if it’s your preference. But you really should give the books a chance. I think you’ll find them much more satisfying experience. You’ll even find these in ebook format for the ultimate in convenience. What more could you want?
