The actors and writers took it all seriously, when they could have played it as a spoof. That's what made this TV series one of the best ever.
It's a bit of a shock to see pre-Miranda law enforcement, but what seems like egregious behavior today was foiled by Perry's fast-and-loose actions, always in defense of his client first and the truth second! Of course, Raymond Burr is PERFECT as Mason, but Barbara Hale and William Hopper capture Della and Paul exactly as Gardner envisioned, I suspect. Add Ray Collins with his indefatigable politeness as Lt. Tragg and William Talman as the down-but-never-out Hamilton Burger, and the scene is set. All that's left is to translate some of the best "legal drama" novels into a series of 1-hour shows and voilà - TV magic.
You owe it to yourself to find and watch these gems again.
It's a bit of a shock to see pre-Miranda law enforcement, but what seems like egregious behavior today was foiled by Perry's fast-and-loose actions, always in defense of his client first and the truth second! Of course, Raymond Burr is PERFECT as Mason, but Barbara Hale and William Hopper capture Della and Paul exactly as Gardner envisioned, I suspect. Add Ray Collins with his indefatigable politeness as Lt. Tragg and William Talman as the down-but-never-out Hamilton Burger, and the scene is set. All that's left is to translate some of the best "legal drama" novels into a series of 1-hour shows and voilà - TV magic.
You owe it to yourself to find and watch these gems again.