Perry Mason (TV Series) The Case of the Impatient Partner (1961) User Reviews

Different in some ways, but still good

[shakspryn · 7/10 · 11 August 2021]

I am a big fan of Perry Mason, and I have been watching all the episodes, in order, on dvds. I notice that this episode feels a little different. I think it has to do with the writing. This episode is still good and interesting, but most of the time, the series sets such a high standard, some episodes will inevitably not be A+ quality.

For one thing, the action seems a little choppy; the scene transitions just aren't as smooth as usual. Also, often the suspect character, Perry's client, is really likeable or somewhat so, and you have empathy for them. Here, Wesley Lau's character comes off as an irritating jerk for the first half. It's hard to like him. On the plus side: all the actors are good; Ray Collins is in this one; and Leslie Parrish adds her charm and beauty to the episode. One thing I always like about the show: they always, I think, have several exterior scenes, so you see cool cars and so on. A lot of the early series look and feel like they never got out of the sound stage. No so Perry Mason! So, watch this one, it's worth seeing.

Someone wanted a TV Emmy in this confession

[kfo9494 · 7/10 · 8 August 2013]

This episode involves a paint company that has two owners. Amory Fallon is the main owner and has been down in Mexico City for over a month on business. Ned Thompson is the other owner that has been running the company's day-to-day operation.

When Amory returns from Mexico he goes to check on some papers he needs for a project the company was involved. He finds out that the files, that were suppose to be located in his office, had been moved and a fire had destroyed them. Amory believes something is afoot and that his partner is behind the entire situation.

When Amory thinks his wife is having an affair with Thompson, he goes out drinking. While drunk he goes to confront Thompson. Later Ned Thompson is found dead and the evidence points to Amory as the murderer. Perry will defend Amory in court against charges brought by Burger and Tragg.

This was an entertaining episode that kept the viewer guessing till the very end. There is also a nice exchange of legal matters between Perry and Hamilton Burger that is always enjoyable to watch. But once Perry reveals the true murderer in court we get a confession from the court gallery that appears someone was pushing for a TV Emmy. Anyway it was still a nice mystery.

Drunk Thunk

[darbski · 10/10 · 28 September 2017]

**SPOILERS** I'm giving it a 10. Leslie Parrish is the blonde eye candy in this episode, and also seems to try to get Fallon's wife's calls through to him while fending off advances of a horny suitor. She's a pretty good secretary. Tells the truth in court. Perry's client, Fallon (Lau) is a guy who is very susceptible to the effects of booze, and by his age somebody should have told him so. His wife drives a beautiful 1961 Buick convertible, and has a brother who was employed... well, it's a mess. Fallon thinks drunk even when he's physically sober (Classic Alcoholic), leading to a LOT of bad decisions.

Perry has a good time in court, digging up the truth, and fixing up the emotionally weak killer in the process. Fallon's wife helps Perry and her Huz in this process. The killer is absolutely guilty of Murder 1; he was already committing a felony when he killed the dirty dead guy. That felony is accessory to embezzlement.

There are a number of dirty people in this drama, but only one killer, and there is no reason why the deals made before the murder shouldn't hold up. With an event like this, a company wide shakeout is necessary; out with the risky, in with the vetted personnel (by Paul Drake, of course). He's the one who got Fallon to Perry in the first place. Paul's exasperated with Fallon, and after getting him to come forth with certain facts, introduces them.

Silva was trying to go behind Fallon's back, but, he's not really guilty of anything except business tactics that are questionable, so they can proceed with caution, but not necessarily cancel the deal. Silva might quite reasonably have seen Fallon as being somewhat unstable and decided to play it safe; hedge his bet, so to speak.

Bad episode

[forryjesse · 22 October 2019]

A very badly directed and poor casting on this episode. The main cast was okay but the guest actors did a very poor job. This show did improve over time but not this episode.

Not Up to Par

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 18 January 2022]

Sometimes overacting gets in the way. There is a lot of emoting on these Perry Mason dramas, but this one really cranks up the juices. There is some huge jealousy going on at a paint company. Also, the co-owners don't get along, one almost beside himself with fury, striking out at everyone. The first partner is killed and suspicion goes to partner two. He is so emotional that he can't sit still. He won't even talk to his wife and accused her of being unfaithful with the first guy. Loony Tunes.

One of the more dramatic breakdowns.

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 8 November 2012]

The future Police Lieutenant Andy Anderson Wesley Lau made his debut on the Perry Mason series as a client. Good thing he hired Paul Drake to investigate a suspicious fire in his paint plant where some confidential documents may have gone up in smoke. I say maybe because it sure looks suspicious and later on Lau's partner winds up dead Lau's looking real good for it. Good thing that William Hopper proved to be a conduit to Raymond Burr.

Lau who is under a great deal of pressure got good and tipsy and passed out from demon rum. The murderer took advantage of that played with the time element to give himself a not quite ironclad alibi which Burr demolishes. I will say that when the culprit does confess in open court it's one of the more dramatic breakdowns in the series history.

Not a Particularly Good Episode

[joenic-29279 · 5/10 · 22 December 2023]

Perry Mason is one of my favorite TV series. I have seen every episode thanks to METV and a DVR; most multiple times. It is rare that I give an episode anything less than an 8 (certainly 7) rating. I find this episode to be poorly written, and acted.

Wesley Lau is really over the top in the early scenes as a business owner investigating a fire at his company, while suspecting his wife of infidelity with his partner. A season later, Lau would gradually move into the role of Lt. Andy Anderson, when Ray Collins became ill. It is not my favorite casting decision from the show, but that is a subject for another time.

The courtroom confession might be the most ridiculous in the show's history; a serious case of overacting.