Before the Perry Mason novels were the subject of an enormously popular television series, Warner Bros used them as the basis of a B movie series starring Warren William. William was a suave type with a John Barrymore profile who was coming off successful supporting roles to female stars in Cleopatra and Imitation of Life. Although he’s got looks and voice he’s a bit stiff and awkward here – also I could swear in some scenes he was slurring (maybe resembled John Barrymore in other areas). He is very flirty with his secretary and isn’t above using some ruthless and unethical tactics to help his client. Also if I’m not mistaken in this film his client is guilty and he helps her get away - was this allowed under the Production Code?Mary Astor adds star quality as Mason’s eventual client and there is plenty of plot and it’s pretty good, too, with abundant twists and turns. In contrast to Astor’s professional performance there are two poor efforts from the other lead females in the cast – watch how Helen Trenholme who plays Della strangles her words in a weird attempt at received pronunciation; and also the “acting” of Dorothy Tree on the stand at the end.
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