Since William Talman, who played the game but always losing ADA in the original series died in 1966, a new ADA was needed for the first of 26 TV movies, and they settled on a woman. While only Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale survive from the original cast, you know as soon as Fred Steiner's memorable theme begins that Perry's client faces an unsinkable case, and that Perry will sink it.
And a good thing too, since his client is Barbara Hale. It seems that Perry has been spending some time as a judge -- he was probably appointed to give the Los Angeles DA's office a better win average -- but he resigns as soon as Della is arrested. With Della's son by investigator Paul Drake (played by Miss Hale's son, William Katt) we are treated to an investigation -- Katt providing some comedy -- in which there are more than half a dozen suspects, since we all know that Della didn't do the deed.
There are the usual trite "This Time It's Personal!" tropes, but it's a well-built and executed mystery. It's a pleasure to see Burr resume the signature role that changed him from a movie heavy to a TV star.
And a good thing too, since his client is Barbara Hale. It seems that Perry has been spending some time as a judge -- he was probably appointed to give the Los Angeles DA's office a better win average -- but he resigns as soon as Della is arrested. With Della's son by investigator Paul Drake (played by Miss Hale's son, William Katt) we are treated to an investigation -- Katt providing some comedy -- in which there are more than half a dozen suspects, since we all know that Della didn't do the deed.
There are the usual trite "This Time It's Personal!" tropes, but it's a well-built and executed mystery. It's a pleasure to see Burr resume the signature role that changed him from a movie heavy to a TV star.