Ed Davenport hires a private detective, telling him he thinks his wife is trying to murder him. The detective has Davenport's lunch analyzed at a lab and it is discovered that his sandwich was laced with arsenic. Davenport goes home and tells his rather timid wife, Myrna, and her cousin Louise, that he knows Myrna is trying to kill him just as she did her wealthy Uncle Charley. Davenport takes off and checks in to a motel in a small town and soon thereafter becomes ill; the local doctor calls the Davenport home and leaves a message for Myrna with Louise - a message she doesn't give Myrna. Instead Louise gets Myrna to see Perry Mason and convey to him Davenport's allegations. In this scene there is a whopper of a blooper. At one point, Louise turns to Myrna and says "Louise, there's something I need to tell you." What? Odd that the scene wasn't re-done. I suppose that it simply wasn't noticed. At any rate, Louise and Myrna rush to the motel and after a few moments, the doctors tells them that Davenport is dead. But then later, the body disappears. But what is found is a box of chocolates that contains arsenic. When Davenport's body is found, Myrna is arrested for murder. The trial scenes are particularly interesting in this episode as is the forensic evidence. Unbelievably, the police do not accurately interpret the evidence, but, of course, Perry does. One highlight of this episode is that Della has a prominent role, which is always welcome. An excellent episode and as usual, Perry has the last word. Paul, Della, and Perry are in his office recapping the case. And Della is trying to straighten a picture behind Perry's desk and is having difficulty doing so. In frustration she says "What is wrong with this frame?" Says Perry: "That's the murderer's influence; it's a case of a slightly crooked frame." And so it was.
8 Reviews
Too Many Cooks
Hitchcoc12 November 2021
Sometimes there are so many angles that a crime becomes unwieldy. Here a man who has a lot of money wants to be free of his wife so he incriminates her. There are the usual six or seven suspects but his wife becomes the fall guy. As is usually the case, there are several bad people and some red herrings. Once again Burger and Tragg lead the league in smugness. We know how that will turn out.
The body disappears
AlsExGal27 November 2022
Ed Davenport comes home fuming at his wife, claiming that a lab report says that she poisoned some of his sandwiches a couple of weeks back, and he therefore knows she poisoned her uncle so that she could inherit.
Davenport is on his way out of town on a business trip and checks into a motor court for the night. He begins to feel ill and calls a doctor who then calls his wife. Shortly after his wife arrive, Ed dies, accusing, with his dying breath, his wife of poisoning the chocolates she packed for him. The doctor locks the room and says the law dictates that he must summon the police. When the room is unlocked after the police arrive, there is no Ed. Sometime later, Ed's body is found buried in a shallow grave nearby. The odd forensic evidence here - Ed did die of arsenic poisoning, but his stomach contents were bacon and eggs with no chocolates. The doctor had pumped Davenport's stomach on arrival so the lack of chocolate makes sense, but where did the bacon and eggs come from?
Perry had been retained by Ed's wife Myrna to deal with issues concerning her estate, but that effort now transitions into defending her for murder. A couple of odd things here besides the corpse with a taste for breakfast - Myrna's constant companion is her cousin Louise. These two are always together. Why? Maybe Myrna needs somebody to talk to since Ed Davenport is a nasty unattractive man in just about every way possible. Also, when Paul is doing some sleuthing he notices somebody following him who immediately runs away when noticed.
Of course the police and the DA have come to all of the wrong conclusions, but the nice thing about Perry Mason is, not only does he get his client off, he generally provides the prosecution with the actual murderer. Hamilton Burger should be grateful, but surprisingly he is not.
Davenport is on his way out of town on a business trip and checks into a motor court for the night. He begins to feel ill and calls a doctor who then calls his wife. Shortly after his wife arrive, Ed dies, accusing, with his dying breath, his wife of poisoning the chocolates she packed for him. The doctor locks the room and says the law dictates that he must summon the police. When the room is unlocked after the police arrive, there is no Ed. Sometime later, Ed's body is found buried in a shallow grave nearby. The odd forensic evidence here - Ed did die of arsenic poisoning, but his stomach contents were bacon and eggs with no chocolates. The doctor had pumped Davenport's stomach on arrival so the lack of chocolate makes sense, but where did the bacon and eggs come from?
Perry had been retained by Ed's wife Myrna to deal with issues concerning her estate, but that effort now transitions into defending her for murder. A couple of odd things here besides the corpse with a taste for breakfast - Myrna's constant companion is her cousin Louise. These two are always together. Why? Maybe Myrna needs somebody to talk to since Ed Davenport is a nasty unattractive man in just about every way possible. Also, when Paul is doing some sleuthing he notices somebody following him who immediately runs away when noticed.
Of course the police and the DA have come to all of the wrong conclusions, but the nice thing about Perry Mason is, not only does he get his client off, he generally provides the prosecution with the actual murderer. Hamilton Burger should be grateful, but surprisingly he is not.
I'D LIKE MY BODY BACK, IF YOU PLEASE!
tcchelsey23 November 2023
Not only was Erle Stanley Gardner a fantastic writer, to his credit, he was a fabulous PR man. The titles alone of his mysteries were campy enough, including this one. It actually was a very clever idea, immitated by so many other authors and screenwriters. The more sensational the title, the better the chances of someone reading your book!
Accordingly, to match the macabre title, you have a strange little tale. A wealthy man called Davenport suddenly falls ill and claims his wife has poisoned him. He drops dead and his corpse temporarily disappears! If that's not enough to pull you into this mystery, then what will? By the way, it's a case of a poison box of candy. OMG.
June Dayton plays Davenport's desperate wife, Myra, who seeks Perry's help, and fast. Of course, if you are fan of the show, you know it's always money, and note William Talman gets the acting award for being more arrogant than the killer!
Also notice that Perry is apparently getting paid very well, ditching his old car and driving a new Cadillac. In fact, the show went on to become a show case for some sleek 50s and 60s cars, including Lincolns and T-birds. There's also a nice shot of a classic Corvette here.
Can you guess what happens next?
Well directed by Christian Nyby, famous for the cult sci fi THE THING (1951), a master of countless tv shows, including BONANZA. Nyby directed 13 episodes for the series. June Dayton went on to appear in one of the most famous TWILIGHT ZONE episodes, called "A Penny For Your Thoughts", co-starring Dick York as a man who could read minds?
Looks to have been partly filmed in the San Fernando Valley, long before shopping centers, buildings and lots of housing.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 remastered dvd box set.
Accordingly, to match the macabre title, you have a strange little tale. A wealthy man called Davenport suddenly falls ill and claims his wife has poisoned him. He drops dead and his corpse temporarily disappears! If that's not enough to pull you into this mystery, then what will? By the way, it's a case of a poison box of candy. OMG.
June Dayton plays Davenport's desperate wife, Myra, who seeks Perry's help, and fast. Of course, if you are fan of the show, you know it's always money, and note William Talman gets the acting award for being more arrogant than the killer!
Also notice that Perry is apparently getting paid very well, ditching his old car and driving a new Cadillac. In fact, the show went on to become a show case for some sleek 50s and 60s cars, including Lincolns and T-birds. There's also a nice shot of a classic Corvette here.
Can you guess what happens next?
Well directed by Christian Nyby, famous for the cult sci fi THE THING (1951), a master of countless tv shows, including BONANZA. Nyby directed 13 episodes for the series. June Dayton went on to appear in one of the most famous TWILIGHT ZONE episodes, called "A Penny For Your Thoughts", co-starring Dick York as a man who could read minds?
Looks to have been partly filmed in the San Fernando Valley, long before shopping centers, buildings and lots of housing.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 10 remastered dvd box set.
Great book does not always make for great TV
kfo949416 December 2011
The storyline of this episode was taken from a great 'Perry Mason' book. For whatever reason, it did not play as well when made for TV. The book spent time going into people background and relationship- that is something that an hour long drama mystery just cannot do with interest. So we are left with a good story that flew like the wind in order to get the show over by the 52 minute mark. We are left with a shell of a story.
The episode begins with Ed Davenport (John Stephenson) believing his wife, Myrna Davenport (June Dayton), is poisoning him. This was something that had happened to their Uncle Charley a few years ago.
Ed goes as far as hiring a private investigator to look into the matter. When Mr Davenport checks into a motor inn to stay the night, he becomes sick. He calls the desk and request a doctor. When the doc arrives he tells him that he had some candy that his wife packed and believes it is poisoned. He then dies and the doc locks the door. When the police arrive the doc, along with Ms Davenport, open the motor inn door to find the body of Mr Davenport gone.
Had someone taken the body? Could Mr Davenport still be alive? And why did someone empty Mr Davenport's bank account the day of the apparent death? All these are answers we get through the use of Myrna hiring Perry Mason to defend her in court.
But before the trial even starts, Lt Tragg and Hamilton Burger have a mound of evidence to present to the judge. They even are suppose to have a letter written by Mr Davenport claiming he was being poisoned by his wife. But before Hamilton sees the envelope containing the letter Perry has already steamed it open. This leads to a possible tampering with evidence charge on Perry that could include Della.
The story was good- the book was good- but this episode was a disappointment. Not really a bad episode just, after reading the book, it was dry.
The best part of this episode was Della. Barbara Hale never look so good as she does in this episode. She was eye-candy in all her shots.
The episode begins with Ed Davenport (John Stephenson) believing his wife, Myrna Davenport (June Dayton), is poisoning him. This was something that had happened to their Uncle Charley a few years ago.
Ed goes as far as hiring a private investigator to look into the matter. When Mr Davenport checks into a motor inn to stay the night, he becomes sick. He calls the desk and request a doctor. When the doc arrives he tells him that he had some candy that his wife packed and believes it is poisoned. He then dies and the doc locks the door. When the police arrive the doc, along with Ms Davenport, open the motor inn door to find the body of Mr Davenport gone.
Had someone taken the body? Could Mr Davenport still be alive? And why did someone empty Mr Davenport's bank account the day of the apparent death? All these are answers we get through the use of Myrna hiring Perry Mason to defend her in court.
But before the trial even starts, Lt Tragg and Hamilton Burger have a mound of evidence to present to the judge. They even are suppose to have a letter written by Mr Davenport claiming he was being poisoned by his wife. But before Hamilton sees the envelope containing the letter Perry has already steamed it open. This leads to a possible tampering with evidence charge on Perry that could include Della.
The story was good- the book was good- but this episode was a disappointment. Not really a bad episode just, after reading the book, it was dry.
The best part of this episode was Della. Barbara Hale never look so good as she does in this episode. She was eye-candy in all her shots.
Slightly Crooked Frame -- Read This. Please !!
darbski26 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I say this a lot, I guess, but SPOILER ALERT. I know the series is based on Gardner's books, but remember "based on". Perry is a criminal lawyer second. I've said before that he's a genius, and I meant it. His real money comes from financial litigation. He is a shark. At the end of the show, beautiful Della is trying to hang a picture on the wall, and Perry's remark about a "slightly crooked frame" is probably the funniest ending line in the series (the normal endings are harlequin drivel).
Now to the meat. That picture is just plain UGLY. Because I believe he is a shark, his office decor simply does not fit. To see that we need first to look at Della's office. They very rarely show that set, but when they do, it should befit a legal and confidential assistant of her stature. Her desk should be solid and real wood. Oak file cabinet behind, and appropriate citations on her wall, such as: professional copies of her college diploma ( top honors, of course), sorority membership, along with a secretarial school, membership in B.P.W., La Sertoma, and at least one honorarium from a legal organization. Perry's office is a disaster. even by fifties and sixties style, it says "El Cheapo"
I mentioned the picture? How about the other art pieces? Forget about it. His working area must have been designed by the FLY BY NIGHT school of interior design. first, the walls are horrible. was it styled after rotting driftwood? His walls should be plain, and in the finish of that time in a medium pastel (probably eggshell ivory or light green - money - remember?). Keep the bust of Blackstone that Perry occasionally puts his hat on (until J.F.K.'s inauguration).
His desk is a large table with pegboard screwed to it ... WHAT??? It has to be a large dark oak with quartersawn panels and simple taste. Naturally he would have a couple of barrister style bookcases in back of his desk, and a slightly taller case off to the right side. He would use these to display the latest legal precedents only; they have a small law library. There would be NO "your check's in the mail" statuary, but instead, something like a heavy colored glass modernist (again for the time) piece, and little else, His degrees, awards, citations, plaques, hung behind his desk.
Furniture is heavy wood, leather upholstery including a deep, button tuft couch (Della occasionally crashes on it when she works late), and substantial dark wood and glass coffee table. Wall art behind it should be of the ocean or desert, and the fish tank; remember "the Case of the Glittering Goldfish"? goes between it and the door to the library. Conference table: oval glass with the right chairs, The plantings should be next to the outside windows and doors. The whole approach must say "financial confidence", and not "confidence man". Now, maybe they didn't want to let style take away from the acting. we all know they needn't have worried it was and remains some of the best on television. I just believe that the characters should be in a set that befits their stature. end of rant, thanks.
Now to the meat. That picture is just plain UGLY. Because I believe he is a shark, his office decor simply does not fit. To see that we need first to look at Della's office. They very rarely show that set, but when they do, it should befit a legal and confidential assistant of her stature. Her desk should be solid and real wood. Oak file cabinet behind, and appropriate citations on her wall, such as: professional copies of her college diploma ( top honors, of course), sorority membership, along with a secretarial school, membership in B.P.W., La Sertoma, and at least one honorarium from a legal organization. Perry's office is a disaster. even by fifties and sixties style, it says "El Cheapo"
I mentioned the picture? How about the other art pieces? Forget about it. His working area must have been designed by the FLY BY NIGHT school of interior design. first, the walls are horrible. was it styled after rotting driftwood? His walls should be plain, and in the finish of that time in a medium pastel (probably eggshell ivory or light green - money - remember?). Keep the bust of Blackstone that Perry occasionally puts his hat on (until J.F.K.'s inauguration).
His desk is a large table with pegboard screwed to it ... WHAT??? It has to be a large dark oak with quartersawn panels and simple taste. Naturally he would have a couple of barrister style bookcases in back of his desk, and a slightly taller case off to the right side. He would use these to display the latest legal precedents only; they have a small law library. There would be NO "your check's in the mail" statuary, but instead, something like a heavy colored glass modernist (again for the time) piece, and little else, His degrees, awards, citations, plaques, hung behind his desk.
Furniture is heavy wood, leather upholstery including a deep, button tuft couch (Della occasionally crashes on it when she works late), and substantial dark wood and glass coffee table. Wall art behind it should be of the ocean or desert, and the fish tank; remember "the Case of the Glittering Goldfish"? goes between it and the door to the library. Conference table: oval glass with the right chairs, The plantings should be next to the outside windows and doors. The whole approach must say "financial confidence", and not "confidence man". Now, maybe they didn't want to let style take away from the acting. we all know they needn't have worried it was and remains some of the best on television. I just believe that the characters should be in a set that befits their stature. end of rant, thanks.
The Case of the Runaway Corpse
Prismark102 July 2021
Ed Davenport finds a sandwich his wife gave him was laced with arsenic by a food laboratory. He has even hired a private detective.
Ed accuses his wife Myrna of poisoning him just as she did with to Uncle Charley some time ago.
Her cousin Louise wants Myrna to see Perry Mason when Ed is seriously ill in a motel.
Ed later dies but his body disappears. There is a box of chocolate with arsenic and Myrna is the chief suspect.
Based on an original story, this really is a condensed novel. Cousin Louise looks like an early suspect as she quickly turns against Myrna.
There is an odd scene when the local doctor builds what looks like an oxygen tent for Ed in his motel bed. He never calls for an ambulance to take Ed to the hospital given how ill he is.
Perry Mason gets to the bottom of it and it really focuses on the character of Ed Davenport. Someone who was cunning and devious.
Ed accuses his wife Myrna of poisoning him just as she did with to Uncle Charley some time ago.
Her cousin Louise wants Myrna to see Perry Mason when Ed is seriously ill in a motel.
Ed later dies but his body disappears. There is a box of chocolate with arsenic and Myrna is the chief suspect.
Based on an original story, this really is a condensed novel. Cousin Louise looks like an early suspect as she quickly turns against Myrna.
There is an odd scene when the local doctor builds what looks like an oxygen tent for Ed in his motel bed. He never calls for an ambulance to take Ed to the hospital given how ill he is.
Perry Mason gets to the bottom of it and it really focuses on the character of Ed Davenport. Someone who was cunning and devious.
Better as a feature film or made for TV movie
bkoganbing1 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Courtesy of my fellow reviewer I find out that this particular Perry Mason episode is actually based on an Erle Stanley Gardner novel and I agree with him that the condensation didn't quite work out as so much was sacrificed. Still it was a pretty good episode about a rich man who goes to some elaborate means to fake his own death only to get hoisted on his own petard so to speak. He 'dies' than disappears and then turns up really dead. Mrs. deceased winds up on trial.
A quack doctor and a bottom feeding private eye, certainly not an employee of William Hopper are at the bottom of it. Even that's giving away too much. You might enjoy it, though it probably would have been better served as a two hour Perry Mason movie that Raymond Burr did later on.
A quack doctor and a bottom feeding private eye, certainly not an employee of William Hopper are at the bottom of it. Even that's giving away too much. You might enjoy it, though it probably would have been better served as a two hour Perry Mason movie that Raymond Burr did later on.
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