The Case of the Double-Entry Mind

Incredible performance by actor Stuart Erwin. Raymon Burr as Perry Mason takes 2nd place for sure on this episode as Stuart steals the spotlight. One of the best Perry Mason episodes ever. Richard Reeves also plays a good part as the Blueberry Farmer, along with Paul Tripp "It's a Stormy Mornin Sellers"

A showcase for comedian Stu Erwin, although no laughs here. Absolutely terrific mystery, and Stu should have won an Emmy hands down.

Textbook definition of what an excellent director and writer can do together. This is it. Evereything jives. Stu plays a company accountant who is rather thrifty in his ways. He firmly believes in saving a penny, and they do add up. In fact, behind everyone's backs he's embezzled no less than $201,000 bucks(!) -- now planning to dump his wife Beth (Virginia Christine) and merrily trot off with young secretary Kathleen Hughes (Lita).

Are you ready? Turns out lovely Lita is as much a cheat as Stu. When he finds out he kills her, however... somebody beat him to the punch and Lita was already dead? Beth is charged with the crime, and what a puzzler for Perry.

Super highlight to this story is the inventive camera work by director Allen H. Miner, a few dark, shadowy scenes (with Stu Erwin) that are knockouts. Add some wild music bits (at the precise moment) to seal the deal, thanks to composer Fred Steiner, music director for the entire series run. He later returned for new episodes produced in the 80s and early 90s.

Very good roles for veteran actress Virginia Christine and Kathleen Hughes, famous for the 50s sci fi IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE. She passed in 2025.

Written by the dean of the series, Jackson Gillis, no surprise there. Allen H. Miner went onto direct WAGON TRAIN, ROUTE 66, scores of classic tv shows.

Best of SEASON 6 EPISODE 4 remastered CBS dvd box sets. Volumes 1 and 2. 4 dvds per box. Released 2011.

This episode is a weird one. Stu Erwin is right in his wheelhouse with the frenetic Sandy Sandover, but the whole hurricane of a plot is just a bit much to swallow in one gulp. It seems in this one the murder of Lita Krail is more of a side plot to the embezzlement schemes laid out by Sandy than the focus of the episode. Weird, but in an OK way, I guess...

Veteran actor, and real life school principal, Stuart Erwin plays Clem Sandover, an out of character role that makes the most of his ability to portray seemingly harmless fuss-budgets while falling head-over-heel for someone way out of his league. He plays the role so well that his infatuation with knock-out Kathleen Hughes, playing as Lita Krail, is believable as well as pathetic. The story is unusual in that there seems to be more of Stu Erwin than Raymond Burr on screen.

Erwin is well-supported by a cast that includes talented Paul Tripp, the slightly devious boss who is trying to keep a secret. The remainder of the cast is also strong making for an enjoyable show - and one certainly out of the ordinary.

Actually the antics of Stu Erwin eclipse the actual mystery which almost seems secondary as there were not many suspects. This was a special treat for Stuart Erwin fans as it displays his acting ability in a number of situations.

Stu Erwin plays an accountant who has dreamed for years of taking off with money he has embezzled dollar by dollar from the company he toils for. He also has designs on a pretty young woman who works there, although we know from the start there is nothing doing. He is so frenetic as to have little control over his emotions. He also is driven to continually count things, including his money on a bumpy train ride. His wife has been true to him but is suffering from some fears. He treats her like dirt. The problem with this episode is the craziness of it. Erwin is, however, plays an amazing character.