The Case of the Festive Felon

Most of the reviewers have rated this one pretty highly, but I just can't agree. The murderer is just too obvious from the start (although the circumstances don't become apparent until much later in the courtroom) and the plot is typically thin for a later season entry. Once again we have a hefty inheritance and the overdone storyline of lies and deception that surround it. <Yawn...> And while I like Kathie Browne in general, in this outing she seems rather hapless and scattered, and it just doesn't suit her well. Sherry Jackson plays fine, but she's just not able to pull this one out of oblivion.

A dying Bebe Brent makes a living bequest of one million dollars to her nurse Anne Seymour in trust for her daughter Sherry Jackson. She's engaged to Ray Stricklyn who is Bebe's nephew.

This starts a whole commotion over the estate when Bebe passes. And when family attorney John Howard is killed, it is Sherry Jackson who is grateful she retained Perry Mason for her estate action.

This episode plays like a soap opera where among other things we learn a lot about the late Bebe Brent's history and love life. As for the murderer it is someone you would not suspect at first at all. William Hopper uncovers a lot of evidence on that one and the person dismisses Paul Drake as just another dumb shamus.

The mystery that plays like a soap opera. Perry Mason fans will love it.

I imagine Perry Mason lovers, such as myself, enjoy the surprises and twists that come out in courtroom scenes, but this episode "sets the bar" on the number of backstories, which makes you wonder what is the central story. Prepare yourself--and keep wondering who is the "Festive Felon?" Certainly, you're fixated by the opening death-bed scene of the passionate appeals by BeBe to by the most shallow, unfeeling, family members ever (that should be a sufficient hint) . I guess for that reason, watch this episode--but take Perry's lead, don't get too drawn into the central plot; remain evasive and mysterious to Paul and Della.

I found this episode to be typical Perry Mason. Not the greatest script but a show you wanted to watch till the end.

Had all the Mason story lines with a theft, arson, burglary and of course the murder. And you even get the witness stand confession to tie all the parts together.

The eye candy of Sherry Jackson made me long for the early 60's all over again. From the one piece swimwear to the unbrushed and soot filled hair, the camera was nice to Ms Jackson. It also must have rubbed off on Della. In this episode she is always wearing the finest outfits and the lighting on her makes her stand out in ways not seen on many "Perry Mason" shows.

In one of the most cheesy performances, Paul acts like a studio talent scout and sweet talks a secretary for a film role. Not one of William Hopper's finest moments. But it ties in somewhat at the end so it is easily forgiven.

Overall a good watch. If you like "Perry Mason" then this episode will give you your fill.

One needs a program to keep all the players straight. She's the daughter of whom? Who's embezzling what? A marriage to a guy who is still party to what went on in the first place. A dad? Really? There's so many layers that somehow one needs to understand too much law to follow it. Entertaining because of the Brents but otherwise a bit too foggy.