The Case of the Glittering Goldfish

Attempting ID the murderer here is not an EZ task, though I agree, few tears are genuinely shed for the victim as well. Erle Stanley Gardner was a lot like Hitchcock; both enjoyed villains getting their just desserts. Case in point.

Interestingly, a bit of science to this whodunit, centered around Mr. Rollins' (Gage Clarke) tropical fish store. He sells the place to one bad apple called Huxley (Mervyn Vye), who also manages to steal a new medicine for bacterial infections in tropical fish. Employee Tom Wyatt (John Hudson) is the inventor, Huxley managing to gain control of the medicine to make him a bundle. What a rat!

In reality there was, in fact, a medicine developed to cure fish gill infections (defined as Gill Fever) that unless treated, generally lead to death.

Huxley is promptly killed and, sure 'nuf, an interesting parade of suspects... Perry obviously has to defend Wyatt, however the list of folks who have an axe to grind is lengthy, including a bitter ex-gal friend. A woman's wrath? No surprise with this work of art.

Wonderful cast, lead by veteran actors Cecil Kellaway (Melcalf) and Gage Clarke, famous for the BAD SEED and a ton of tv westerns. Good role for May Wynn (Donna), known for the CAINE MUTINY.

If John Hudson looks familiar, he was the brother of William Hudson, co-star of cult sci fi films. Not too long after this episode May retired to sell real estate in Hollywood.

Of honorable mention, written by Milton Krims, co-screenwriter of ANTHONY ADVERSE.

An even 10 Stars for getting even! Splendid whodunit. SEASON 2 EPISODE 14 remastered CBS dvd box set. Volumes 1 and 2. Ultra fans will enjoy the mega series box set, all nine seasons on dvd.

This entertaining show begins at Fredrick Rollins Tropical Fish Store as one of Mr Rollins' employees, Tom Wyatt, is showing a man named Jackson Huxley a cure for a nasty fish disease named gull fever. Wyatt mixes his paste with the water and the fishes that were near death seemed cure of the disease and are back swimming around. This is going to be something that will bring much money to the store. However we learn that Jackson Huxley had bought the Rollins fish store not long ago and since he owes the company he going to push Wyatt and Rollins out of the way and profit from the remedy. Needless to say Wyatt is not happy.

Later Jackson Huxley is found murdered and the main suspect is Tom Wyatt. When the police learn that Wyatt was also dating a secretary of Huxleys, plus Wyatt's blood was found at the scene, it will be only a short time before Hamilton Burger will issue a murder warrant for Wyatt. Perry will defend him in court against a large amount of unflattering evidence.

But do not think Wyatt was the only suspect. There is a cascade of people that are not sadden by Huxley's demise. From his jilted wife, a fired sexy secretary, a partner in financial trouble, a drunk chemist and the owner of the fish store - Perry will have to look at all the facts and then determine who had the best motive or the luckiest chance to get rid of Huxley.

This is another one of the mysteries that will keep you on your toes. When people team up together to form an alibi, you know that it will be a tough case for Perry to defend. But like always, Perry will maneuver through the muck till a confession is reached and has his client out in time for supper. Good watch.

Tom Wyatt has developed a treatment for gill fever, a disease that afflicts tropical fish. His boss Frederick Rollins had agreed to share the invention together.

Only Rollins had sold his business to Jack Huxley. He now owns the intellectual rights to the formula. This angers Wyatt, even making threats against Huxley.

The arrogant and greedy Huxley asks his intoxicated chemist Darrell Metcalf to analyze the formula to it can be replicated.

The next morning Huxley is found dead and Wyatt is arrested.

There are a whole host of suspects. This include secretary Sally Wilson who is engaged to Wyatt. She was forced to work late that night by Huxley. His wife Norah who disliked her husband and has a flaky alibi herself. Huxley's business partner who also wants a piece of the formula.

There is a nice bit of cut and thrust in the courtroom as Perry Mason looks to hone in on the alternatives. At the end you have a modicum of sympathy for the actual culprit. I thought the story was a cut above but still too run of the mill.

What we have here is a tale of two episodes; the one with the milquetoast, boring script, and the one with Cecil Kellaway as a guest star. The writers were definitely not going to win an Emmy on this one -- it just never really went anywhere and wasn't anything we hadn't seen before (just with different characters and situations). Then there is Cecil Kellaway's portrayal of Darrell Metcalf -- a brilliant actor that can even make a badly written part sparkle like a fine diamond. And that's exactly what we have here. This episode is worth watching just for that -- just don't expect much else. But I'd sit through an average show just to see Mr. Kellaway anytime...

The accused did have a rather violent temper and was abusive to his girlfriend. He also was careless in his research, doing work on company time and then being surprised when the jerky owner moves in for his share. When he punches the guy out, it is beyond the rights he has. I just wasn't all that interested in this episode.