The Case of the Grinning Gorilla

Starting with an old Bela Lugosi movie, those burly gorilla suits came into vogue. These rare creatures were seen as murderous brutes when out of control. A man who has worked with simians is an eccentric scientist and a recluse. Soon, a diary purchased by Della is sought after by some unscrupulous guys. Also, a big mouthed former maid, gets into the action. This is like the plot of a 1930's comedy. It's one of the Mason episodes where we never see the inside of a courtroom.

There was a lot of different stuff going on in this episode. First the usual reserved and intelligent Della, comes of as somewhat silly and goofy. The usual cool and calculating Perry comes off as a yelling short tempered tyrant. Perry also manages to have one of the most stupid annoying clients he has ever had. I almost wish the gorilla had taken care of her. Overall it was still pretty entertaining.

Really, Perry Mason episodes have the worst bandages of any show on television. The cast and crew must have gotten some really great laughs over the bandages they used in the shows. I can't believe that any make-up people worth their salt could possibly construct such silly things.

I've said it before; I don't understand why people pan these episodes. Nostalgic series, great cars, terrific chemistry among the three regulars, plus Tragg (sadly gone by this episode) and Burger (not in this one) adding sarcasm and dry wit, as well as impertinent temper tantrums (Burger, of course), what more do you want? Tightly written plots, realistic court scenes? C'mon, lower your expectations, and I don't mean that in a negative way. This was a 50-minute show that entertained, simple as that. I love trying to (1) determine who the killer is, and (2) figuring out how Perry solves the case, the latter the more difficult exercise.

This episode was decent if only because of its off-the-beaten-path nature, i.e., Della acting like a silly schoolgirl, Perry actually being irritated, first at Della then at Victor Buono's character, showing emotion, pounding his fist, no court scenes or judge, and no Burger baby acting. And the music was terrific. Oh, and I didn't have to watch ever tense, tightly wound, never smiling detective Andy who would always say "...yes, that's my mark..." while being utterly incompetent and grumpy. I don't think he ever smiled in any episode. Not the best, most tense episode, but certainly entertaining.

I liked this more then I should have. Mainly the reason was it was a little more of a humorous turn. I agree with the other comments it was a little harder to follow and some unexpected twist and turns along the journey but that was what made it so fun at least for me. But the best surprise was seeing two of my favorite character actors in one episode Victor Burno and Gavin McCloud.

The other reviewers gave a good summery of the story plot and I wouldn't be able to add much more to what they already said.

One thing came out of this episode a new quest this summer while walking around Garage Sales and Flea Markets I want to find "Case of the Grinning Gorilla" the original Book.