The Case of the Nebulous Nephew

The beauty of this episode is that a man recovers his humanity. The two elderly women, incredibly rich, are the targets here, but their unflappable resolve is endearing. They aren't made to be ridiculous as is often the case. There is also a wonderful conclusion to the trial, rather daring for 1963.

Truly among the best episodes of the series, and for Perry Mason, that says quite a lot. It is unusual in that about 75% of the episode does not feature a murder, and when one finally happens it remains very much a side story.

The focus is instead on the endurance of family, and the way in which the pieces are woven makes the episode so very special and outstanding.

Ivan Dixon of Hogan's Heroes makes a late, but crucial appearance, that helps wrap up the story in its brilliant and inspirational conclusion.

... and I'll get back to that later.

John Brooks is being coached by Ernest Stone in all of the things that long lost and ousted heir of the family, Caleb Stone, would have known if he was still alive - facts about the family and childhood memories. Brooks then appears at the Stone mansion and presents himself to Sophia and Ninevah Stone as a friend of their deceased nephew, Caleb, who knew him in the orphanage and into adulthood.

What actually happened is that Caleb was the Stone sisters' nephew, but his father died before he was born and his mother could provide no proof that she and the father were ever married, so at a young age he and his mother were cast out from the family home by the Stone sisters' father and disinherited. When his mother died he was placed in an orphanage, and that is where Brooks says he knew him. I know this all sounds so very weird 60 years later, but you have to remember that at this time no well-dressed person left the house without a hat either, and out of wedlock children were considered shameful.

So Brooks is always adamant he is NOT Caleb, but he knows so many details that Caleb knew that the Stone sisters become convinced that he IS Caleb and go to Perry Mason to change their will to make Brooks their heir. Perry knows he's most likely dealing with an imposter, but the problem is that the imposter is making no claims. It truly is a cunning plan.

But Brooks does have a conscience, and the Stone sisters are being so warm and kind to him that he has second thoughts that his partner in crime Ernest does not want him to have. The two fight and Brooks hits Ernest in the head. Ernest is OK when Brooks leaves the room, even talking to him, but less than five minutes later one of the elderly Stone sisters says that Ernest is dead, and Brooks is charged with the murder. So now the scalawag is Perry Mason's client.

When I say that Mason could be subversive, the final twist is very clever and uses a plot device the implications of which probably made the entire state of Mississippi faint dead away at the time. What do I mean by that? Watch and find out. This is truly one of the best of the series.

This is one of the most interesting episodes in the entire series. An excellent start to season seven.

Ernest Stone and John Brooks have a scheme that will bring them loads of money. What had happened many years ago was the a rich man's son, Caleb Stone III, had a baby which was named Caleb Stone IV. Right after the conception of the baby Caleb the 3rd dies in an airplane accident. The family of the rich man goes all out to prove that the baby was out of wedlock so that the mother and the baby will inherit nothing. And when the mother of the child dies, the baby is placed in a Catholic home for orphans.

Now Ernest Stone bring John Brooks in to say he was a friend of Caleb Stone IV and that Caleb died. Two older ladies Sophia and Nineveh really believe that John Brooks is actually Caleb. So the two older women want to change their wills so that John Brooks, who they think is Caleb Stone IV, will inherit all their fortune.

Since the women are so nice, John Brooks wants out of the scheme. When he talks with Ernest they get into scuffle. Ernest is hit with a butt of a shotgun but seems fine. Later Ernest is found dead and John Brooks is charged with murder and Perry will defend him in court.

This is a very good show. The murder was not the highlight of the show but trying to find the true Caleb became the lead. And it will be a surprise when the viewer learns the whereabouts of Caleb Stone IV. With some great acting by the entire cast this episode is worth the watch. A highly interesting story.

Premier episode of the seventh season, a winner, boasting a rather inventive opening, shades of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, though a few years away. Also shows the genius of director Arthur Marks, producer of the series.

Once again, an interitance is up for grabs, however with a far different slant. Distant relative Ernest Stone takes John Brooks (Ron Starr) under his deceitful wing, training him on what he should know as adult Caleb Stone IV, heir to a fortune. The real Caleb hasn't been seen since he was a baby, sent off to an orphanage and forgotten. Stone painstakingly prepares Brooks to be the heir apparant, looking like a fairly clever scheme that may just work...

Comes the test; Brooks (or Caleb) faces elder sisters Sophia and Nineveh Stone (Beulah Bondie and Meg Wyllie), the keepers of the flame, and must convince them beyond a shadow of a doubt. Yes, he proves to be an outstanding student and actor, ably fooling them, then of all things -- has a change of heart. He wants out of the scam, largely because the Stone sisters have been very kind to him. As Mason etiquette would have it, an arguement breaks out between the schemers and Stone turns up dead. Safe to say, Perry is saddled with one complicated case; Brooks is innocent, though he has doubts about his claim. Not the first or last tale about an imposter, but intricate enough to watch unfold and end up in Perry's court of last resort.

The acting here wins hands down, absolutely, particularly Starr and veterans Bondie and Wyllie, wearing heavy makeup.

Film buffs will recognize Bondie from such classics as MR SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON and ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Early role for Ivan Dixon (HOGANS HEROES), later to become a distinguished director. Prime character actress Irene Tedrow plays Sister Theresa, stealing a few scenes for good measure.

On a tragic note, one of the final roles for Kate Manx (Irene), who had a promising career, however took her life following a divorce. Known for PRIVATE PROPERTY, which has become a runaway cult film, turning up lately on cable and dvd.

SEASON 7 EPISODE 1 remastered CBS dvd box set. Volumes 1 and 2. 4 dvds per box. Released 2012.