The Case of the Polka Dot Pony

A very clever murder mystery, the nifty title always the lure. Master of whodunits, Robert C. Dennis wrote the story, a good chance he borrowed an idea from classic mystery films, such as the THIN MAN.

Comedian Jesse White, in a fine dramatic role, plays the uncle of a young lady named Maureen who he would like to reunite with her real mother, separated from her years ago due to bouts with alcohol. Yes, there's also a large amount of money due Maureen, the question is which one?

In an intriguing twist, TWO Maureens surface, both of whom were in an orphanage. Conveniently, Mr. Renshaw (White) is murdered, and now its up to Perry to identify the rightful heir, all coming down to a polka dot horse doll in an old photo. This is where Dennis could have borrowed from the THIN MAN, or other vintage 30s mysteries. Photos speak volumes, a nifty curveball.

Melinda Casey plays Maureen Thomas, known for many appearances on OZZIE AND HARRIET. Eilene Janssen plays Maureen Franklin, who gained attention in the cult film, THE SEARCH FOR BRIDEY MURPHY.

Always a treat to see veteran actress Virginia Field (WATERLOO BRIDGE) making another appearance on the show, obviously a favorite of the producers.

SEASON 6 EPISODE 12 remastered CBS dvd box set. Volumes 1 and 2. Thanks to METV for running these oldies twice daily.

Did you notice the artwork on the wall in LA matched identically with the art on the wall in Italy!! Homes of two strangers who never met but are trying to!! Burt Metcalf in this episode had better luck on MASH. The only person who was involved on every episode of MASH that was ever televised. Never missed a show...ever. This was a weird Perry Mason. I've seen them all numerous times thanks to METV. I'm 67 and I used to watch them with my grandparents all the time. I watch them religiously now for the nostalgia of the wonderful memories of my childhood. After all, the channels like METV are supposed to bring back our wonderful childhood memories.

A young woman named Maureen who works as a flight attendant was raised in an orphanage. Suddenly, it is revealed that there is a sizable trust fund in the offing. It is also revealed that there is another Maureen who was there at about the same time. Anyway, there is a woman who gave a four year old up for adoption because of an alcohol problem. Some reviewers don't like the person who plays the main character, who is eventually charged with killing the Maytag repair man, because she is harsh. The other Maureen is a sweet, bubbly woman. I would say the former was more like an orphaned kid who lived through the school of hard knocks.

The title of this Perry Mason episode refers to a child's stuffed animal which was the toy of a missing heiress. That part of the plot is as old as the hills where the rich heiress has been abandoned as a child and is in an orphanage awaiting a Prince Charming to rescue her.

Melinda Plowman and Eilene Janssen are the two young women claiming the estate. A long lost uncle played by Jesse White has what he considers some tie breaking information and that information gets him killed and Janssen arrested for the crime.

Although the plot premise is straight out of one of those 19th century morality plays, the solution to the murder was a really clever one. Turns out Jesse really did have some valuable information.