The Case of the Renegade Refugee

The question you always here is, "Why don't men talk about the war?' .... and any war applies. There are many reasons - what horrors they saw, what they did or were forced to do, what they didn't do and should have done, what their job/rank was, what it could have been, what pain and suffering they endured, and saw. This episode explores one aspect of experience in the war and how it affects the man for the rest of a life. If you are a combat veteran of a war, you will understand. If you are a friend or a loved one of a combat veteran, this episode will help you to understand. All the other criticisms of reviewers may be valid. But if you fall into either of the categories above, it is well worth your time.

I agree with the last reviewer, how can you go wrong with blackmail and murder? Having grown up on PERRY MASON (and still watching 50 plus years later!), you have to admit --though --Perry was one lucky attorney when most cases ended with the witness jumping out of his chair and confessing to the crime!

Nevertheless, an outstanding story, and rather atmospheric (creepy) at times, which all us mystery buffs enjoy. The script may have been picked from real news headlines, all about Nazis living in America under new identities. Perry investigates an LA based aerospace company, replete with rumors that a former Nazi officer is on the payroll. This episode, in a way, has shades of the Orson Welles' thriller, THE STRANGER (1946). It would have been campy fun had Loretta Young made an appearance.

Only debit, minus poetic license, is if this gentleman were really employed to such an influential company with government ties, it would impossible to hide his background, or at the very least, explain gaps or incorrect information in his past work history. IE: He's hiding something....

The cast is quite effective with former cowboy star Dick Foran, playing Harlan. Perhaps one of his best tv roles. He would next appear in DONOVAN'S REEF. Veteran actor John Sutton (as Clifton) is also one to watch. Another cowboy actor, Denver Pyle is in the cast, also turning in an exceptional performance. Master of cult films, Bernard Kowalski directed, and catch the moody music bits in certain scenes, his trademark.

On a historical note, the famous Serra Retreat on Serra Road in Malibu is highlighted, and looking very much the same. And yes, the landmark is still open to the public.

Recommended for all of us armchair barristers. SEASON 5 EPISODE 13 remastered CBS dvd box set. Vol 1 and 2 4 dvds each. Released 2010.

A newspaper journalist visits Space Associates Ltd. with a bit of information concerning that one of their employees is an ex-Nazi criminal named Max Keinermann. The journalist just needs a little time to find out exactly which employees is the one that wrote a note from the company to his dying wife.

One employee, Harlan Merill, has a past that he wants hidden and becomes the main suspect of the investigation. During a religious retreat for the employees of Space Associates, the journalist ends up dead and all the evidence points to Harlan Merill as the murderer. It is apparent to all that Mr Merrill has a secret that he does not want revealed.

Perry will defend Merrill is court against not only the murder but also the Nazi claim. And with many witnesses this will prove difficult. But with help from Paul Drake, Perry will get to the bottom of Merrill's past and reveal his hidden identity.

The episode is full of suspense and surprises. This show proves to be more than just a murder case but also revealing of war memories. Some of the memories may have been faded but by the end of the show all will be well in the office of Perry Mason. Very good show.

As usual, a convoluted, largely non-sensical story from the PM "writers". The stuff of supermarket tabloids and paperbacks, adding horrendous dialogue, poor direction, and mediocre-at-best acting.

The ridiculous "courtroom confessions", the result of the overbearing pressure Perry puts on the perpetrator (LOL) are always laugh inducing in their utter preposterousness. This one, portrayed by Denver Pyle - a middling character actor- is especially overwritten, overdirected, and overacted.

But, it's to be expected from this unrealistic, silly, and often unintentionally funny program. Rock on, Perry!

Definitely one of the best episodes of the season..! A good, many layered mystery kept taut with good performances. The exchange between Harlan and Perry in the interview room was very well done. As a Catholic myself, I also much enjoyed the backdrop of the Fransiscan retreat and religious overtones, especially Fr Paul's recital of the story of Francesco Bernardoni -- St Francis of Assisi. The prospect of the disguised former Nazi in the works was a worthy side plot. The only negative points were the overused embezzlement and blackmail schemes. All-in-all it played out very well. A satisfying episode.