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.

This episode brings Perry into some dark stuff involving Nazis and war crimes. It is fraught with emotions and full of angst. I rather enjoyed it, even though the conclusion was a bit contrived.

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.

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.

Of all the episodes of Perry Mason I have seen up to this point, this episode is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite! It is definitely the best! What a great episode!