The Case of the Sausalito Sunrise

In this unique episode, Paul Drake truly shines. He has no less then five scenes in which he is the main player with his many talents as a P. I. and as a character are on display. William Hopper shows a full range of character and emotions as he goes undercover, carries a gun and even gets handcuffed.

As well, this is one of the most complex and exciting episodes of the entire series. There are art thefts, kidnap attempts, truck hijackings, a car chase, two murders (one a month before the start), two disappearing clients, and an openly angry Perry Mason.

An exceptional episode for the final season.

It is incredible fun to watch episodes from the original and classic Perry Mason seasons here, in the UK. Correct region dvds of the series are both hard to find and expensive to boot. So thanks goes to respective CBS drama and justice channels for showing seasons 9 and 6. Hope more will follow.

However the main purpose for doing this is to draw attention to the inclusion in the cast of Elisabeth Fraser and Allan Melvin. Both played main roles in the 'Bilko', as it was known over here. Sheer joy to see them again, as it would also be if the tv series re-appeared on our screens.

There were lot of twists and turns in this one. We had a couple overzealous cops who had such tunnel vision they couldn't move forward. Both Paul and Perry are out investigating and facing danger. Paul on the road with a semi and Perry facing a gun. Still, it is never clear who did it and the result was quite satisfactory.

Perry Mason defends two people accused in the murder of a cop and of a trucking company executive. The killings are a month apart, but they do tie in together and knowing that should tell you who the real killer is because Raymond Burr defends no guilty clients.

This episode involves William Hopper going undercover with the trucking company and nearly getting killed in a hijack attempt. In fact one of the hijackers is killed so there are three killings in this particular episode.

There is a trial or a preliminary hearing before a judge, I guess that is California's version of a Grand Jury. But the murderer is discovered by Burr and confesses in an entirely different place. And that individual is really the only possible suspect when you figure it out logically.

When I guess the murderer the Perry Mason episode rates less, but for the change of where the confession is obtained the episode gets marks for originality.

I agree with the last reviewer, this is high adventure and legman Paul Drake shines, or rather William Hopper. This may be Hopper's best performance, and it's about time, because he was a very good actor in his own right.

Again, the story is a winner, thanks to series writer Ernest Frankel, possibly taking a cue from 77 SUNSET STRIP. It has that feel. Paul goes undercover as a truck driver, joining a company that has been hit by a series of hijackings. Lots of action, centering around some major thefts, including a famous painting called "Sunrise in Sausalito."

The painting turns up in an art museum run by Francis Clune (Daniel Murphy). A cop on the case is killed and Clune is the likely suspect, including his assistant Bobbi Dane, played by lovely Francine York.

Adding more to the mystery, Bobbi disappears and it turns the case upside down. While Drake is pursuing the hi-jackers, Perry defends Clune, which leads to a terrific courtroom showdown. If you're a movie buff, Murphy was great in this role because he was a natural at playing suspicious-looking characters in the first place. Also nice to see Francine York, a staple in many tv shows, including DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

Great supporting cast, many familiar faces like heavy Peter Mamakos as Deering, Allan Melvin as Bert and Stanley Clements (from the BOWERY BOYS) as Floyd. Veteran actor Kenneth MacDonald returns as the judge, perhaps one of the best actors to fill the role, sounding and looking like a seasoned judge. Surprisingly, MacDonald gained fame chasing the Three Stooges in many of their comedies.

A labor of love by director Jesse Hibbs, working overtime with Drake's truck being chased by a car late at night. Look out for the cliff!

Best of SEASON 9, the final season. Remastered CBS dvd box set, Volumes 1 and 2.