The Case of the Weary Watchdog

Fascinating whodunit, just to see Perry write a personal check to Della for $25,000 (about 241,000 dollars today) -- no questions asked?

Della's good friend, Janet Brent (Mala Powers) is being blackmailed, some not too flattering photos in the mix. John Dall plays to perfection the worthless rat, Edward Franklin, owner of a gallery, filled with priceless Oriental art. Even though Janet pays him off, he refuses to return the pictures, now wanting a half interest in her husband's company. PS: He's also stiffing lots of other folks, earning a tidy income on the sly.

One episode you know the deceased got everything due him, however that leaves Janet being charged with murder. Technically, Della is also involved in the case, and could face prison herself. The nifty catch here is that while Janet admits to striking Franklin (one time), forensics indicate he was killed due to TWO additional blows.

Excellent writing, guaranteeing to keep you guessing, written by Samuel Newman, lead writer and script supervisor for the series. He likely borrowed the "multiple assault" murder angle (two different killers) from Erle Stanley Gardner's "The Case of the Velvet Claws." In that mystery, the victim was shot by two different people, as opposed to being struck with an object, as in this case. Fairly clever either way.

Memorable performances all the way around, particulary John Dall, known for the Hitchcock thriller, ROPE. Mala Powers has a fine dramatic role, also Doris Dowling (known for the LOST WEEKEND).

Number One Son Keye Luke (CHARLIE CHAN) plays the owner of a Chinese restaurant, replete with wise sayings. Note his name, CC Chang, similar to Chan.

SEASON 6 EPISODE 9 remastered CBS dvd box set. Volumes 1 and 2. Thanks to METV for running these oldies twice daily.

Very noir! The story unfolds among rich people and oriental art. Among the cast are John Dall, Wesley Addy and Doris Dowling. Even Della dons a mink stole and gold lame evening dress. Or perhaps it's silver. One of the best.

Perry Mason's "The Case of the Weary Watchdog" is a complicated but good story involving stolen Chinese art objects, incriminating photos, and international blackmail between Chinese-Americans and those trapped behind the "Bamboo Curtain". It's a great episode that even snares his secretary into a possible charge of accessory to murder herself . But don't get too mired in the confusing details of the other reviews here. Just watch "The Case of the Weary Watchdog" for a great example of the very special relationship between Perry and Della on the series and the only episode in the history of the series where she asks Perry for TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!! . . . and his response to that, as well as her previous question as phrased in the summary line above.

You know the routine. A character with multiple potential enemies is killed and Perry Mason's client looks extremely guilty due to the circumstances of the case in the first half. In the second half, usually in a pretrial hearing, Perry (with help from his able assistants) finds out who the real murderer is, usually eliciting a witness stand confession, or one from the gallery. Tried and true, and fits the 52 minute time frame.

This episode has Perry MUCH more busy, involved in the murder case, but also an important accessory murder case and a Grand Theft case.

When Hamilton Burger's jaw drops a little more deeply than it usually does, you can almost feel for the man.

Tightly written, well thought out, and Perry's knowledge of ugly art (look at his office!) comes into play here. A great episode for fans of the series or even those who just want an engaging Whodunnit.

I'll start by saying I always enjoy this episode, despite the overuse of Confucius-style Chinese cliches. The issues I have with it are more in the plot holes that exist within. While it starts off okay, there were a couple of obvious (to me) glaring issues that ruined the story (but not the entertainment value). Chang's side-court situation killed any mystery, and the ethnic origin of the art object should have been apparent to not only the killer, but those around him as well. And what is with John Dall and art where PM is concerned..? Anyway, flawed but still worthy of a look.