Watch Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen

Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen is a legal drama film released in 1990. The movie is based on the iconic detective series of Perry Mason, created by Erle Stanley Gardner. The film stars the legendary Raymond Burr in the title role of Perry Mason. Barbara Hale and William R. Moses also reprise their roles as Della Street and Ken Malansky, respectively.

The story is set in the fictional town of Summit Valley, where a famous author, David Katz, is murdered. Katz had a reputation of being notoriously rude and cruel to everyone he came across, including his own family. The prime suspects are his wife and son, who had a tumultuous relationship with him. However, when the investigation leads to the discovery of a secret manuscript, things become more complicated.

The manuscript was penned down by Katz himself and contains scandalous secrets about a lot of influential people in the community. The manuscript attracts a lot of attention from the media, and everyone is trying to get their hands on it. The plot thickens as a letter is found, which suggests that the manuscript was sent to someone else before it came into the possession of Katz.

Perry Mason is called in to take up the case, and he starts to investigate the matter. He is helped by his assistant, Della Street, and law student, Ken Malansky. As the investigation progresses, Perry starts to uncover a web of lies and deceit that has been festering in Summit Valley for a long time.

The characters in the movie are well fleshed out, with Perry Mason being the highlight of the film. Raymond Burr delivers an exceptional performance as the masterful lawyer, bringing his trademark gravitas and charm to the role. Barbara Hale also shines as Della Street, her character providing a calming presence amidst all the chaos. William R. Moses' portrayal of Ken Malansky, Perry's young assistant, is commendable as well, adding a touch of youthfulness to an otherwise mature cast.

The movie's direction and pacing are also noteworthy. The director, Christian I. Nyby II, does an excellent job of building tension and keeping the audience engaged throughout the movie. The script by Robert Hamilton is cleverly written, with enough twists and turns to keep the viewers guessing till the end. The cinematography, too, is impeccable, with the beautiful backdrop of Summit Valley adding to the film's overall aesthetic.

Overall, Perry Mason: The Case of the Poisoned Pen is a well-crafted legal drama that has all the elements of a classic Perry Mason story. It combines a compelling plot with excellent acting and direction, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Though the film was made for television, it stands the test of time and is still as enjoyable today as it was when it first premiered.