Ep 1. The Case of the Spurious Sister

After a two year hiatus, Perry Mason returned for its third season with the episode titled "The Case of the Spurious Sister." The episode aired on September 26, 1959, and it followed criminal defense attorney Perry Mason as he took on a complicated case involving a wealthy heiress.

The episode begins with Perry Mason (played by Raymond Burr) being summoned to the home of wealthy businessman Robert Fleetwood (Gage Clarke). Fleetwood explains to Mason that a woman named Evelyn Bagby (played by Barbara Lawrence) has come forward claiming to be his long-lost sister, Susan. Fleetwood's sister was kidnapped as a child and has been missing for over twenty years, so he is eager to believe that Evelyn is indeed his sibling. However, Fleetwood's wife is suspicious of Evelyn and believes that she is a fraud.

Mason agrees to take on the case and begins investigating Evelyn's story. He meets with her and is immediately skeptical of her claim, but she insists that she is telling the truth. Mason also learns that Evelyn has been living with another woman named Sarah Werner (played by Gloria Talbott) and that Sarah's brother, Frank (played by Richard Rust), has been acting as Evelyn's manager.

As Mason continues to investigate, he discovers that Frank has a criminal record and has been involved in various schemes over the years. He also learns that Sarah has a history of mental health issues and that she has been under the care of a psychiatrist named Dr. Hoxie (played by John Hoyt). Mason begins to suspect that Frank and Sarah may be working together to scam Fleetwood out of his money.

Mason presents his findings to Fleetwood's wife, who agrees to help him set a trap for Frank and Sarah. They arrange for a meeting between Frank and Evelyn, during which Mason and the police are waiting to arrest Frank for fraud. However, the plan backfires when Sarah shows up and claims that Evelyn is actually her sister, not Fleetwood's. Mason is forced to regroup and shifts his focus to proving Evelyn's identity.

In typical Perry Mason fashion, the case takes several unexpected turns before Mason ultimately uncovers the truth. Throughout the episode, Mason is at his best, using his sharp wit and legal prowess to inch closer and closer to the truth. The supporting cast also shines, with each actor delivering a stellar performance that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, "The Case of the Spurious Sister" is an excellent episode that encapsulates everything that makes Perry Mason such a beloved classic. It's a smart, complex mystery that keeps viewers guessing until the very end, all while showcasing the talents of one of television's most iconic characters.