The storyline of this episode was taken from a great 'Perry Mason' book. For whatever reason, it did not play as well when made for TV. The book spent time going into people background and relationship- that is something that an hour long drama mystery just cannot do with interest. So we are left with a good story that flew like the wind in order to get the show over by the 52 minute mark. We are left with a shell of a story.
The episode begins with Ed Davenport (John Stephenson) believing his wife, Myrna Davenport (June Dayton), is poisoning him. This was something that had happened to their Uncle Charley a few years ago.
Ed goes as far as hiring a private investigator to look into the matter. When Mr Davenport checks into a motor inn to stay the night, he becomes sick. He calls the desk and request a doctor. When the doc arrives he tells him that he had some candy that his wife packed and believes it is poisoned. He then dies and the doc locks the door. When the police arrive the doc, along with Ms Davenport, open the motor inn door to find the body of Mr Davenport gone.
Had someone taken the body? Could Mr Davenport still be alive? And why did someone empty Mr Davenport's bank account the day of the apparent death? All these are answers we get through the use of Myrna hiring Perry Mason to defend her in court.
But before the trial even starts, Lt Tragg and Hamilton Burger have a mound of evidence to present to the judge. They even are suppose to have a letter written by Mr Davenport claiming he was being poisoned by his wife. But before Hamilton sees the envelope containing the letter Perry has already steamed it open. This leads to a possible tampering with evidence charge on Perry that could include Della.
The story was good- the book was good- but this episode was a disappointment. Not really a bad episode just, after reading the book, it was dry.
The best part of this episode was Della. Barbara Hale never look so good as she does in this episode. She was eye-candy in all her shots.