My dad and uncle went to school with Raymond Burr. They remained friends all their lives, and we kids all called him 'Uncle Ray'. He was a wonderful guy
@@mem1701movies Why should it, as long as he was discreet and was only active with consenting adults. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, it is not my business, as long as they aren't hurting anyone else.
@@mem1701movies So what? They knew...all of Hollywood knew behind the scenes. Again I say: so what? RB was hired because of his talent and charisma...his sexual preference was a closed book and EXTREMELY private to those not in the business. You have a problem with that? ♐
Burr knew exactly where to put the emphasis in his lines...slowing down, louder/softer, physical gestures to bring attention to the salient points. Brilliant!
I agree. Raymond Burr was excellent acting Perry Mason. I watch all of the shows over and over again. They are going to remake the Perry Mason show. Not sure if I will watch it.
For those who don't know and would like to know, the actor playing Perry Mason in the first few minutes opposite Raymond Burr is actor Tod Andrews. Also, thank goodness they had the damn good sense to cast Barbara Hale as Della Street. Miss Barbara was a true and classy lady.
Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, William Talman, John Anderson, Wesley Lau, and Ray Collins were all perfectly cast and wonderful actors. Believable..
Mr. Burr was such a charismatic person. He totally commands the screen anytime he is on. I wish more people appreciated him as an actor, especially his contributions to noir film. He was spectacular as the villainous Harry in The Blue Gardenia. They just don't make film stars like him , anymore.
I have always been into old TV shows and I have recently gotten into Perry Mason. For some reason I didn't think I'd like it and of course I'm hooked on it. There is nothing like these old black and white shows and movies at all anymore.
He was wonderful in Hitchcock's Rear Window. He may have only said a few words, but his stare when he found out that Jimmy Stewart was on to him. Sent shivers down my spine!
Raymond Burr was such a presence that he ate up the entire room in the test for the Hamilton Burger role. His voice, diction and acting define the concept of "je ne sais quoi."
Absolutely fascinating! When they get it right,as here,it looks so obvious. Just proves that casting is an Art and should be recognised with an Emmy and an Oscar.
Raymond always looked at his 'quarry'... straight in the eye. A knowing smile visible to the camera-lens upon his countenance. He was and is forever... Perry Mason.
I'm 70 years old. I lost my mother at the age of 6. One of my fondest memories of my mother is my brother and I being read to by my mother who was totally bed ridden, who owned the complete set of hard back , paper slip-covered editions of Perry Mason mysteries , with a close up picture of his face and upper torso. Then down through the years I couldn't tear myself away from the TV series which intrigued you from the very beginning with its opening musical interlude until the mystery was solved. Memories !!! My "MOM", PERRY MASON! 😔
M LH-W....A very poignant post, I could feel the warmth, thanks for sharing it with us. My mother died of a massive heart attack in 1972 at the age of 44. I was 20 and in the Navy. I am a male and I have noticed that usually...usually...because there are always exceptions to everything, boys are very close to their Moms and girls are very close to their Dads. Which are you ? I was certainly close to Mom. Mom passed away in the late afternoon and early that same evening, very close to the time she died, I and my Navy friend were walking out to one of the planes to do some work and I suddenly doubled over in pain, like someone had slammed their fist into my stomach. For about 5-10 seconds I couldn't get my breath, but then the pain eased off and I could straighten back up and could breathe normally again. For some reason, my Dad couldn't get through to the base and it wasn't until early the next morning that I was told to report to the personnel office at the squadron. When I got there, I was told that my Mom had died the evening before. Yes, we were close and somehow that message got through to me in a way that I didn't understand. I know that I will see Mom again when my time here on Earth is over. I hope that you believe that too.
marbleman52....... Thank you for responding and sharing what I know was a very painful loss , along with the loving heartfelt relationship you had with your mother . I do believe that when you have such a bond you are connected mentally , physically and spiritually. I am female my brother and i to this day continue to share a great bond as I do with my only son. I do not feel it's simply by coincidence but because of the true agape love of God that connects and flows through us which makes it even stronger . Although time eases the pain only Gods promises and the knowledge we will see our loved ones again is truly what makes our Losses bearable. It's so tragic experiencing the world as it is today uncaring , non-committal and uninvolved. If they only realized that the pain is so great as a result of such losses our memories and the peace they bring, Just being able to share the love we were blessed to enjoy even for a short time gives comfort. God bless us until we all meet again and together we share Gods perfect everlasting love.
@@mlh-w463 That was so beautifully stated, and so true. I was/am a single parent and raised a Daughter and a Son by myself. I was given full custody of them when they were in early Elementary school. I tell people that we three grew up together. I never remarried, I never had any relationships with any other gals, certainly never had any "one night stands", I just focused on being there for my kids and giving them a stable and peaceful home life. I learned how to be a parent along the way. I know that being available and being willing to be that single parent and being willing and wanting to learn how to be a loving and stable parent was one of the reasons that I am here. Another reason why I believe that God put me here is that my Daughter is also a single parent with a 13 yr. 'young' Daughter; my one & only grandchild. Soon after my Granddaughter was born the father left and I stepped in and started helping my daughter raise her. My grand, Granddaughter and I are very close. My Daughter is an excellent Mom and I am so proud of her !! My Son is doing well but he has never married and doesn't have any children and says that he doesn't want any children. He thinks the world is in such bad shape that it would be cruel to have children in such a world. That is his choice but I know that when he gets into his 50's and later that he might regret that choice because he will not have any children to spend time with and who will be there when he needs help. Psalm 127:3-5 says that "Children are a heritage from the Lord...". Both you and I know that very well.
It doesn't matter how many times I watch and rewatch Perry Mason I feel like I'm watching it fresh! What an awesome job they did to pick Raymond Burr to be Perry Mason! I don't think any other actor could have pulled it off the way Mr Burr did! He has such a commanding voice and yet he can be just as quiet as a mouse!
I used to love these as a kid but forgot about them for a long time. Then I saw some DVDs in my local library and I binged through all 9 seasons and then again. What really strikes me is the subtlety of Burr’s acting. Just the right little pause or smile or smirk at just the right time. Thanks a lot for posting this, what a treat to see Hopper as Mason and Burr as Burger. And while I thought that first Della was pretty cute I agree Barbara Hale was perfect, the whole cast was including the DA and police.
I've said it before and I'll it again: they made the right final calls! Can't imagine it would have lasted had they chosen otherwise. The chemistry between the actors as they were cast was superb.
Observations: 1. William Hopper was better than I would have expected at playing Mason, nice work. 2. Again further proof that Ray Collins was a brilliant actor. 3. If Raymond Burr had played Burger, Perry would have probably lost a lot more cases.
Hopper was a wooden stiff as an actor. And for that matter, Hedda became a gossip maven because she'd been a lousy actress and had to give it up before it gave her up. (Hedda was also a horrible human being.)
I watched (had no choice) Perry Mason on my aunt's old antenna TV growing up. There is little doubt that the producers (eventually) made an excellent choice in selecting Raymond Burr to play the lead role. Lately, I've taken to watching the Perry Mason episodes over MeTV. Fabulous retro stuff!
Raymond Burr had far more gravitas than did the first actor shown here (whom I don't recognize). He also had more gravitas than did William Hopper--although Hopper was better than the first actor, who appeared jumpy and uncertain next to Burr's unflappable calm. Hopper was, of course, perfect as Paul Drake; and I still consider Barbara Hale one of the most beautiful of all television actors!
@@Paul-in-Missouri Tod Andrews also played Dr. Bruce Ferguson in the 1950 film "Outrage," starring Mala Powers as a young rape victim and directed by Ida Lupino.
Perry Mason. A t.v. Series that one never tires of watching, no matter whether it was in the sixties or today in 2019. Saturday nights sitting with the whole family in our living room. Mom and I watching. Dad asleep but always waking up for the courtroom battles. Lovely, warm memories. The cast was perfect. The t.v. movies were fine , but no match to the original cast and the chemistry between characters. And, Raymond Burr was wonderful no matter what he was acting in.
I watched Perry Mason from the time I was a young girl. Watching Raymond Burr I learned what a real man was. Handsome, rugged, sexy, smart, well spoken, well dressed and playful. My opinion has never wavered in a lifetime lived. I love you Raymond Burr.
I love how you put that! So very true! I adore Raymond Burr and still watch Perry Mason, though I have seen each episode more times than I can count 😊🎉
Thank God they got ALL the characters picked perfectly !!! That is why it was so wonderful & ran for soooo many years . It rang true & believable . Thank you for posting this ❤️
The success of Perry Mason starts with Paisano Productions and the executive producer Gail Patrick Jackson. Their dedication to great writing and getting the characters right is what made Perry Mason a success. Gail Patrick Jackson was considered the model for Della Street. They had difficulty casting the role until Barbara Hale came along and they knew they had their Della; smart, independent, a strong woman more than a match for Perry and loyal to him for his goodness and dedication to justice, right out of Earl Stanley Gardner novels.
OH what a beautiful man, Mr. Burr! This film was fantastic. Thanks so much for showing it here. Superb to see what the possibilities could have been. Perfect selections and oh so thankful they chose Barbara Hale for Della. Casting the other personalities would have been a disservice to women struggling to advance in the workplace.
The difference in Raymond Burr's performance in the screen tests and in the show is in the confidence he displayed. In the show his confidence is a constant, really the foundation of the series. I love the show. Della Street is an absolute doll. Thank you MeTV.
I think William Hopper could have played Perry Mason, but probably not opposite Raymond Burr as Hamilton Burger. In the end, the way they sorted out the casting was perfect.
Like MeTV oh Sat. morning with those great westerns!! Trackdown (Robert Culp & Ellen Corby) Have Gun Will Travel ( Richard Boone) Mavrick ( James Garner, Jack Kelly, Roger Moore) Wow..great shows🎈🎈🎈🎈
Really cool. I have never seen these tapes and really enjoyed them. I love the Perry Mason series. I have since I was a kid. In fact thanks to MeTV I get to watch Perry Mason every weekday. I had heard that Raymond Burr and William Hopper both both applied for the opposite rolls they eventually got in the series but so cool to see how different they handled the other characters. I was really shocked at how sexy Della is portrayed in the screen test but then I always assumed that Perry and Della had a thing going was always done in a classy way thanks to the censors. Lord do I mess the censors these days when I see the pornish, foul languaged, perverted, crap that passes for TV shows these days.
Orson Welles called Ray Collins "The finest actor I have ever worked with." It's great to see him playing a scene with the wooden stiff William Hopper and act rings around him while barely moving, doing it with just a twinkle in his eye.
The part of Perry Mason wasn't even written for anyone specific but Mr. R. Burr was truly THE ONLY who could "play" the part! I do love all the other casting choices.
I hate to say this, but the actress in the audition reel came off as a litte "shallow." Barbara always came off as being as bright and insightful as Raymond Burr and William Hopper. That's what made the trio tick: three very clever people outwitting the "obvious" and digging for the truth. Kinda like George Reeves, Noel Neill and Jack Larsen -- save that Burr couldn't leap off tall buildings and fly.
I grew up on Perry Mason. That's been over 50 years ago. Although, all of the cast passed on. I still watch the episodes today. My favorite character was Ray Collins who played Lt. Arthur Tragg. He was indeed a funny man. RIP to all of them
Burr is laconic and lankier, with a touch of an accent, like Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck. It's remarkable to see a gifted actor perform next to a mundane one.
It's fun to watch these old screen tests. The second actress who portrays Della and also Miss Manco was actually in the pilot, The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink which aired as Episode 13, Season 1 though it was taped in October 1956, 11 months before PM premiered. She played waitress Mae Nolan who told the police that Morey gave Perry the mink of the title. The final casting was impeccable-- Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, Barbara Hale as Della Street, William Hopper as Paul Drake, William Talman as Hamilton Burger and Ray Collins as Lt. Arthur Tragg. Fantastic guest stars too. Raymond Burr was Perry Mason. Such a classic!
Funny thing is Burr looks exactly the way Hamilton Burger is described in the novels. One descriptor used again and again was "barrel-chested," which doesn't come close to describing William Talman. I agree that the final casting was brilliant, and I'm glad we got see all the actors in the roles they portrayed.
all I can say is Holy prosecution Batman! that last screen test with Raymond Burr's first screen test as Perry Mason was a slam dunk and a very special moment in TV history. I'm glad they showed everyone else play the role first and it was very interesting to see William Hopper try out the role as well as the others but there is no doubt they made the perfect call for everybody and every actor was perfect for the rose they ended up with and set the standard by which every similar show to follow wood tray their best although in vain to duplicate but this is the real deal and will live on forever. one can only imagine how many people we're inspired to pursue careers in law based on this wonderful show with Raymond Burr leading the way truly magnificent in an era sadly gone but not forgotten
I think William Hopper could have handled the role as well.. The elegant and rakish Paul Drake better suited him though, and Raymond Burr owned the Mason role.
Whats this 'gravitas' trip?..and that phrase? I'm 66 and never heard that goofy phrase. Paul Drake way more cool, the final piece that puts the series over. 'Gravitas'...LOL!!
Perry 'cool'?..yer snow'n me. He didnt try to be 'cool' cuz he knew his place..the courtroom. Della was conscienience, tactful, witty, personable, but not exactly a beauty piece. Asking Della out to the Brown Derby for dinner in a Ford Skyliner or a Cadillac woudnt exactly rock my world...Oh Paul!!
This made my morning! Thank you - it's great to see all of these old friends playing different roles... and realizing just how terrific they all were. Love this - thanks again, Travis!
William Hopper was the only child of the noted Hollywood columnist, Hedda Hopper. We lost him way too soon from an early death while visiting in Palm Springs, Calif.
@@Wistful77 He was the original choice for the part of Perry Mason, but was changed to play the part of Paul Drake, which was the best way to go and certainly worked well for all concerned.
Having read lots of the books, it just seems so OBVIOUS that Raymond Burr was, indeed, Perry Mason. I know there is almost no character description (physically) of Mason in the novels, but Burr's movement, his expression, the voice and the eyes = Perry. I can see how Gardiner jumped at Raymond Burr, and I think we're all incredibly lucky he did!
What does luck have to do with it? I agree, Raymond Burr understood the role and the character very well. Luck doesn't have anything to do with anything.
There are many variables that make or break everything. Those aware inside themselves enough connect with opportunities and never see things as odds, or lucky though they might use those stereotypical phrases. :-D
I always thought he had the most beautiful, sexy, dreamy eyes! In my opinion, Raymond Burr is the only Perry Mason! He had charisma and an aura that set him apart from any other actor! Perry Mason was Raymond Burr and Raymond Burr was, is and will always be Perry Mason! 👏👏🤗💙🌹
i particularly love Ray Collins...what 'glue' to hold it all together! A truly brilliant show, which stands the test of time. Thanks. ps...William Talman was awesome as Burgher. Thanks and i subscribed.
I've seen Ray Collins (thanks to UA-cam and retro tv channels) in a few other roles. Like Raymond Burr, he was quite famous before Perry Mason for his gangster roles. However, there have been a few movies where he played "Leon Ames" type characters. If you don't know what I mean, I mean roles like the kindly father or grandfather. (Leon Ames was the father in the Elizabeth Taylor version of Father Of The Bride. And the grandfather in the Kathleen Turner movie Peggy Sue Got Married.)
I loved this show when I was a kid and still enjoying watching now that I'm retired! Something about these shows bring back many wonderful memories. I was telling my mom today that life is so different now. Perhaps we look at life in the rear view mirror with rose colored glasses, but life seemed less complicated then.
Lets not forget William Talman as Hamilton Burger. I'm 'all in' for prosecuting attourneys, and Burger loses often, but ultimately he is interested in the truth coming forward if Perry wins or not. An admirable quality lacking these days. Good show Hamilton!.."Your honour, I object!"...LOL!!
I recently saw an episode with William Talman (Burger) and I think it was a 1960 episode, where his friend was in trouble but he couldn't be the attorney representing this friend. A murder took place where he was at a lodge. He asked Perry Mason to defend said friend and someone else was the prosecutor. Anyway, at one point, the prosecutor objected to what Mason said and Burger, being at the trial muttered for the prosecutor to be quiet. If he were facing Mason, he'd have objected, too😂. I thought that was funny.
Wow this was a real treat. I had no idea that Paul Drake actually tested for the role of Perry Mason. I call him Drake because that's the role he eventually got and played to perfection. Seeing Raymond Burr in that courtroom scene you just knew that was what Mason was supposed to be. Tragg was cast properly but I wonder when Barbara Hale tested for Della Street? Anyway this was great to watch. Thank you.
Raymond Burr was a natural talent with a great presence with a recognizable voice and demeanor - even when he played Reporter Steven Martin on Godzilla King Of The Monsters - He Was And Will Always Be The Great Perry Mason.
Ya, Burr couldn't come close to Hoppers cool persona, looks, silver/blond hair, and those small print black and white checkerboard square sportjackets to support the private detective role...LOL!
William Hopper was being pushed (according to him) into the roll by his mother Heda Hopper who wanted him to be famous. He claimed he was happy to get the part of Paul Drake so he could just have fun for 7 years which shows in his performance. He didn't really need the money.
Every actor on the Perry Mason series fit their role perfectly. I was in France from 1962 through 1963 and while I was there I went to the library on post. I ended up reading every Perry Mason book available.
If you've ever seen Burr's performance in "A Place in the Sun," it's pretty clear why the producers thought he'd be powerful in a courtroom series. Correctly, of course.
Great stuff here, Travis Moore, thanks! By the time, these screentests were made, Raymond Burr had already appeared in some 50 films. He knew his craft extremely well. He had more than "gravitas." He had a rare talent for conveying certainty and decisiveness without being overbearing. William Hopper was another interesting actor. Though born of Hollywood aristocracy (his mother was Hedda Hopper, the movie columnist and herself a former actress with over 120 movies to her credit; his father DeWolf Hopper, a veteran thespian and Gilbert & Sullivan star, but most famous for his rendition of "Casey at The Bat." ) , he didn't take to acting at first. But he honed his skills, and as PI Paul Drake, he might have to play a variety of characters -- tough guy or a wise guy or whatever-- and do it believably. It's easy after this length of time to look at these screentests and say, "Oh, this one doesn't have it" or "Imagine her as Della Street!" -- but casting is a tough call (been there, done that) There is nothing second-rate about even the least of the acting talents here; but the folks who had the final say about casting .... they had the rarest gift of all: an ability to spot the ideal actor for a part. Which is why, today, we couldn't imagine anyone but the gifted Raymond Burr, William Hopper and Della Street for the roles they made their own.
Burr's delivery, voice and mannerisms ARE Perry Mason. Hopper's voice is too nice and flippant, and he is too good-looking to be Mason. Hopper was perfect as playful yet ardent Drake. And Della Street has class, brains, and is not cutesy/loose in demeanor, and Barbara Hale fit that bill perfectly.
Raymond Burr was a natural as an actor. It never felt like he was "acting." All of the other cast members, except Barbara Hale, "acted" their roles. Burr and Hale just "were" their characters.
I have been in love with this show since I was a kid. I'm 60, born in 58. I still watch it every day. It runs 5 times a day in the DC area. They got the casting perfect. Great tv series.
@@georgeorwell4534 I usually watch twice a day too! One of the things I like to do is watch the characters and figure what other episodes they were in, and with some what TV programs they would become regular characters! Try it,--it will keep you on your toes!!:-):-):-):-)
Janei was Duncan Heh! Love that! I do the same thing. I look for the guest stars and see if I can remember where I’ve seen them before. In "The Case of the Calendar Girl” there was an actor with striking features and distinct deep voice And I knew I had seen him somewhere else. When I looked at the cast it turned out he was John Anderson; he was in one of my favorite Star Trek TNG episodes called “The Survivors”. He was great in that too!
@@janeiwasduncan8463 There's a great website, can't remember which one, went through and cataloged the actors that would sit in the courtroom! They had names like "hat lady" and other things! I also too like when the guest actors were in something else I've seen before. "The Case of the Calendar Girl" was on and the guest star had striking features and a deep voice and I knew I'd seen him somewhere. When I saw the credits I saw it was John Anderson, and I knew where I had seen him! He was on Star Trek TNG, in an episode called "The Survivors". A great episode too!!!
Yes, I am the same age as you. And I can recall "Perry Mason" has been running in rerun syndication probably since when the series was still airing first-run in prime time on CBS until the present. But naturally, after the first-run episodes ended when CBS canceled the series in 1966, "Perry Mason" became almost an instant "classic" of TV and was aired repeatedly in TV markets all over the country (and in other nations too, one would suppose, especially in Canada, the birthplace of Raymond Burr). Then, with the dawn of cable TV in the 1980s, "Perry Mason" found new homes for its rerun episodes, on networks such as TBS and TV Land. Now MeTV is probably the most universal home for "Perry Mason." One thing I will say, even as one more partial to multi-camera, Desilu-style sitcoms than I am to TV dramas, is now I can enjoy the occasional "Perry Mason" episode, far more than I do some of the really lame sitcoms (series such as "Gilligan's Island" and "Hogan's Heroes") which have also, seemingly, never been off the airwaves since they were filmed. And Raymond Burr (as "Thorwald") was also the villain in what is possibly my favorite big screen film of all-time, Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window." The whole cast of "Perry Mason" is top-notch, from the lead to Barbara Hale as "devoted Della," William Hopper as helpful gumshoe "Paul Drake," and William Talman as the "loyal opposition," district attorney "Hamilton Burger." And the guest star list is a virtual "Who's Who" of Hollywood of that era (from genuine "stars' to those still "on the way up" the proverbial ladder of acting success), even featuring Bette Davis filling in for one episode when Burr was having surgery. I am glad "Perry Mason" ended just when it did (and nine years ain't a bad run), that one token color episode exists just for a "look-see." But I think the monochromatic perspective make "Perry Mason" just perfect as a film noir of the small screen., great for later-night viewing when the brilliance of full color is more assaulting to the eyes than a more relaxing black and white. And with 271 episodes, there are plenty of episodes for even the causal fan of the series to enjoy. I usually prefer to get my comedy from TV and my drama from the big screen (and when reading I prefer non-fiction, and almost all my fiction from the big or small screens). But a drama has to be pretty well-acted and well-produced for me to enjoy it on TV. And "Perry Mason," formulaic though it may be, is just one such TV drama which holds up well. Other so-called "classic" TV dramas I enjoy and which have held up pretty well over time are "Adam-12," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents/The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "The Avengers," "Dragnet," "Dr. Kildare," "Emergency!," "Family" (1976-80), "Flipper," "Fury," "Lassie" (production values for the earliest episodes starring Tommy Rettig are sometimes lacking, but compensated by warm-earthed scripts and believable acting), "Lou Grant," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Mod Squad," "Mr. Novak," "Peter Gunn," "The Rifleman," "Room 222," and "The Twilight Zone," all higher on the list among some others .If we include anthology series', then I have also enjoyed some episodes of "Playhouse 90" and "Studio One/Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse." I realize there are several more high-quality, albeit formulaic, TV dramas which have also stood the proverbial "test of time," among them "Columbo," "Diagnosis: Murder," "Matlock," "Murder, She Wrote," "The Sopranos," and whichever "Law & Order" and "NCIS" franchise suits one's fancy. But I have never especially followed any of those series' on a regular basis. I am not and never was a "Trekker," and also consider "Batman" (which I adored when I was a seven years' old boy) and "Lost in Space" now only amusing for their comedic value. Although, the first season of "Lost in Space" had some episodes (perhaps the first half dozen) which were more acceptable as legitimate science-fiction. A pity the series decided to allow talented actor Jonathan Harris to take over as an idiotic, simpering fool instead of as the more believable and treasonous antagonist who sabotaged the mission of the "Jupiter 2" in the series pilot. For what it's worth, my 30 (technically 32, but two of them, starring Lucille Ball and Danny Thomas, were simply due to title changes of series' with essentially the same characters and formats) favorite "classic" TV sitcoms--at least 10 years since the last episode was filmed or taped--are "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (really the first TV sitcom "about nothing"), "All in the Family," "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Ann Sothern Show," "The Bob Newhart Show," "December Bride," "Dennis the Menace" (the first three seasons with Joseph Kearns as "Mr. [George] Wilson", anyway; a guilty pleasure, admittedly), "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Donna Reed Show," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Family Affair," "Frasier," "The Golden Girls," "Hazel (the first four seasons, with Don DeFore as "George 'Mr. B' Baxter; formulaic, but Shirley Booth was practically a force of nature, and DeFore was a great foil for her), "Here's Lucy" (the first two seasons with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr.), "I Love Lucy/The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour," "The Jack Benny Program," "Leave it to Beaver," "The Lucy Show" (the first three seasons with Vivian Vance), "Make Room for Daddy/"The Danny Thomas Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Mayberry R.F.D.," "Mister ED" (the first three seasons with Larry Keating and Edna Skinner as neighbors "Roger & Kay Addison"; another guilty pleasure), "The Mothers-In-Law," "My Three Sons" (the first five, on ABC, of 12 seasons total, with Tim Considine as "Mike Douglas" and William Frawley as grandfather "William 'Bub' O'Casey"), "The Nanny," "Our Miss Brooks," "Pete and Gladys," "Seinfeld," and "That Girl." More recent sitcoms I have enjoyed would include "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Last Man Standing." But I have little patience for TV series' in general anymore, since I am inclined to dislike and distrust anyone in Hollywood involved in the production of left-wing propaganda. In my opinion, most of the best TV has already been produced (1948-2004, 56 years) anyway. so there is plenty on which to "catch up," as well the enjoyment of old favorites to watch again.
Perry Mason is my old time favorite. I watch his program twice daily. 8:00 AM & 10:30 PM!!!!! I enjoyed his program back in the day with Black & White Television’s. They picked Right Person: Mr. Perry Mason!!!!!!!!!! ( Mr. Raymond Burr).
Perry Mason makes todays TV look sick. For similarly tight drama, see The Saint, The Third Man and Secret Agent, Have Gun-Will Travel, Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke. And Barbara Hale. Zowie! No wonder they toned her down as secretary.
Maybe not done in one take, though it seems like it. The angle changes a few times, so two cameras at the very least. And this is film, unless it is a film record of a video production. Maybe done with two cameras at once - they normally wouldn't because of lighting concerns, but this was just an audition - but more likely two takes spliced together. If so, kudos for all involved for making two takes look like one.
Glad to see that they changed Della Streets from a floozy to a respectable lady.How would it look if Barbara Hale played a floozy, especially since she's the mother of the Greatest American Hero.
@@janeiwasduncan8463 I loved the connection and William Katt was a great Paul Drake Jr. I just wished they would have found a formidable Hamilton Burger.
Erle Stanley Gardner was joking when he picked the names of the Perry Mason characters: thus, "Della Street" is a spin on "de la street", which is shorthand for a streetwalker.
I agree with Mr. Gunter (commenter) that William Hopper was the second best “Perry Mason.” After watching many years of the show, I also agree that the cast as selected was perfect. I wish a test for the “real” Hamilton Burger was included here. Thanks. This was great fun.
..and we have the FIRST best Paul Drake. Mainstream Raymond Burr wouldn't cut it in his role with Hopper's blond/silver hair, cooler cars, small print white and black checkerboard square sport jackets, and cool demeaner. William Hopper puts the series over, even being well into middle age.
Nearly 70yrs now I was glued to tv when Perry Mason was on, what a wonderful account of the pre cursor to the series , Paul Drake as Perry dont think so.IT worked out marvellous...If that isnt Della Street reading this tribute I'm a martian...x
I am a big fan of Raymond Burr's acting. I was comparing the way William Hopper and Raymond Burr did that court scene, the way Burr gives that sarcastic smile in the end. Brilliant. One of the finest actors of all time. Of course not to forget to mention, I am a fan of Ray Collins (Lieutenant Tragg) too.
![What's My Line? - Raymond Burr; Buddy Hackett [panel] (Jun 3, 1962)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tf3WH6IXq2c/mqdefault.jpg)
![What's My Line? - Raymond Burr; Buddy Hackett [panel] (Jun 3, 1962)](/img/tr.png)
My dad and uncle went to school with Raymond Burr. They remained friends all their lives, and we kids all called him 'Uncle Ray'. He was a wonderful guy
@William Murray Also, Gail Patrick, the producer kept his name in the opening credits long after he taped his last episode as a sign of respect.
It didn’t bother them that he was gay?
@@sarahbee3868 A sign of respect and to keep him form getting downhearted. And also so his health insurance would stay active.
@@mem1701movies Why should it, as long as he was discreet and was only active with consenting adults. While I don't agree with the lifestyle, it is not my business, as long as they aren't hurting anyone else.
@@mem1701movies So what? They knew...all of Hollywood knew behind the scenes. Again I say: so what? RB was hired because of his talent and charisma...his sexual preference was a closed book and EXTREMELY private to those not in the business. You have a problem with that? ♐
I've been watching Perry Mason since 1957, and I will continue watching it until I'm gone!!
I plan on watching even after I'm gone.
Burr knew exactly where to put the emphasis in his lines...slowing down, louder/softer, physical gestures to bring attention to the salient points. Brilliant!
I've wondered how much of this is suggested, directed or was it imper-vised at the actors will?
I agree. Raymond Burr was excellent acting Perry Mason. I watch all of the shows over and over again.
They are going to remake the Perry Mason show. Not sure if I will watch it.
@@patburton837 If you don't want to see Perry Mason acting out of character and gratuitous sex, pass up on the first ep. It's on here for awhile...
@@patburton837 It'll flop unless they can get someone like Patrick Stewart to do it.
Burr knew exactly how to bring a man to orgasm in 30 seconds or less
For those who don't know and would like to know, the actor playing Perry Mason in the first few minutes opposite Raymond Burr is actor Tod Andrews. Also, thank goodness they had the damn good sense to cast Barbara Hale as Della Street. Miss Barbara was a true and classy lady.
Tod Andrews had a strange lack of clarity in his speech. When he speaks, he sounds like he has marbles in his mouth.
@@joespeciale5875 Tod Andrews was a fine actor but he was most certainly was not right for the part of Perry.
@Joe Speciale Ha ha I see what you mean. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t thoroughly enunciate his vowel sounds
Wendy I whole heartily agree with you that Barbara Hale was perfectly cast as Dela Street
@@joespeciale5875 He's a bit nasal.
Love Perry Mason! I can watch the reruns & the reruns & never grow tired off!
Me too. I hope MeTV never takes PM off the air.
I object!!
Me too!
@@53redcobra Don't worry there are a few free streaming sites that have every episode and all the movies!
Adriane Galaxy: Me too! It's great they have these re-runs every night in my area!
Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, William Talman, John Anderson, Wesley Lau, and Ray Collins were all perfectly cast and wonderful actors. Believable..
Absolutely
Loved Ray Collins.
Richard Anderson, not John Anderson . John Anderson was a good character actor who appeared in a few episodes but was not a regular cast member .
@@kevinmadden1645 you are correct
Mr. Burr was such a charismatic person. He totally commands the screen anytime he is on. I wish more people appreciated him as an actor, especially his contributions to noir film. He was spectacular as the villainous Harry in The Blue Gardenia. They just don't make film stars like him , anymore.
I have always been into old TV shows and I have recently gotten into Perry Mason. For some reason I didn't think I'd like it and of course I'm hooked on it. There is nothing like these old black and white shows and movies at all anymore.
I agree. Burr was highly underrated as is the series Perry Mason itself.
He was wonderful in Hitchcock's Rear Window. He may have only said a few words, but his stare when he found out that Jimmy Stewart was on to him. Sent shivers down my spine!
You are so right
I never cared for him as Ironside, sorry. Perry Mason to him was tough. Never watched him on that.
Raymond Burr was such a presence that he ate up the entire room in the test for the Hamilton Burger role. His voice, diction and acting define the concept of "je ne sais quoi."
As soon as Erle Stanley Gardner saw Ray, he declared, *"THAT'S* Perry Mason!". And that was that.
We’ll said
He knew how to handle pauses which helped.
Absolutely fascinating! When they get it right,as here,it looks so obvious. Just proves that casting is an Art and should be recognised with an Emmy and an Oscar.
Great to see that Barbara Hale saw these before her passing..loved her as Della Street!
Raymond always looked at his 'quarry'... straight in the eye. A knowing smile visible to the camera-lens upon his countenance. He was and is forever... Perry Mason.
I'm 70 years old. I lost my mother at the age of 6. One of my fondest memories of my mother is my brother and I being read to by my mother who was totally bed ridden, who owned the complete set of hard back , paper slip-covered editions of Perry Mason mysteries , with a close up picture of his face and upper torso. Then down through the years I couldn't tear myself away from the TV series which intrigued you from the very beginning with its opening musical interlude until the mystery was solved. Memories !!! My "MOM", PERRY MASON! 😔
M LH-W....A very poignant post, I could feel the warmth, thanks for sharing it with us. My mother died of a massive heart attack in 1972 at the age of 44. I was 20 and in the Navy. I am a male and I have noticed that usually...usually...because there are always exceptions to everything, boys are very close to their Moms and girls are very close to their Dads. Which are you ? I was certainly close to Mom. Mom passed away in the late afternoon and early that same evening, very close to the time she died, I and my Navy friend were walking out to one of the planes to do some work and I suddenly doubled over in pain, like someone had slammed their fist into my stomach. For about 5-10 seconds I couldn't get my breath, but then the pain eased off and I could straighten back up and could breathe normally again. For some reason, my Dad couldn't get through to the base and it wasn't until early the next morning that I was told to report to the personnel office at the squadron. When I got there, I was told that my Mom had died the evening before. Yes, we were close and somehow that message got through to me in a way that I didn't understand. I know that I will see Mom again when my time here on Earth is over. I hope that you believe that too.
marbleman52....... Thank you for responding and sharing what I know was a very painful loss , along with the loving heartfelt relationship you had with your mother . I do believe that when you have such a bond you are connected mentally , physically and spiritually. I am female my brother and i to this day continue to share a great bond as I do with my only son. I do not feel it's simply by coincidence but because of the true agape love of God that connects and flows through us which makes it even stronger . Although time eases the pain only Gods promises and the knowledge we will see our loved ones again is truly what makes our Losses bearable. It's so tragic experiencing the world as it is today uncaring , non-committal and uninvolved. If they only realized that the pain is so great as a result of such losses our memories and the peace they bring, Just being able to share the love we were blessed to enjoy even for a short time gives comfort. God bless us until we all meet again and together we share Gods perfect everlasting love.
@@mlh-w463 That was so beautifully stated, and so true. I was/am a single parent and raised a Daughter and a Son by myself. I was given full custody of them when they were in early Elementary school. I tell people that we three grew up together. I never remarried, I never had any relationships with any other gals, certainly never had any "one night stands", I just focused on being there for my kids and giving them a stable and peaceful home life. I learned how to be a parent along the way. I know that being available and being willing to be that single parent and being willing and wanting to learn how to be a loving and stable parent was one of the reasons that I am here. Another reason why I believe that God put me here is that my Daughter is also a single parent with a 13 yr. 'young' Daughter; my one & only grandchild. Soon after my Granddaughter was born the father left and I stepped in and started helping my daughter raise her. My grand, Granddaughter and I are very close. My Daughter is an excellent Mom and I am so proud of her !! My Son is doing well but he has never married and doesn't have any children and says that he doesn't want any children. He thinks the world is in such bad shape that it would be cruel to have children in such a world. That is his choice but I know that when he gets into his 50's and later that he might regret that choice because he will not have any children to spend time with and who will be there when he needs help. Psalm 127:3-5 says that "Children are a heritage from the Lord...". Both you and I know that very well.
What a fabulous memory!!
It doesn't matter how many times I watch and rewatch Perry Mason I feel like I'm watching it fresh! What an awesome job they did to pick Raymond Burr to be Perry Mason! I don't think any other actor could have pulled it off the way Mr Burr did! He has such a commanding voice and yet he can be just as quiet as a mouse!
I used to love these as a kid but forgot about them for a long time. Then I saw some DVDs in my local library and I binged through all 9 seasons and then again. What really strikes me is the subtlety of Burr’s acting. Just the right little pause or smile or smirk at just the right time. Thanks a lot for posting this, what a treat to see Hopper as Mason and Burr as Burger. And while I thought that first Della was pretty cute I agree Barbara Hale was perfect, the whole cast was including the DA and police.
Oh I hope there is 9 seasons on the site I’m watching him on. I think it’s IMB.
I've said it before and I'll it again: they made the right final calls! Can't imagine it would have lasted had they chosen otherwise. The chemistry between the actors as they were cast was superb.
Perry Mason is a great show...I watch it all the time. Great actors perfectly cast!
1JUSTGOTLUCKY1 Perry Mason never grows old
Especially Lt. Tragg. Even though he was an old man by the time Perry Mason came along, we could always be so menacing.
That last couple of years save for a few shows were painful. Could hardly get through the hour and often did not.
Absolutely agree
Observations:
1. William Hopper was better than I would have expected at playing Mason, nice work.
2. Again further proof that Ray Collins was a brilliant actor.
3. If Raymond Burr had played Burger, Perry would have probably lost a lot more cases.
Hopper was a wooden stiff as an actor. And for that matter, Hedda became a gossip maven because she'd been a lousy actress and had to give it up before it gave her up. (Hedda was also a horrible human being.)
@@douglmcewan8957 wow 😲
@@douglmcewan8957 I disagree. William Hopper is a damn great actor...
After all is said and done, they did make the correct choices in the final casting.
And the world breathed a collective sigh of relief!
A blonde Della? In a fur coat??? No way would Della ever wear a fur to work.
I watched (had no choice) Perry Mason on my aunt's old antenna TV growing up. There is little doubt that the producers (eventually) made an excellent choice in selecting Raymond Burr to play the lead role. Lately, I've taken to watching the Perry Mason episodes over MeTV. Fabulous retro stuff!
Rabbit ears!
Our mother was a big Perry Mason fan.
She sent us to bed when it was on. Too many murders I guess.
Channeling my inner Mom now with MeTV.
I do at least at 1030 Monday thru Friday. Its my night time routine before sleep
@@sherrihinton8567 You must be in the Midwest
Thank goodness for MeTV!
Raymond Burr had far more gravitas than did the first actor shown here (whom I don't recognize). He also had more gravitas than did William Hopper--although Hopper was better than the first actor, who appeared jumpy and uncertain next to Burr's unflappable calm. Hopper was, of course, perfect as Paul Drake; and I still consider Barbara Hale one of the most beautiful of all television actors!
The first actor was Tod Andrews. He played Don Ameche and Gene Tierney's son in the movie "Heaven Can Wait"
The first actor played Inspector Case on the Andy Griffith Show.
Tod Andrews also played J.S.Mosby in "The Gray Ghost".
@@Paul-in-Missouri Tod Andrews also played Dr. Bruce Ferguson in the 1950 film "Outrage," starring Mala Powers as a young rape victim and directed by Ida Lupino.
Tod Andrews spent his screentest looking like he'd lost his keys.
Raymond Burr was born to play Perry Mason, I love watching his TV show
They got the right people for the right roles thanks for posting these
Perry Mason. A t.v. Series that one never tires of watching, no matter whether it was in the sixties or today in 2019. Saturday nights sitting with the whole family in our living room. Mom and I watching. Dad asleep but always waking up for the courtroom battles. Lovely, warm memories. The cast was perfect. The t.v. movies were fine , but no match to the original cast and the chemistry between characters. And, Raymond Burr was wonderful no matter what he was acting in.
You r right,the old tv shows top choice the later shows and tv movies not so much
I watched Perry Mason from the time I was a young girl. Watching Raymond Burr I learned what a real man was. Handsome, rugged, sexy, smart, well spoken, well dressed and playful. My opinion has never wavered in a lifetime lived. I love you Raymond Burr.
I love how you put that! So very true! I adore Raymond Burr and still watch Perry Mason, though I have seen each episode more times than I can count 😊🎉
Thank God they got ALL the characters picked perfectly !!! That is why it was so wonderful & ran for soooo many years . It rang true & believable . Thank you for posting this ❤️
The success of Perry Mason starts with Paisano Productions and the executive producer Gail Patrick Jackson. Their dedication to great writing and getting the characters right is what made Perry Mason a success. Gail Patrick Jackson was considered the model for Della Street. They had difficulty casting the role until Barbara Hale came along and they knew they had their Della; smart, independent, a strong woman more than a match for Perry and loyal to him for his goodness and dedication to justice, right out of Earl Stanley Gardner novels.
Barbara Hale gave the role intelligence, professionalism and class. The others looked like cocktail waitresses!
Good one and so true
Gail Patrick was the ultimate ice-queen! I have often wondered what she was like to work for.
OH what a beautiful man, Mr. Burr! This film was fantastic. Thanks so much for showing it here. Superb to see what the possibilities could have been. Perfect selections and oh so thankful they chose Barbara Hale for Della. Casting the other personalities would have been a disservice to women struggling to advance in the workplace.
The difference in Raymond Burr's performance in the screen tests and in the show is in the confidence he displayed. In the show his confidence is a constant, really the foundation of the series. I love the show. Della Street is an absolute doll. Thank you MeTV.
Amazing, frozen in time. Love that Perry Mason show.
I think William Hopper could have played Perry Mason, but probably not opposite Raymond Burr as Hamilton Burger. In the end, the way they sorted out the casting was perfect.
Hopper as Mason would have been very interesting. But I agree, in the end, the casting was perfect.
William Hopper with dark hair! As the series went on and his hair turned silver he got better looking!!!:) :)
Well, all those actors DID have to be available, and not committed to other roles, or other projects at the time.
Thank goodness for MeTV and the old reruns. I love watching them.
Like MeTV oh Sat. morning with those great westerns!! Trackdown (Robert Culp & Ellen Corby) Have Gun Will Travel ( Richard Boone) Mavrick ( James Garner, Jack Kelly, Roger Moore) Wow..great shows🎈🎈🎈🎈
It so obvious from the minute Raymond entered a room he was Perry Mason.
yes all day long
Indeed. No casting of Perry Mason could have stood up to Raymond Burr's Hamilton Burger.
Absolutely. ..he was the man...thought it was interesting to see paul drake reading for perry mason
@@lr8868 ditto...
Reputedly, that's what Erle Stanley Gardner thought, too, and that's how Burr got the role.
Holy Poop! As a Perry Mason rerun addict, I have the right to say...
This is PRICELESS !!!!
Totally agree
That audition film should be in the Smithsonian. It is a wonderful part of Americana.
Really cool. I have never seen these tapes and really enjoyed them. I love the Perry Mason series. I have since I was a kid. In fact thanks to MeTV I get to watch Perry Mason every weekday. I had heard that Raymond Burr and William Hopper both both applied for the opposite rolls they eventually got in the series but so cool to see how different they handled the other characters. I was really shocked at how sexy Della is portrayed in the screen test but then I always assumed that Perry and Della had a thing going was always done in a classy way thanks to the censors. Lord do I mess the censors these days when I see the pornish, foul languaged, perverted, crap that passes for TV shows these days.
Yes, I agree with you. Very similar to what was going on between Marshall Dillon and Miss Kitty.
Excellent choice , Raymond Burr as Perry Mason .
I love Ray Collins as Tragg. More perfect casting.
Orson Welles called Ray Collins "The finest actor I have ever worked with." It's great to see him playing a scene with the wooden stiff William Hopper and act rings around him while barely moving, doing it with just a twinkle in his eye.
Tragg me baby!!
He was so funny with his smirking, gloating chemistry with Perry. It was perfect.
Lt. Tragg had a thing for Della on the show.
Raymond Burr was born to play Perry Mason. The rest of the cast were all perfect in their roles as well. Barbara Hale was perfect as Della Street
They were all perfect...I love the entire cast.
The part of Perry Mason wasn't even written for anyone specific but Mr. R. Burr was truly THE ONLY who could "play" the part! I do love all the other casting choices.
The "della" in a fur is a big miss. Barbara Hale was perfect as Della.
I hate to say this, but the actress in the audition reel came off as a litte "shallow." Barbara always came off as being as bright and insightful as Raymond Burr and William Hopper. That's what made the trio tick: three very clever people outwitting the "obvious" and digging for the truth. Kinda like George Reeves, Noel Neill and Jack Larsen -- save that Burr couldn't leap off tall buildings and fly.
I grew up on Perry Mason. That's been over 50 years ago. Although, all of the cast passed on. I still watch the episodes today. My favorite character was Ray Collins who played Lt. Arthur Tragg. He was indeed a funny man. RIP to all of them
Yes, not even close to target .
Barbara Hale as Della Street was intelligent, refined...understated elegance...perfect.
Della was perfect and modestly beautiful in all ways.
Burr is laconic and lankier, with a touch of an accent, like Jimmy Stewart, Gregory Peck. It's remarkable to see a gifted actor perform next to a mundane one.
I agree with all of you! I used to watch Peryy Mason every week with my father who loved the program Now I watch it most days again!
I do also. Watch Perry Mason daily!!!!
It's fun to watch these old screen tests. The second actress who portrays Della and also Miss Manco was actually in the pilot, The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink which aired as Episode 13, Season 1 though it was taped in October 1956, 11 months before PM premiered. She played waitress Mae Nolan who told the police that Morey gave Perry the mink of the title. The final casting was impeccable-- Raymond Burr as Perry Mason, Barbara Hale as Della Street, William Hopper as Paul Drake, William Talman as Hamilton Burger and Ray Collins as Lt. Arthur Tragg. Fantastic guest stars too. Raymond Burr was Perry Mason. Such a classic!
That smirk whenever he approaches the witness stand !
I love it !!!
Seeing Raymond Burr as Hamilton Burger tickled me.
You would have wondered why he didn't win . . . .
Outa bounds...William Hopper IS Paul Drake.
That was funny
The Ham Burger entente was always odd.
Funny thing is Burr looks exactly the way Hamilton Burger is described in the novels. One descriptor used again and again was "barrel-chested," which doesn't come close to describing William Talman. I agree that the final casting was brilliant, and I'm glad we got see all the actors in the roles they portrayed.
Enjoyed seeing young handsome Raymond Burr. Talented! Knew how to use voice and facial expressions to give his acting credibility!
all I can say is Holy prosecution Batman! that last screen test with Raymond Burr's first screen test as Perry Mason was a slam dunk and a very special moment in TV history. I'm glad they showed everyone else play the role first and it was very interesting to see William Hopper try out the role as well as the others but there is no doubt they made the perfect call for everybody and every actor was perfect for the rose they ended up with and set the standard by which every similar show to follow wood tray their best although in vain to duplicate but this is the real deal and will live on forever. one can only imagine how many people we're inspired to pursue careers in law based on this wonderful show with Raymond Burr leading the way truly magnificent in an era sadly gone but not forgotten
Love perry Mason I still watch reruns all the time
I really enjoy them❤❤❤
I think William Hopper could have handled the role as well.. The elegant and rakish Paul Drake better suited him though, and Raymond Burr owned the Mason role.
Raymond Burr could never have played second fiddle ro anyone. Too much "gravitas"...
His personality was magnetic!
Whats this 'gravitas' trip?..and that phrase? I'm 66 and never heard that goofy phrase. Paul Drake way more cool, the final piece that puts the series over. 'Gravitas'...LOL!!
If Burr had player Hamilton, the character "Perry" would have lost a few more cases.
Perry 'cool'?..yer snow'n me. He didnt try to be 'cool' cuz he knew his place..the courtroom. Della was conscienience, tactful, witty, personable, but not exactly a beauty piece. Asking Della out to the Brown Derby for dinner in a Ford Skyliner or a Cadillac woudnt exactly rock my world...Oh Paul!!
H
I love this! As the previous commenter said, they got the casting right. I can't imagine anyone else in these lead roles. Thanks for sharing.
This made my morning! Thank you - it's great to see all of these old friends playing different roles... and realizing just how terrific they all were. Love this - thanks again, Travis!
William Hopper was the only child of the noted Hollywood columnist, Hedda Hopper. We lost him way too soon from an early death while visiting in Palm Springs, Calif.
I loved him as Paul Drake.
@@Wistful77 He was the original choice for the part of Perry Mason, but was changed to play the part of Paul Drake, which was the best way to go and certainly worked well for all concerned.
@@Wistful77 Me too! Cute too!
@@oohyllab Yes, a very handsome and charming man. :)
Having read lots of the books, it just seems so OBVIOUS that Raymond Burr was, indeed, Perry Mason. I know there is almost no character description (physically) of Mason in the novels, but Burr's movement, his expression, the voice and the eyes = Perry. I can see how Gardiner jumped at Raymond Burr, and I think we're all incredibly lucky he did!
What does luck have to do with it? I agree, Raymond Burr understood the role and the character very well. Luck doesn't have anything to do with anything.
in the right place at the right time? what are the odds?
There are many variables that make or break everything. Those aware inside themselves enough connect with opportunities and never see things as odds, or lucky though they might use those stereotypical phrases. :-D
William Talman had more of a "cop face".
Wlliam Hopper is PAUL not Perry.
Only Barbara Hale is Della
Glad they got it right.
@@Mynamesalexa I agree with all the above. They cared about "Perry Mason" to work at finding the right people for the roles.
I always thought he had the most beautiful, sexy, dreamy eyes! In my opinion, Raymond Burr is the only Perry Mason! He had charisma and an aura that set him apart from any other actor! Perry Mason was Raymond Burr and Raymond Burr was, is and will always be Perry Mason! 👏👏🤗💙🌹
i particularly love Ray Collins...what 'glue' to hold it all together! A truly brilliant show, which stands the test of time. Thanks. ps...William Talman was awesome as Burgher. Thanks and i subscribed.
I've seen Ray Collins (thanks to UA-cam and retro tv channels) in a few other roles. Like Raymond Burr, he was quite famous before Perry Mason for his gangster roles. However, there have been a few movies where he played "Leon Ames" type characters. If you don't know what I mean, I mean roles like the kindly father or grandfather. (Leon Ames was the father in the Elizabeth Taylor version of Father Of The Bride. And the grandfather in the Kathleen Turner movie Peggy Sue Got Married.)
I found all 105 Earl Stanley Gardner Perry Mason paperbacks at used book stores around the country.
Great reading them over and over again.
@49jubilee Definitely a square peg in a round hole as Mason.
You are clearly awesome! Thank you!
@49jubilee Burr added the perfect little sparkle
I read them all as well. I so enjoyed and technology changed as the writings advanced.
I love Ray Collins as Tragg. More perfect casting.
Della Barbara Hale was still a knock out 40+ years after the series ended.
Raymond Burr was Born to be Perry Mason. 😮 Simply Inspirational Footage.😍 Thanks for Sharing this Gemstone 💎.
never seen him, this slim, and very young! he was one heck of an actor.
Love me some perry mason and crew. Watch it every night.
Agreed...it can't be beat IMO.
I loved this show when I was a kid and still enjoying watching now that I'm retired! Something about these shows bring back many wonderful memories. I was telling my mom today that life is so different now. Perhaps we look at life in the rear view mirror with rose colored glasses, but life seemed less complicated then.
Two roles that never could belong to anyone else, Perry and Della, I use to watch this with my mom when I was a little girl.
Also Paul, Burger and Tragg too.
Lets not forget William Talman as Hamilton Burger. I'm 'all in' for prosecuting attourneys, and Burger loses often, but ultimately he is interested in the truth coming forward if Perry wins or not. An admirable quality lacking these days. Good show Hamilton!.."Your honour, I object!"...LOL!!
I recently saw an episode with William Talman (Burger) and I think it was a 1960 episode, where his friend was in trouble but he couldn't be the attorney representing this friend. A murder took place where he was at a lodge. He asked Perry Mason to defend said friend and someone else was the prosecutor. Anyway, at one point, the prosecutor objected to what Mason said and Burger, being at the trial muttered for the prosecutor to be quiet. If he were facing Mason, he'd have objected, too😂. I thought that was funny.
@Alan Gould I thought that was a fresh and touching approach😀, too.
“The Case of the Prudent Prosecutor” was the episode.
Perry Mason is the only complete dvd collection that I own that still gets watched regularly. It's well worth the money even with 2 sets per season.
The ultimate casting was perfect and inspired. That's why the TV series is iconic.
Burr gives the better courtroom menace, but Hopper also does very well.
Even though he's playing Hamilton Burger his own mannerisms as himself Raymond Burr just shows he has the chops to play Perry Mason
Wow this was a real treat. I had no idea that Paul Drake actually tested for the role of Perry Mason. I call him Drake because that's the role he eventually got and played to perfection. Seeing Raymond Burr in that courtroom scene you just knew that was what Mason was supposed to be. Tragg was cast properly but I wonder when Barbara Hale tested for Della Street? Anyway this was great to watch. Thank you.
Raymond Burr was a natural talent with a great presence with a recognizable voice and demeanor - even when he played Reporter Steven Martin on Godzilla King Of The Monsters - He Was And Will Always Be The Great Perry Mason.
I loved him as the neighbor in Hithcock’s Rear Window great movie great performance ❤❤
Everyone remembers how great Burr was in Hitchcock’s Rear Window
I've always enjoyed Perry Mason; these screen tests are a gem!
I loved seeing William Hopper playing Mason; a lot more serious compared to his portrayal of Drake, which was many times for comic effect.
Ya, Burr couldn't come close to Hoppers cool persona, looks, silver/blond hair, and those small print black and white checkerboard square sportjackets to support the private detective role...LOL!
William Hopper was being pushed (according to him) into the roll by his mother Heda Hopper who wanted him to be famous. He claimed he was happy to get the part of Paul Drake so he could just have fun for 7 years which shows in his performance. He didn't really need the money.
These screen tests were fabulous. Thanks for sharing them!
Every actor on the Perry Mason series fit their role perfectly. I was in France from 1962 through 1963 and while I was there I went to the library on post. I ended up reading every Perry Mason book available.
It was good that Raymond Burr was Perry Mason.
Otherwise, it would never have been the classic that still is on in 2019
This is priceless! Thanks Barbara! You are an inspiration!
Just a reminder of how casting and chemistry can make or break a show.
If you've ever seen Burr's performance in "A Place in the Sun," it's pretty clear why the producers thought he'd be powerful in a courtroom series. Correctly, of course.
Raymond Burr (Playing the Murderer)was creepy in the CLASSIC Hitchcock REAR WINDOW.
@@lajas46 He played a lot of creeps in the movies before "Mason." Films like "Pitfall" and "Borderline," and "A Cry in the Night" come to mind.
Raymond Burr Wow I still watch him on reruns every night. He was made for this role....
I can’t imagine the casting of this show being any better. Ray Collins was great and so was William Talman. Raymond Burr is perfect.
Raymond Burr was very talented.
Indeed, he could even have played Hamilton Burger.
Great stuff here, Travis Moore, thanks! By the time, these screentests were made, Raymond Burr had already appeared in some 50 films. He knew his craft extremely well. He had more than "gravitas." He had a rare talent for conveying certainty and decisiveness without being overbearing.
William Hopper was another interesting actor. Though born of Hollywood aristocracy (his mother was Hedda Hopper, the movie columnist and herself a former actress with over 120 movies to her credit; his father DeWolf Hopper, a veteran thespian and Gilbert & Sullivan star, but most famous for his rendition of "Casey at The Bat." ) , he didn't take to acting at first. But he honed his skills, and as PI Paul Drake, he might have to play a variety of characters -- tough guy or a wise guy or whatever-- and do it believably.
It's easy after this length of time to look at these screentests and say, "Oh, this one doesn't have it" or "Imagine her as Della Street!" -- but casting is a tough call (been there, done that) There is nothing second-rate about even the least of the acting talents here; but the folks who had the final say about casting .... they had the rarest gift of all: an ability to spot the ideal actor for a part. Which is why, today, we couldn't imagine anyone but the gifted Raymond Burr, William Hopper and Della Street for the roles they made their own.
Barbara Hale, of course!. Talking about making a role her own!!!
Burr's delivery, voice and mannerisms ARE Perry Mason. Hopper's voice is too nice and flippant, and he is too good-looking to be Mason. Hopper was perfect as playful yet ardent Drake. And Della Street has class, brains, and is not cutesy/loose in demeanor, and Barbara Hale fit that bill perfectly.
Raymond Burr was a natural as an actor. It never felt like he was "acting." All of the other cast members, except Barbara Hale, "acted" their roles. Burr and Hale just "were" their characters.
In short, Burr was no lightweight, vocally or physically: he had "gravitas", he naturally conveyed an aura of authority.
You got that right, Hopper put the series over with his 'cool', even in middle age
@@bobmalack481 The elegant and rakish William Hopper was perfect for Paul Drake
I have been in love with this show since I was a kid. I'm 60, born in 58. I still watch it every day. It runs 5 times a day in the DC area. They got the casting perfect. Great tv series.
On MeTV it comes on at 9am and 11:30pm Eastern Time. I enjoy having time to sit and figure out whodunnit. :)
@@georgeorwell4534 I usually watch twice a day too! One of the things I like to do is watch the characters and figure what other episodes they were in, and with some what TV programs they would become regular characters! Try it,--it will keep you on your toes!!:-):-):-):-)
Janei was Duncan Heh! Love that! I do the same thing. I look for the guest stars and see if I can remember where I’ve seen them before. In "The Case of the Calendar Girl” there was an actor with striking features and distinct deep voice And I knew I had seen him somewhere else. When I looked at the cast it turned out he was John Anderson; he was in one of my favorite Star Trek TNG episodes called “The Survivors”. He was great in that too!
@@janeiwasduncan8463 There's a great website, can't remember which one, went through and cataloged the actors that would sit in the courtroom! They had names like "hat lady" and other things!
I also too like when the guest actors were in something else I've seen before. "The Case of the Calendar Girl" was on and the guest star had striking features and a deep voice and I knew I'd seen him somewhere. When I saw the credits I saw it was John Anderson, and I knew where I had seen him! He was on Star Trek TNG, in an episode called "The Survivors". A great episode too!!!
Yes, I am the same age as you. And I can recall "Perry Mason" has been running in rerun syndication probably since when the series was still airing first-run in prime time on CBS until the present. But naturally, after the first-run episodes ended when CBS canceled the series in 1966, "Perry Mason" became almost an instant "classic" of TV and was aired repeatedly in TV markets all over the country (and in other nations too, one would suppose, especially in Canada, the birthplace of Raymond Burr). Then, with the dawn of cable TV in the 1980s, "Perry Mason" found new homes for its rerun episodes, on networks such as TBS and TV Land. Now MeTV is probably the most universal home for "Perry Mason."
One thing I will say, even as one more partial to multi-camera, Desilu-style sitcoms than I am to TV dramas, is now I can enjoy the occasional "Perry Mason" episode, far more than I do some of the really lame sitcoms (series such as "Gilligan's Island" and "Hogan's Heroes") which have also, seemingly, never been off the airwaves since they were filmed.
And Raymond Burr (as "Thorwald") was also the villain in what is possibly my favorite big screen film of all-time, Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window." The whole cast of "Perry Mason" is top-notch, from the lead to Barbara Hale as "devoted Della," William Hopper as helpful gumshoe "Paul Drake," and William Talman as the "loyal opposition," district attorney "Hamilton Burger." And the guest star list is a virtual "Who's Who" of Hollywood of that era (from genuine "stars' to those still "on the way up" the proverbial ladder of acting success), even featuring Bette Davis filling in for one episode when Burr was having surgery.
I am glad "Perry Mason" ended just when it did (and nine years ain't a bad run), that one token color episode exists just for a "look-see." But I think the monochromatic perspective make "Perry Mason" just perfect as a film noir of the small screen., great for later-night viewing when the brilliance of full color is more assaulting to the eyes than a more relaxing black and white. And with 271 episodes, there are plenty of episodes for even the causal fan of the series to enjoy.
I usually prefer to get my comedy from TV and my drama from the big screen (and when reading I prefer non-fiction, and almost all my fiction from the big or small screens). But a drama has to be pretty well-acted and well-produced for me to enjoy it on TV. And "Perry Mason," formulaic though it may be, is just one such TV drama which holds up well. Other so-called "classic" TV dramas I enjoy and which have held up pretty well over time are "Adam-12," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents/The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "The Avengers," "Dragnet," "Dr. Kildare," "Emergency!," "Family" (1976-80), "Flipper," "Fury," "Lassie" (production values for the earliest episodes starring Tommy Rettig are sometimes lacking, but compensated by warm-earthed scripts and believable acting), "Lou Grant," "Marcus Welby, M.D.," "The Mod Squad," "Mr. Novak," "Peter Gunn," "The Rifleman," "Room 222," and "The Twilight Zone," all higher on the list among some others .If we include anthology series', then I have also enjoyed some episodes of "Playhouse 90" and "Studio One/Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse."
I realize there are several more high-quality, albeit formulaic, TV dramas which have also stood the proverbial "test of time," among them "Columbo," "Diagnosis: Murder," "Matlock," "Murder, She Wrote," "The Sopranos," and whichever "Law & Order" and "NCIS" franchise suits one's fancy. But I have never especially followed any of those series' on a regular basis.
I am not and never was a "Trekker," and also consider "Batman" (which I adored when I was a seven years' old boy) and "Lost in Space" now only amusing for their comedic value. Although, the first season of "Lost in Space" had some episodes (perhaps the first half dozen) which were more acceptable as legitimate science-fiction. A pity the series decided to allow talented actor Jonathan Harris to take over as an idiotic, simpering fool instead of as the more believable and treasonous antagonist who sabotaged the mission of the "Jupiter 2" in the series pilot.
For what it's worth, my 30 (technically 32, but two of them, starring Lucille Ball and Danny Thomas, were simply due to title changes of series' with essentially the same characters and formats) favorite "classic" TV sitcoms--at least 10 years since the last episode was filmed or taped--are "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" (really the first TV sitcom "about nothing"), "All in the Family," "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Ann Sothern Show," "The Bob Newhart Show," "December Bride," "Dennis the Menace" (the first three seasons with Joseph Kearns as "Mr. [George] Wilson", anyway; a guilty pleasure, admittedly), "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Donna Reed Show," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Family Affair," "Frasier," "The Golden Girls," "Hazel (the first four seasons, with Don DeFore as "George 'Mr. B' Baxter; formulaic, but Shirley Booth was practically a force of nature, and DeFore was a great foil for her), "Here's Lucy" (the first two seasons with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr.), "I Love Lucy/The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour," "The Jack Benny Program," "Leave it to Beaver," "The Lucy Show" (the first three seasons with Vivian Vance), "Make Room for Daddy/"The Danny Thomas Show," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Mayberry R.F.D.," "Mister ED" (the first three seasons with Larry Keating and Edna Skinner as neighbors "Roger & Kay Addison"; another guilty pleasure), "The Mothers-In-Law," "My Three Sons" (the first five, on ABC, of 12 seasons total, with Tim Considine as "Mike Douglas" and William Frawley as grandfather "William 'Bub' O'Casey"), "The Nanny," "Our Miss Brooks," "Pete and Gladys," "Seinfeld," and "That Girl."
More recent sitcoms I have enjoyed would include "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Last Man Standing." But I have little patience for TV series' in general anymore, since I am inclined to dislike and distrust anyone in Hollywood involved in the production of left-wing propaganda. In my opinion, most of the best TV has already been produced (1948-2004, 56 years) anyway. so there is plenty on which to "catch up," as well the enjoyment of old favorites to watch again.
Great to see this 👌 Love the "vintage" black & white television/movies
Even trying out for Hamilton Burger Raymond Burr was STILL Perry Mason Lol
The final casting choices were perfect 👌
William Hopper is the Peter Gunn/Mr Lucky type. Burr has the gravitas.
agree
As 1 reviewer noted, William Hopper makes average episodes better and worth watching, and good ones great (as Paul Drake) talk about perfect casting.
Perry Mason is my old time favorite. I watch his program twice daily. 8:00 AM & 10:30 PM!!!!! I enjoyed his program back in the day with Black & White Television’s. They picked Right Person: Mr. Perry Mason!!!!!!!!!! ( Mr. Raymond Burr).
His acting was so smooth,
Raymond Bure was the man...
William Hopper completes and puts the series over. Too cool for mainsteam Perry and Della.
Perry Mason makes todays TV look sick. For similarly tight drama, see The Saint, The Third Man and Secret Agent, Have Gun-Will Travel, Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke.
And Barbara Hale. Zowie! No wonder they toned her down as secretary.
TeaParty1776
Tell me about it. "Arrow" is just a bunch of meatballs chasing each other around trying to kill each other.
Gunsmoke hands down had the best writing of all TV westerns, plus Miss Kitty too.
@Jeff Sol Whatever they are, they're trash first.
Exactly
Barbara Hale was so beautiful, poised, intelligent and Elegant!
Raymond Burr's last scene here was fantastic. Start to finish in one take. He played it perfectly. No wonder he was cast as Mason.
Maybe not done in one take, though it seems like it. The angle changes a few times, so two cameras at the very least. And this is film, unless it is a film record of a video production. Maybe done with two cameras at once - they normally wouldn't because of lighting concerns, but this was just an audition - but more likely two takes spliced together. If so, kudos for all involved for making two takes look like one.
...and no wonder William Hopper nailed Paul Drake. Too cool for bland/straightlaced Burr.
Glad to see that they changed Della Streets from a floozy to a respectable lady.How would it look if Barbara Hale played a floozy, especially since she's the mother of the Greatest American Hero.
Don't forget he also played Paul Drake,Jr in the first few movies!!
@@janeiwasduncan8463 I loved the connection and William Katt was a great Paul Drake Jr. I just wished they would have found a formidable Hamilton Burger.
Would not have had the ' Balance ' !
Erle Stanley Gardner was joking when he picked the names of the Perry Mason characters: thus, "Della Street" is a spin on "de la street", which is shorthand for a streetwalker.
Erle S.G. did the forward for an old friends Book's . Harriet thought well of him .
Watched Mason for years! Now watch on Me-tv.
Weekdays at 9am & 1130 ( eastern) 🎈🎈🎈🎈
Great find. Seems like everyone slid right into the roles they were meant for.
100 %
I agree with Mr. Gunter (commenter) that William Hopper was the second best “Perry Mason.” After watching many years of the show, I also agree that the cast as selected was perfect. I wish a test for the “real” Hamilton Burger was included here. Thanks. This was great fun.
..and we have the FIRST best Paul Drake. Mainstream Raymond Burr wouldn't cut it in his role with Hopper's blond/silver hair, cooler cars, small print white and black checkerboard square sport jackets, and cool demeaner. William Hopper puts the series over, even being well into middle age.
Nearly 70yrs now I was glued to tv when Perry Mason was on, what a wonderful account of the pre cursor to the series , Paul Drake as Perry dont think so.IT worked out marvellous...If that isnt Della Street reading this tribute I'm a martian...x
Perry Mason is great love the black and white shows
Also, the eventual casting of the character, "Della Street" was brilliant. The original concept of her character would have been severely truncated.
Great find!
Hopper does a decent job as Perry. It would have been interesting seeing him in that role.
What a joy to watch this. Barbara I miss you. You and the Perry Mason crew come into my home 2 times a day
I am a big fan of Raymond Burr's acting. I was comparing the way William Hopper and Raymond Burr did that court scene, the way Burr gives that sarcastic smile in the end. Brilliant. One of the finest actors of all time. Of course not to forget to mention, I am a fan of Ray Collins (Lieutenant Tragg) too.
Wow! Fantastic footage! Always knew Raymond Burr was a great actoe but he really really was a handsome man too. ❤️❤️❤️