The Case of the Black Cat (1936) Online
Lawyer Perry Mason is summoned to the Laxter mansion in the dead of night to write granddaughter Wilma out of invalid Peter Laxter's will, to keep her from marrying suspected fortune hunter Doug. Peter dies in a mysterious fire and Laxter's two grandsons, Sam Laxter and Frank Oafley, inherit his estate on the condition old caretaker Ashton and his cat Clinker are kept on. When cat-hating Sam threatens Clinker, Perry steps in and learns Laxter's death was suspicious and the family fortune and diamonds are missing.
Complete credited cast: | |||
Ricardo Cortez | - | Perry Mason | |
June Travis | - | Della Street | |
Jane Bryan | - | Wilma Laxter | |
Craig Reynolds | - | Frank Oafley | |
Carlyle Moore Jr. | - | Douglas Keene | |
Bill Elliott | - | Sam Laxter (as Gordon Elliott) | |
Nedda Harrigan | - | Nurse Louise DeVoe | |
Garry Owen | - | Paul Drake | |
Harry Davenport | - | Peter Laxter | |
George Rosener | - | Charles Ashton | |
Gordon Hart | - | Dr. Jacobs | |
Clarence Wilson | - | Mr. Shuster | |
Guy Usher | - | District Attorney Hamilton Burger | |
Lottie Williams | - | Mrs. Pixley | |
Harry Hayden | - | Reverend Stillwell |
After appearing in earlier entries as Spudsy Drake, Perry's detective assistant/friend is now refereed to as Paul Drake.
Reportedly, Erle Stanley Gardner, the author of the books, did not approve of the casting of Ricordo Cortez as Perry Mason. He was therefore replaced by Donald Woods after doing only one movie. Ironically, many feel that Cortez' performance and this movie in general is the best of the series.
Director Alan Crosland died in an auto accident during filming, and was replaced by William C. McGann.
Stuart Holmes is in studio records/casting call lists as "Manager", but he does not appear.
Film debut of Jane Bryan.
Fifth of six "Perry Mason" films released by Warner Bros. from 1934 to 1937, and the first without Warren William in the lead role.
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