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Raymond Burr went to court to help prepare for the role of Perry Mason
While most people are trying to avoid the law, Burr was seeking it out.
While most acting advice tends to include phrases like "Think fast," and "Trust your gut," there are plenty of wonderful actors who have done fantastic work developing a character in a very slow and steady manner. Much like the tortoise instead of the hare, these actors are not only skilled but better prepared for whatever may lie in store.
Raymond Burr took his work as an actor seriously, especially when he took on the title character in the hit series, Perry Mason.
Favored by Perry Mason author Erle Stanley Gardner, Burr wasn't well versed in the written adventures of Mason until he was cast in the series. Then, it was off to the races.
"I've had an immense amount of research to do," said Burr during an interview with the Detroit Free Press. "Mason isn't a trench-coat private eye, he is a lawyer, and the law plays a big part in every drama."
Part of that preparation included watching the legal system in action. "I spent two months watching the judges and lawyers in Los Angeles courts to get the feel of the role," said the actor.
Not only did this prepare Burr for his role, it also made him something of an investigator in his home life as well. "Quite often when I go home, I ask my niece or nephew if anything had happened during the day," he said. "They'll say, 'No.' Then I come back with 'Then why is there a black streak in the drive as if a truck was parked there.' They are goggle-eyed."
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I discovered this great program for myself one morning back in early-August of this year on MeTV, Channel 122 out of Charlotte, NC, on Comporium's service. This show is a time capsule and a noir-laced hour of wonderful clichés. The more the merrier. There's enough booze sloshing around on the show to float a small boat. The femme fatales all are quick to light a cigarette and look so good doing it.
Poor Lt. Tragg and DA Burger. They repeatedly get schooled in Perry Mason's techniques and never seem any the wiser for it. The first three seasons, with the old cars, all of the booze and the cigarettes are highly enjoyable.
