Ep 13. The Case of the Wayward Wife

Perry Mason season 3 episode 13, titled "The Case of the Wayward Wife," is a classic legal drama that follows the legendary defense attorney, Perry Mason, as he takes on yet another challenging case to exonerate his falsely accused client. The episode originally aired on March 30, 1960, on CBS.

The story revolves around a wealthy businessman named Ralph Duncan (played by Frank Converse), who has been accused of murdering his adulterous wife, Laura Duncan (played by Gail Kobe). The evidence against Ralph is strong, as he is found with the murder weapon in his hand and his fingerprints are all over the scene of the crime. Nevertheless, Ralph insists he is innocent and turns to Perry Mason for legal help.

Perry Mason, along with his trusted team of private investigator Paul Drake (played by William Hopper) and secretary Della Street (played by Barbara Hale), starts investigating the case from scratch and soon finds several crucial pieces of evidence that cast doubt on Ralph's guilt. For instance, they discover that the couple's maid, Emma (played by Mary Adams), had a strong motive to kill Laura Duncan due to some longstanding grudges.

Meanwhile, the prosecution tries to build a strong case against Ralph, bringing forth several witnesses who paint him as a jealous and violent husband who had a motive to kill his unfaithful wife. Perry Mason counters these arguments with his usual legal prowess, cross-examining the witnesses and uncovering their inconsistencies and hidden agendas.

As the trial proceeds, Perry Mason also faces personal challenges from a nosy reporter, Janice Atkins (played by Ann McCrea), who seems to be more interested in sensationalizing the case than in finding the truth. Nevertheless, Perry Mason remains focused on his mission to clear his client's name, even if it means breaking some rules and risking his own reputation.

In the climactic scene, Perry Mason delivers a gripping closing argument that ties all the loose ends together and presents a convincing alternative theory of the crime. The truth finally emerges, and the real killer is unmasked, leading to a dramatic twist that leaves the courtroom audience stunned.

Overall, "The Case of the Wayward Wife" is a compelling episode of Perry Mason that showcases the show's strengths in storytelling, characterization, and legal drama. It features a complex plot, intriguing characters, and a satisfying resolution that will keep viewers hooked till the end.