Perry Mason Returns

The movie Perry Mason Returns is a television film from 1986 and is the third television film featuring the iconic defense attorney Perry Mason. This film stars Raymond Burr reprising his iconic role as Perry Mason, who finds himself re-entering the world of law after a period of retirement. The film begins with Perry Mason having recently assumed the position of a judge. However, after learning that his former secretary, Ellen Burgess (played by Paulene Collins), has been accused of murder, Mason decides to use his influence and his expertise to prove her innocence. With his experience, wit, and exceptional analytical skills, Mason believes he can navigate the complexities of the law and uncover the truth behind the crime. Ellen Burgess, a young and determined woman, is a talented secretary who had worked for Perry Mason at a crucial point in his career. She was instrumental in helping him solve several high-profile cases, and Mason holds her in high regard. When Ellen is arrested and charged with the murder of a wealthy businessman, Perry Mason becomes convinced that she is innocent and must take action to save her from a likely life sentence. Upon starting his investigation, Mason realizes that the case against Ellen is strong, but he believes that evidence has been misinterpreted, and the circumstances point to her as a prime suspect. He also discovers that the police officer, who is now working on his own case, has already begun to close the case against Ellen. The detective's investigation leads him to believe that Ellen had planned the crime meticulously, making her an easy suspect. However, Perry Mason takes a different approach, which often proves that appearances can be deceiving. He begins to interview witnesses, including the key witness who identified Ellen at the scene of the crime. Mason uses his vast knowledge and experience to challenge the testimony and highlight inconsistencies in the stories that people tell. Mason's initial focus is on the relationship between Ellen and the victim. He believes that the motive behind the crime could be linked to the victim's past actions, particularly in his professional dealings. As Mason digs deeper, he discovers that the victim, a businessman with a string of questionable enterprises, had connections with various people, each of whom had reason to want him dead. Throughout the investigation, Mason works closely with Ellen, who is both relieved and frustrated by her defense attorney's decision to take on her case. Ellen feels guilty about what happened to the victim, but she also believes that she is innocent and has nothing to hide. Perry Mason, however, sees the situation from a different perspective and understands the importance of gathering more evidence and testimony to clear Ellen's name. As the investigation unfolds, Mason identifies several potential suspects and theories surrounding the crime, all of which are carefully examined to eliminate them or confirm their relevance to the case. His experience and knowledge of the law enable him to recognize potential flaws in the prosecution's case, thereby creating new leads that might eventually clear Ellen's name. In the midst of the ongoing investigation, Mason's own character development is significant, as we see him return to the law after years of retirement. His character undergoes a transformation from a somewhat isolated jurist to a more hands-on lawyer, eager to delve into the world of investigation and court proceedings. Ultimately, Mason's meticulous investigation, coupled with his exceptional analytical skills, proves instrumental in unraveling the mystery behind the crime. As new evidence emerges, Perry Mason is able to reveal the true culprit behind the murder, and Ellen is finally cleared of her name. With justice served, Perry Mason solidifies his reputation as one of the greatest defense attorneys of all time, leaving us to ponder the intriguing complexities of human nature and the many secrets that can be hidden beneath the surface. The film Perry Mason Returns ends on a positive note, solidifying the character of Perry Mason as a master of his craft, an expert in investigation, and an impassioned advocate for those in need of a fair trial. As the final courtroom scenes unfold, we see Perry Mason triumph over the prosecution, bringing home a conviction of the true perpetrator and freeing his former secretary from the false accusation that had threatened her freedom. The film's resolution marks a significant milestone in the series, reminding audiences that Perry Mason will not rest until justice is served and the truth is revealed, even if the path to the truth is long and winding.