The Case of the Fiery Fingers

If you're keeping score, many of Perry's cases dealt with money and shear greed. A lethal combination. Here, veteran actor Edward Norris plays a questionable gentleman named George Gordon who married a very wealthy woman. Still he's not happy. He has a gal friend (played by beautiful Fay Spain) on the side -- and you know his wife Louise (Susan Dorn) hasn't long to live. In fact, poor Louise prefers the company of her elderly nurse, Nora Mae (played by Lenore Shanewise), but it's not enough protection when she winds up poisoned. Even more tough luck for Nora Mae who stands accused of the crime.

In a way, you kind of figured something like this would happen, and watch how it all plays out. I agree with the last reviewer; the courtroom showdown is a gem. Of course, all us long time fans couldn't wait for the courtroom finale no matter what the case was about. Much due to some excellent actors and the craftsmanship of director Arthur Marks, also the series producer.

On an interesting footnote, Lenore Shanewise was the senior director of the famed Pasadena Playhouse and a good friend of Raymond Burr.

She has some memorable scenes with him. Crusty Charles Lane turns up as a doctor. Actress Susan Dorn, who appeared in many dramatic tv shows, passed in 2020. Yes, comedian Connie Cezan returns as Gertie.

Another fine script by Laurence Marks, who later gained fame for writing many classic episodes for MASH.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 31 remastered CBS dvd box set. Volumes 1 and 2. Classic first season set.