The Case of the Black Cat
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 Schuster 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. Schuster's found dead in his basement apartment, Laxter's nurse Louise is murdered with Schuster's crutch, and circumstantial evidence brings Doug to trial for Louise's death. Mason's investigation produces a surprise witness who turns the trial around. Written by Sister Grimm
Insights
Plot Summary
A series of strange events and deaths plague the wealthy, eccentric owner of a large estate, who has recently changed his will. Perry Mason is called in by the victim's niece to investigate, suspecting foul play. Mason, along with his loyal secretary Della Street, must navigate a web of suspicious relatives, a mysterious black cat, and a potential inheritance dispute to uncover the truth.
Critical Reception
As a B-movie of its time, 'The Case of the Black Cat' received generally moderate reviews, appreciated for its fast pace and engaging mystery plot within its budget constraints. While not a critical darling, it provided solid entertainment for fans of detective stories and the popular Perry Mason character.
What Reviewers Say
- Enjoyable as a fast-paced B-movie mystery.
- Ricardo Cortez effectively embodies Perry Mason.
- The plot offers enough twists to keep audiences engaged.
Google audience: Information not available.
Fun Fact
This film is one of several Perry Mason films made by Warner Bros. in the 1930s, predating the popular television series by decades.
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