Surprising Stories from the Set of Perry Mason

This article was originally published at Lizanest.com

When Perry Mason premiered, it appeared to be a clean, orderly courtroom drama where justice was always served by the hour. Behind the scenes, however, the series was driven by grueling schedules, strict creative control, health struggles, and quiet power plays. From Raymond Burr’s iron grip on the courtroom to cast illnesses, network cost-cutting, and behind-the-scenes tensions, the real drama often unfolded off camera. These facts peel back the polished surface of Perry Mason to reveal the demanding, tightly managed machine that kept television’s most unbeatable lawyer on the air.

#1: Fans Once Confronted Raymond Burr for Never Losing a Case

During Perry Mason’s original run, Raymond Burr’s courtroom dominance became so convincing that some viewers blurred fiction and reality. On one occasion, a woman reportedly accosted Burr in public, demanding to know why he never lost a case.

Burr responded with perfect deadpan timing. He calmly told her, “Madam, you only see the cases that I try on Saturdays.” The remark perfectly captured how deeply audiences believed in Perry Mason, and how Burr’s performance made the character feel less like television and more like a real, unbeatable lawyer.

#2: Illness Forced Ray Collins Off Perry Mason Mid-Season

Ray Collins, who played police lieutenant Arthur Tragg, began appearing less frequently on Perry Mason after the 1960 season. Viewers noticed his reduced presence long before they knew the reason behind it.

Collins had developed emphysema after years of smoking and was also struggling to remember his lines. As his health declined, continuing the demanding production schedule became impossible. He was ultimately forced to leave the series midway through the seventh season, quietly ending his long association with the show.

#3: Ray Collins Stayed in the Credits to Keep His Benefits

Even after Ray Collins was no longer able to appear on Perry Mason, the production made a compassionate decision to keep his name in the opening credits. The move was meant to lift his spirits during a difficult time and, just as importantly, allow him to continue receiving medical benefits through the actors union.

The gesture reflected the respect Collins had earned during his years on the show. Sadly, he passed away in July 1965, just before production began on Perry Mason’s final season, making the decision a quietly meaningful final kindness.

#4: Raymond Burr Auditioned to Play Perry Mason’s Rival Instead

Before becoming Perry Mason, Raymond Burr originally auditioned for the role of Hamilton Burger, the district attorney who routinely lost to Mason in court. At the time, Burr was better known for playing heavies and authority figures, making Burger seem like a natural fit.

Producers saw something more in him. Instead of casting Burr as the antagonist, they chose him for the title role. The decision completely reshaped his career, transforming Burr from a character actor into the face of one of television’s most iconic and undefeated lawyers.