Perry Mason (2020)

About Perry Mason

The 2020 television shows 'Perry Mason', produced by HBO, is a reimagining of Erle Stanley Gardner's series of mystery novels that feature the character Perry Mason, a criminal defense lawyer. Set in 1932 Los Angeles, the series begins with Perry Mason working as a private investigator. Haunted by his wartime experiences in France and suffering the effects of a broken marriage, Mason takes on a monstrous child kidnapping case that reverberates throughout Los Angeles. His relentless pursuit of the truth reveals a fractured city and just maybe, a pathway to redemption for himself.

Making / Production

The series is produced by HBO, with Rolin Jones and Ron Fitzgerald serving as showrunners. The team took a novelistic approach, focusing on character development and a complex narrative.

Actors

• Matthew Rhys: Plays Perry Mason, delivering a deeply textured performance as a man grappling with his past while uncovering unfathomable corruption.
• Juliet Rylance: Brings grace and fortitude to the role of Della Street, Mason's right-hand woman, tirelessly fighting the institutional prejudices of the time.
• Chris Chalk: As Paul Drake, he portrays a beat cop with detective instincts who faces racial barriers while trying to do the right thing.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is actually a prequel to the original Perry Mason stories, showing how Perry Mason became the legendary lawyer.
• The courtroom scenes were filmed in an actual 1930s-era courthouse in Los Angeles.
• Matthew Rhys was the first and only choice for the lead role of Perry Mason.

Quotes

• "You want to know things, Mr. Mason, you want to prove things. What comfort has that ever given you?" -E.B Jonathan
• "I'm not just a lawyer. I'm a detective too." -Perry Mason
• "Everyone is up to something. Hiding something. Everybody has an angle. A secret." -Perry Mason

Music, Soundtrack

• The score is composed by Terence Blanchard, known for his jazz compositions and film scores, imbuing the show with a moody and atmospheric sound.
• "Perry Mason Theme" composed by Fred Steiner is incorporated in the new score, reconnecting the series to its roots — but with a modern twist.