Raymond Burr's Wild Pranks on Perry Mason

Perry Mason premiered in 1957 and was based upon a series of novels by Erie Stanley Gardner. The series spanned 9 seasons and 271 episodes were filmed. Additionally, 30 made-for-TV films were produced up until 1995 that continued the show's legacy. Perry Mason is by far one of the finest fictional lawyers to ever grace the television screen.

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The title role was played by Raymond Burr. Judging by the character he played on the TV series, you would have expected Burr to be a very serious and professional man. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Burr was actually quite the troublemaker. On set, he was known to constantly have some kind of trick up his sleeves. His favorite pastime was to prank his fellow cast and crew members. He couldn't go a day without pulling a fast one on somebody. Some of his gags would even span multiple months. He was committed to his hobby, to say the least.

In this video, we're going to take a closer look at just how Raymond Burr would prank his colleagues and who in particular was his primary target. We're also going to dive into a number of other behind-the-scenes secrets that fans of the series will likely find to be fascinating.

HBO recently rebooted Perry Mason to introduce the character and Neo-noir style to a whole new generation of viewers. In July it was announced that the new series was renewed for a second season that is scheduled for release in 2021.

Raymond Burr's Wild Pranks on Perry Mason

[stripervince]

In my opinion, this was the absolute greatest TV show of all time. Fantastic acting by burr and cast no actors today could memorized the pages and pages of complicated legalese speech like this cast did

[stevestites]

They can try as many actors as they want, there will always be only one Perry Mason and that’s Raymond Burr.

[mac]

Perry Mason vs Matlock - who wins? Perry Mason...without a doubt!

[docadams]

I always have admired Raymond Burr's portrayal of Perry Mason. I also like how Willliam Talman played Hamilton Burger. He could appear SO worked up when he yelled' "INCOMPETENT, IRRELEVANT, and IMMATERIAL"! I also love Ray Collins' clear enjoyment of playing Lt. Arthur Tragg.

[marias]

Perry Mason would win - absolutely! Also, Raymond Burr was a great champion for his co-stars, who all loved him. He is the one who insisted that they keep Ray Collins' name in the credits to, as you said, keep his spirits up, and keep him insured. He led the other cast members and crew in the fight to get William Talman reinstated on the show, which he eventually was. Barbara Hale and he were great friends their entire lives. Thank you for posting this!

[cjmarshall]

I remember seeing Burr as a guest star on the Flip Wilson show in the 70s. He was a hoot! It was really something, seeing the normally serious "Perry Mason" acting silly and funny, and obviously having a good time while doing so.

[ronalddean]

I grew up watching Perry Mason I love that show and it's a show I'm not afraid for my children to see. It was always decent and non graffic. Barbara Hale was a babe all her life. Perry Mason and it's cast were first class.

[txrose]

I saw a recording of him on the Jack Benny show here on YouTube and he was hilarious

[sandral]

Perry Mason is the only show I watch on a regular basis. Reruns that is.

[claudenewbolt]

ONE OF THE BEST ACTOR, RAYMOND BURR WAS, AND IS!

[glencrandall]

I'm watching them all over again. They are still good. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[Wistful]

He had such expressive eyes, and sly witty smile.I watch the show on MeTV every weekday morning. I still have a crush on him! Perry Mason beats Matlock. Sorry, Andy.

[d.jensen]

The Case of the Nebulous Nephew will always be my favorite episode. So well written and acted!

[Primus]

I grew up in the late 50s and early 60s. Perry Mason was not miss TV in our family. My parents had a passing resemblance to Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale, so watching the reruns is very nostalgic for me. I own seasons 1 through 4 on DVD.

[billmccroskey]

Matlock couldn’t carry Perry Mason’s briefcase.

[ayutthayatrojan]

The series played Saturday, early evening, in the UK, and as a youthful teenager, it was a must watch. Cheers.

[JUSTGOTLUCKY]

The entire cast of the Perry Mason series were terrific. I always enjoyed the interaction between Perry and Hamilton Burger and Lt. Tragg. Paul Drake always added humor and Della added a serene but very competent character to compliment Perry. I watch the 9 seasons and then start over again.

[lennysvibe]

i just started watching Perry Mason this year during the Covid lockdown...I enjoy these episodes so much I subscribed to the CBS app so I can watch them before bed every night...I love old Hollywood and Mystery so Perry Mason is right up my alley...However if you are into this kind of Genre you really would like the Mentalist...I feel like the Mentalist is a Modern Day Perry Mason. Great show! Perry to me was a "slick guy"...He seems to have something in his eyes and smile that I could tell he was a prankster...lol...George Clooney is another prankster. George Clooney would make a good Raymond Burr!

[Afroman]

Perry Mason vs Matlock would be the court case of the century. But I think Perry Mason would win.

[bluel]

great, really enjoyed that, we love perry mason. and all the cast.