Perry Mason. Poster of the 1957 TV series and cover of the 1933 book, The Case of the Velvet Claws
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The Case of the Velvet Claws
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1933
TV series vs book
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1957-1966

Perry Mason, a legal practitioner renowned for tackling seemingly unwinnable cases, navigates the complexities of the legal system with the support of his secretary, Della Street, and investigator, Paul Drake. Through thorough investigation, Mason discovers surprising truths buried in the facts. Leveraging his exceptional courtroom acumen, he adeptly employs tactics to coax unwitting confessions from individuals, showcasing his prowess in exposing the hidden realities of each case.


Perry Mason. Poster of the 2020 TV series and cover of the 1933 book, The Case of the Velvet Claws
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The Case of the Velvet Claws
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1933
TV series vs book
Ron Fitzgerald, Rolin Jones, 2020-

Taking place in 1932 Los Angeles, the series delves into the early life of renowned defense attorney Perry Mason. Struggling to make ends meet as a modest private investigator, Mason grapples with the ghosts of his wartime service in France and the aftermath of a failed marriage. In the midst of L.A.’s economic prosperity amid the Great Depression recovery, a botched kidnapping sets Mason on a path to unveil the reality behind the crime, exposing a city in disarray.


Perry Mason Returns. Poster of the 1985 movie and cover of the 1933 book, The Case of the Velvet Claws
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The Case of the Velvet Claws
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1933
movie vs book
Ron Satlof, 1985

Concluding a lengthy and prosperous tenure as a lawyer, Perry Mason exchanges his briefcase for a gavel. Yet, when his former longtime secretary, Della Street, is accused of murdering the affluent businessman she served, Mason chooses to relinquish his judgeship and return to the advocate’s role. Armed with his keen investigative abilities and aided by Paul Drake, the son of his former private investigator, Perry endeavors to uncover the genuine perpetrator and ensure justice is served.


The Case of the Velvet Claws. Poster of the 1936 movie and cover of the 1933 book
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The Case of the Velvet Claws
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1933
movie vs book
William Clemens, 1936

After finally tying the knot officiated by his long-time friend, Judge Mary, Perry and Della intend to embark on their honeymoon. However, their plans are abruptly interrupted when a woman with a gun and $5000 retains Perry’s services. She implores him to prevent the publication of a story about Peter Milner in ‘Spicy Bits.’ Despite Perry’s efforts to dissuade the editor, he discovers the woman who hired him is Mrs. Belter. Events take a dark turn when George Belter is found dead, shot by Eva, who accuses Perry Mason of the murder.


The New Perry Mason. Poster of the 1973 TV series and cover of the 1933 book, The Case of the Velvet Claws
VS3
The Case of the Velvet Claws
Erle Stanley Gardner, 1933
TV series vs book
Michael O'Herlihy, Murray Golden, Arthur Marks, 1973-1974

A rejuvenation of the enduringly popular television series from the 1950s and ’60s, centered around the brilliant defense attorney created by Erle Stanley Gardner.