The art in the 1950s Perry Mason tv show

[willdave davenant]

I've posted this to several newsgroups w/o avail. So I thought I'd try here.
If you can answer any of these questions, post, don't email - the email
address is just a facade, too much spam otherwise.

--

Hi. I'm a fan of the 1950s Perry Mason tv show. I'd like some
information on the props used in the show, particularly Perry's
office. So, if you're familiar with the program, could you identify,
say, the horse-head bas-relief behind the sofa, the abstract fish
painting behind the desk, the sofa and desk inself, the eagle and urn
on the credenza behind the desk, the curious tripod like
objects on the bookcase to Perry's right as he sits at his desk, ditto
the pig like figures, and so on and so forth.

I suspect some of these items are Eames inspired. What are good
sources for information about 1950s decorative arts that might help me
in tracking down information about these items - if any is to be got?

Thanks for any information you may be able to provide!

The show is currently being broadcast on The Hallmark Channel although that
may be coming to a close.

http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/framework.jsp?BODY=program.jsp&CONTENT=DAM_FAM_910146

It is also available from www.columbiahouse.com.

[I'm not affiliated with either.]


wd

[Mr. M]

I wish they'd show "The Defenders"

[Marc Dashevsky]

Post by willdave davenant
Hi. I'm a fan of the 1950s Perry Mason tv show. I'd like some
information on the props used in the show, particularly Perry's
office. So, if you're familiar with the program, could you identify,
say, the horse-head bas-relief behind the sofa, the abstract fish
painting behind the desk, the sofa and desk inself, the eagle and urn
on the credenza behind the desk, the curious tripod like
objects on the bookcase to Perry's right as he sits at his desk, ditto
the pig like figures, and so on and so forth.
I suspect some of these items are Eames inspired. What are good
sources for information about 1950s decorative arts that might help me
in tracking down information about these items - if any is to be got?
Thanks for any information you may be able to provide!

In case you are not already aware of it, there is a fine Perry Mason
website <http://www.oz.net/~daveb/perry.htm> that will most certainly
identify Perry Mason discussion fora in which you might productively
ask your questions.

[Frank R.A.J. Maloney]

Post by Marc Dashevsky

Post by willdave davenant
Hi. I'm a fan of the 1950s Perry Mason tv show. I'd like some
information on the props used in the show, particularly Perry's
office. So, if you're familiar with the program, could you identify,
say, the horse-head bas-relief behind the sofa, the abstract fish
painting behind the desk, the sofa and desk inself, the eagle and urn
on the credenza behind the desk, the curious tripod like
objects on the bookcase to Perry's right as he sits at his desk, ditto
the pig like figures, and so on and so forth.
I suspect some of these items are Eames inspired. What are good
sources for information about 1950s decorative arts that might help me
in tracking down information about these items - if any is to be got?
Thanks for any information you may be able to provide!

In case you are not already aware of it, there is a fine Perry Mason
website <http://www.oz.net/~daveb/perry.htm> that will most certainly
identify Perry Mason discussion fora in which you might productively
ask your questions.

Thanks for the pointer to the fan site. I've always loved the original
series.

The website does answer one of the original poster's questions, viz:

"Who is that bust in Perry's office? This question was first asked by Paul
in May 2002. In the Perry Mason novels, its Sir William Blackstone, the
famous 18th century British jurist. But, the bust in the TV show is not
Blackstone! On 11/1/02, Donna Bruce posted her answer on Howard Berlin's
Perry Mason Message Board. Its Voltaire! Some pictorial evidence can be
found here."

The set decorator must have had a very slim budget. I've always thought the
sets -- including Perry's office -- the least creditable thing about the
show. That incredibly ugly and cheap-looking paneling! The empty bookcases
in the outer office! The painting behind Perry is not much of a treat
either, as far as that goes.

I do find a lot of entertainment, however, in spotting the same elements in
episode after episode: the same paneling, the same curio stand, the same
lamps, etc.

[manitou910]

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
The set decorator must have had a very slim budget. I've always thought the
sets -- including Perry's office -- the least creditable thing about the
show. That incredibly ugly and cheap-looking paneling! The empty bookcases
in the outer office! The painting behind Perry is not much of a treat
either, as far as that goes.

When the show was being produced people only saw it on old 17" or 20"
tops B&W sets.

Even the best current non-HDTV 32" set with 3D comb filter is light
years ahead of TVs from the early 60s (or high-quality photos from that
era).

At the time it's unlikely viewers realized how tacky the set was.







C.

[Rich Ardini]

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
The set decorator must have had a very slim budget.

Most of the budget went toward Raymond's food.

[willdave davenant]

Post by Rich Ardini

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
The set decorator must have had a very slim budget.

Most of the budget went toward Raymond's food.

More likely it went to his salary.

wd

[Bob Roman]

On Thu, 30 Oct 2003 17:44:47 -0800, "Frank R.A.J. Maloney"

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
Thanks for the pointer to the fan site. I've always loved the original
series.

Raymond Burr was once on Bob Costas' old late-night interview show on
NBC. I thought it was interesting how Costas handled the interview.
He divided the time asking only about three topics: Godzilla, Perry
Mason, and Rear Window. My favorite part, though, was when Burr laid
out the case that Perry Mason could have easily gotten the Rear Window
villain off. Burr had clearly given the matter some thought.


Bob Roman

[leo86]

Post by Bob Roman
On Thu, 30 Oct 2003 17:44:47 -0800, "Frank R.A.J. Maloney"

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
Thanks for the pointer to the fan site. I've always loved the original
series.

Raymond Burr was once on Bob Costas' old late-night interview show on
NBC. I thought it was interesting how Costas handled the interview.
He divided the time asking only about three topics: Godzilla, Perry
Mason, and Rear Window. My favorite part, though, was when Burr laid
out the case that Perry Mason could have easily gotten the Rear Window
villain off. Burr had clearly given the matter some thought.
Bob Roman

Good for Bob Costas! Exactly the three things he SHOULD have asked
about. I'm sorry I missed it.

[willdave davenant]

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney

Post by Marc Dashevsky
In case you are not already aware of it, there is a fine Perry Mason
website <http://www.oz.net/~daveb/perry.htm> that will most certainly
identify Perry Mason discussion fora in which you might productively
ask your questions.

Thanks for the pointer to the fan site. I've always loved the original
series.

I think it's very entertaining.

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
"Who is that bust in Perry's office? This question was first asked by Paul
in May 2002. In the Perry Mason novels, its Sir William Blackstone, the
famous 18th century British jurist. But, the bust in the TV show is not
Blackstone! On 11/1/02, Donna Bruce posted her answer on Howard Berlin's
Perry Mason Message Board. Its Voltaire! Some pictorial evidence can be
found here."

I already knew about the web site and Voltaire.

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
The set decorator must have had a very slim budget. I've always thought the
sets -- including Perry's office -- the least creditable thing about the
show. That incredibly ugly and cheap-looking paneling! The empty bookcases
in the outer office! The painting behind Perry is not much of a treat
either, as far as that goes.

The show generally had a very large budget although I don't know how it
was divvyed up. I do know Raymond Burr was paid fairly well. I don't
think the furnishings in the office are ugly per se although the african
(?) mask wall decoration isn't to my taste etc. From what I've seen
and learned of 1950s fashions, the office was probably considered fairly
trendy and modern.

I've read the paneling was cypress (pecky?) and I've seen color pictures
from the show that indicate it had a strong yellowish/gold color. I'm not
a wood expert, but if it is Cypress I think it's fairly desireable paneling
and not cheap.

I suspect that the coloration was useful for photographic (b/w) purposes.

The painting you refer to is abstract and in the 50s fashion. It's
some kind of a fish, I think. It's also in yellows, browns, and blues
as far as I can tell. There's actually a sort of joke about this painting.
Gail Patrick Jackson and others would periodically alter (overpaint) the
painting between epidodes or so I'm led to understand. SO it's always in
the state of transition.

Post by Frank R.A.J. Maloney
I do find a lot of entertainment, however, in spotting the same elements in
episode after episode: the same paneling, the same curio stand, the same
lamps, etc.

True. In early episodes a certain 18th century style secretary turns up
a people's apartments and homes with fair frequency and so on.

But back then I doubt people would have noticed (no VCRs, no repeats etc.)

wd

[Rich Ardini]

<***@posting.google.com>:
Off topic, but what movie has a scene where a painting by
the great artist Dashevsky is discussed?

[Marc Dashevsky]

Post by Rich Ardini
Off topic, but what movie has a scene where a painting by
the great artist Dashevsky is discussed?

My dad's home movies? You're kidding, of course?

[Rich Ardini]

Post by Marc Dashevsky
My dad's home movies? You're kidding, of course?

No, last 5 years or so. Sundance-type film featuring
a celebrity that's been in the news all summer.

[M S G]

"Chasing Amy"!

(takes bow)
M S G

Post by Rich Ardini

Post by Marc Dashevsky
My dad's home movies? You're kidding, of course?

No, last 5 years or so. Sundance-type film featuring
a celebrity that's been in the news all summer.

[Rich Ardini]

Post by M S G
"Chasing Amy"!
(takes bow)
M S G

featuring Ben Affleck

[willdave davenant]

Post by Marc Dashevsky
In case you are not already aware of it, there is a fine Perry Mason
website <http://www.oz.net/~daveb/perry.htm> that will most certainly
identify Perry Mason discussion fora in which you might productively
ask your questions.

Been there, done that. I was hoping against hope that a shotgun approach
might lead to some other sources of information.

(It is a good website, though. There's also a sorta private newsgroup,
too, which I think is referenced at oz.)

wd

[**Dalin**]

Post by willdave davenant

Post by Marc Dashevsky
In case you are not already aware of it, there is a fine Perry Mason
website <http://www.oz.net/~daveb/perry.htm> that will most certainly
identify Perry Mason discussion fora in which you might productively
ask your questions.

Been there, done that. I was hoping against hope that a shotgun approach
might lead to some other sources of information.
(It is a good website, though. There's also a sorta private newsgroup,
too, which I think is referenced at oz.)
wd

Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

Dalin

[willdave davenant]

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.

Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.

Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".

wd

[**Dalin**]

Post by willdave davenant

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.
Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.
Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".
wd

Cross posting is not considered newsgroup etiquette unless you inform
within your post that you are crossposting. Not everyone's newsgroup
client informs them when they answer a post that they are crossposting
and some would not wish to do that. It's just a matter of courtesy to
let people know your reply or original post is crossposted.

Dalin

[Marc Dashevsky]

Post by **Dalin**

Post by willdave davenant

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.
Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.
Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".

Cross posting is not considered newsgroup etiquette unless you inform
within your post that you are crossposting. Not everyone's newsgroup
client informs them when they answer a post that they are crossposting
and some would not wish to do that. It's just a matter of courtesy to
let people know your reply or original post is crossposted.

Your posts are even more off-topic than the original in this thread.
Let it go. It has been a minor diversion, well-intentioned, and
hardly an egregious breach of netiquette.

[**Dalin**]

Post by Marc Dashevsky

Post by **Dalin**

Post by willdave davenant

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.
Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.
Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".

Cross posting is not considered newsgroup etiquette unless you inform
within your post that you are crossposting. Not everyone's newsgroup
client informs them when they answer a post that they are crossposting
and some would not wish to do that. It's just a matter of courtesy to
let people know your reply or original post is crossposted.

Your posts are even more off-topic than the original in this thread.
Let it go. It has been a minor diversion, well-intentioned, and
hardly an egregious breach of netiquette.

You are still crossposting and not informing anyone. That IS a breach
of netiquette. Do you have a testosterone problem?

Dalin

[Marc Dashevsky]

Post by **Dalin**

Post by Marc Dashevsky

Post by **Dalin**

Post by willdave davenant

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.
Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.
Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".

Cross posting is not considered newsgroup etiquette unless you inform
within your post that you are crossposting. Not everyone's newsgroup
client informs them when they answer a post that they are crossposting
and some would not wish to do that. It's just a matter of courtesy to
let people know your reply or original post is crossposted.

Your posts are even more off-topic than the original in this thread.
Let it go. It has been a minor diversion, well-intentioned, and
hardly an egregious breach of netiquette.

You are still crossposting and not informing anyone. That IS a breach
of netiquette. Do you have a testosterone problem?

You are the aggressor here. Lighten up.

[willdave davenant]

Post by **Dalin**
Cross posting is not considered newsgroup etiquette unless you inform
within your post that you are crossposting. Not everyone's newsgroup
client informs them when they answer a post that they are crossposting
and some would not wish to do that. It's just a matter of courtesy to
let people know your reply or original post is crossposted.

Consider yourself informed. ;-)

wd

[Mark Dintenfass]

Post by willdave davenant

Post by **Dalin**
Are you aware that you are crossposting to six different newsgroups,
five of which probably have no idea what you are talking about? :)

For one, plainly some people are aware since they've responded with
information - albeit already known by me.
Secondly, since Perry Mason was on TV in the late 1950s, it plainly
would be something that "fiftyplus" (assuming that's age) would be
aware of.
Thirdly, similar comments could be made for all the other groups
excepting, perhaps, "screenwriting".

Rec.arts.tv is the only appropriate group for the original post. The
fact that people in the music group know about Perry Mason doesn't mean
they want to read a lot of off-topic posts. Cross-posting seems always
to lead to unpleasantness sooner or later. Simple etiquette suggests
you avoid it.

[willdave davenant]

Post by Mark Dintenfass
Rec.arts.tv is the only appropriate group for the original post. The
fact that people in the music group know about Perry Mason doesn't mean
they want to read a lot of off-topic posts. Cross-posting seems always
to lead to unpleasantness sooner or later. Simple etiquette suggests
you avoid it.

It's probably the most appropriate, but I wouldn't say that other
aren't. For instance, all of the principals and most of the people who
appeared in the show were in the movies as well. And so on.

Anyway, this wasn't a posting about penis enlargement, girls in
Thailand or what have you.

On the other hand, it seems to me that some people, well, I'll leave it
at that. ;-)

wd

[Dink]

Post by willdave davenant
I've posted this to several newsgroups w/o avail. So I thought I'd try
here. If you can answer any of these questions, post, don't email -
the email address is just a facade, too much spam otherwise.
--
Hi. I'm a fan of the 1950s Perry Mason tv show. I'd like some
information on the props used in the show, particularly Perry's
office. So, if you're familiar with the program, could you identify,
say, the horse-head bas-relief behind the sofa, the abstract fish
painting behind the desk, the sofa and desk inself, the eagle and urn
on the credenza behind the desk, the curious tripod like
objects on the bookcase to Perry's right as he sits at his desk, ditto
the pig like figures, and so on and so forth.
I suspect some of these items are Eames inspired. What are good
sources for information about 1950s decorative arts that might help me
in tracking down information about these items - if any is to be got?
Thanks for any information you may be able to provide!
The show is currently being broadcast on The Hallmark Channel although
that may be coming to a close.
http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/framework.jsp?BODY=program.jsp&CONTENT=D
AM_FAM_910146
It is also available from www.columbiahouse.com.
[I'm not affiliated with either.]
wd

I don't have any idea, but based on your description of the horse
head wall ornament, I wonder if it might have been a Bosson head?
http://www.pricelook.co.uk/auction-bosson_head.html

Dink

[s***@gmail.com]

My boyfriends family have the mask...

[r***@gmail.com]

Post by s***@gmail.com
My boyfriends family have the mask...

Hello Sarah,

I would love to buy the "Fish" painting that was behind Perry's desk. Would you have any idea where that painting is now?

Thanks.

Ray Bennett

[Tony Giammarino]

Post by r***@gmail.com

Post by s***@gmail.com
My boyfriends family have the mask...

Hello Sarah,
I would love to buy the "Fish" painting that was behind Perry's desk. Would you have any idea where that painting is now?
Thanks.
Ray Bennett

There is a recent reproduction of the fish painting that you can see here: https://imgur.com/gallery/Ww8SCAl

[t***@gmail.com]

Hello! I own three original oil paintings by Raymond Burr's Hollywood art director friend, J.L.Datu...J.L.Datu is most famous as the art director in the iconic western movie "Red River" starring John Wayne and Montgomery Cliff.

I know this provance since a photo recently emerged with J.L. in attendance with Raymond at Raymond's grand opening of his art gallery in 1965 on Rodeo Dr., Hollywood. I think that possibly some of J.L.'s workes were used as set props in the "Perry Mason" TV series...any thoughts or knowledge out there???

[t***@gmail.com]

I'm sorry I can't directly answer your question but I thought I'd post an interesting fact I've noticed w/ the Disclaimer I was not [even] born until 1980. I've always had a fascination with Perry Mason as it seems to be a highly regarded, particular let alone it is still a "defacto court room drama" (and all that that entails) That many other courtroom dramas, even today, Make this series as it seemed to really set a bar or rather, the bar for this style of show. I know that attorneys today, I've read Kama regard this as almost the the standard by which behavior in a court Room to this day is handled. It's rather amazing, to this day/almost 2020 (in just 6 mos) some 60-ish years since its inception. At any rate, speaking of a "Form of Art/Design," no doubt most reading this post are familiar w/ "DECORA"-Style Receptacles (I.e. Lights and switches that became very popular in the nineties and well into the 2000s. According to "patent-history," LEVITRON is the inventor of this [still] modern-style receptacle. They Patton did it in 1972 or 1973 sources differ but around that time period so my question would be, how could this design show up some 15 years before it was even "patented??? What's interesting is the Decora switches are in Perry Mason's office, are circa late 1950s! How can this be? I realize Such things are just "props" & most - if not all, things are in circulation before they actually have a pattern i.e. They are in patent pending status. However, I have done some research and there is no indication that the current the chorus style or any variation thereof, was used before 1970 in the United States. Yet I have pictures, screenshots, of the core switches in Perry Mason's office, I'll be at studio office but office nonetheless. A my note that the the chorus which is are a bit smaller than the current popular ones which, really were in vogue in the late 1990s and early 2 thousands and are commonly used in houses today signifying the home is a relatively NEW home. That is to say, homes Built-in the seventies and eighties generally were NOT EVER outfitted with Decora style receptacles. These are square light switches that are rockers and plugs that are rectangular. An example of this would be the switch is sold at any home depot or Lowe's home improvement center like this SECURE LINK:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton-Decora-15-Amp-Single-Pole-AC-Quiet-Switch-White-R72-05601-2WS/100058788

Unfortunately this chat does not allow me to post pictures, which I have so in lieu of this I will cite an example if you care to see. And the very 1st season of Perry Mason, Season 1, Episode 17 Entitle the case of the Sun bathers Dari, the female Sun by their comes to Perry Mason's office and explains her dilemma. After, or rather, as she's leaving the office at the 6 minutes and :59 seconds "mark" if you're watching this on a "STREAMING PLATFORM" (sans NO COMMERCIALS!!!) like the ever-growing popular Amazon Fire TV (Note: the 2019 AMAZON-TOSHIBA Fire 4K, UHD, HDR TV is the VERY BEST among the various models now out; do NOT buy the cheaper, CHEAP, HORRIBLE QUALITY "Insignia brand... Trust me, I'm a 15 year video producer and insignia TV's absolutely do not last that long. Even though the to shiba model is extremely affordable for all that it has, its manufacturing is still superior as it is amongst the ranks of its cousin, Sony. Companies like these to that have been around since the late 1800, yes, 1800 when they had telegraph, not even telephones) or the [now] less popular Roku,
( Which, personally, I don't think will be around in years to come as Amazon is literally taking over the streaming market. Even thibeault with its streaming capabilities is all but DO way! They barely have one model, the bolt, laughed and that is it. Their demise is number, very likely, in months, not years!!!).

Anyway, to that in it should be around 6:59 "into the show." When the Sun bather lady 1st leaves Perry Mason's office and is about to pull the door shut, very prominently featured to the right hand of the screen or her laughed said she is walking out backwards pulling the door closed, you'll see a Decora, or similar style I'll be it slightly smaller but still a Decora rocker switch.

Again, even though this is undoubtedly a prop, it's interesting that this is somewhat a form of art since it is a style that certainly was not popular in the 1950s. I know for a fact that homes were generally not outfitted with the chorus style receptacles until the 1990s through today/mid-2019. I'm genuinely curious as to how this current, relatively modern switch showed up in season one of Perry Mason which, for this particular episode, its original air date was January the 11th, 1958! That's almost exactly 15 years before level tanh Patton did and, moreover, the 1st time this switch was marketed I'll be at it was likely marketed in a limited fashion in the seventies and eighties for those rich enough to outfit their home with these receptacles since they were far more expensive when they came out compared to the standard switches of that era the 1970s through 1980s. Any thoughts on this anybody?