Perry Mason, the TV show

Perry Mason starred Raymond Burr as Lawyer Perry Mason and Barbara Hale as his secretary Della Street. The character of Perry Mason is a defense attorney first characterized in books by Erle Stanley Gardiner.

Della was often called just "beautiful" by Paul Drake. Even though Della was Mason's secretary, she was often more helpful to her boss, doing more than just secretarial duties. Sometimes she would help with cases with her quiet efficiency, always letting Perry think he could do it all.

Pictured: Raymond Burr and Barbara Hale

Paul Drake played by William Hopper was Perry Mason's second hand man and personal private investigator. Paul and Perry often stumbled upon murder victims, and Paul always help Perry find the real murderer, so Perry's innocent client could go free.

Often Paul Drake would rush into the court room with an envelope he gave to Perry with information that helps free Perry's client.

Photo:Wiliam Hopper who played Paul Drake- courtesy of Carl Van Vechten

William Tallman, as Hamilton Burger played Perry Mason's nemesis, the district attorney, who oftentimes was rather smug and very sure that Mason's client would be found guilty. Burger often accused Mason of grandstanding and was continually frustrated by Mason's ability to outshine the district attorney.

Lt. Steve Drumm was played by Richard Anderson. Richard Anderson's role came after that of Ray Collins who payed the formitable Lt Tragg. Collins died before the series was over, and Anderson was one of the other actors to take on Perry Mason as a member of the police force. Anderson was also a popular actor who appeared in Six Million Dollar Man with Lee Majors and The Bionic Woman.