MovieChat Forums > Perry Mason (1957) Discussion > The Recurring Court Room Spectators.

The Recurring Court Room Spectators.

posted 8 years ago by otrnepodahl
3 replies | jump to latest

I've seen the episodes so many times now that I am now trying to find where the white haired old woman FIRST pops up. I think it would be in the first seasons episode entitled- "The Case Of The Daring Decoy", where she is a jury member. I think this is the one, where at one point there is a gun past around the jury members and when it comes to her, she holds it with two fingers, by the handle. I also saw this same woman in an episode, from the fifth season of The Twilight Zone, entitled- "The Old Man In The Cave". I wonder if she ever had any short dialogue in her Extra career; maybe a "yes" or "I wouldn't know" sort of thing? I know there were others who were also in many an episode, but this old gal always stood out among the rest.

[–] otrnepodahl 8 years ago

I've also spotted her many times on episodes of "Jeff's Collie". I've only gotten through seasons 1-2 and part of 3, but so far she has popped up in- Gramps Birthday, The Fishing Story, and The Election. Sure would like to know who she was.

[–] lawson14 8 years ago

There are always one or two courtroom spectators that are listed in the credits. I have always wondered why one or two people get the privilege and not the others.

[–] sevenlilxenos 8 years ago

I do a lot of criminal trial work and sometimes see the same spectators who are unrelated to the defendant or victim. There is an actual group of "Court Watchers" who wear buttons identifying themselves as such and have taken it as their declared mission to keep some type of scorecard as to which Judges they deem too quick in dismissing cases or reducing charges (more important at bench trials than jury trials) and especially which jurists they perceive as being too lenient in their sentencing practices.

Obviously, they have as much right to be present and observe courtroom proceedings (other than those closed to the public which are rare and usually involve minors) as anyone else. I like to think that they have no effect whatsoever on the presiding judge, but that is difficult to determine especially for a new judge or any judge whose seat is being contested come re-election time.

These individuals are usually retired and its like a hobby to them. Many know the courtroom personal and the bailiffs on a first name basis. Other spectators that aren't "Court Watchers" or related to the defendant or victim are for the most part just curious people (especially in high profile media cases like those covered by Court TV), as well as some new attorneys who take notes like they are at a free seminar on criminal trial practice.

Isn't it amazing how PM's clients are NEVER guilty, but the true culprit is ALWAYS present either as a witness or a spectator? Like most criminal trial attorneys, I'm still waiting for my Perry Mason moment .