Perry Mason - Episode 1338 (Original Air Date: 48-10-27)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Perry Mason transports listeners to a tense legal showdown amid the signature drama of the Golden Age of Radio. The episode centers on Mary McKean, who faces indictment for the alleged kidnapping of her own child amidst a bitter custody battle with her spiteful sister-in-law, Liz Wren. Legal maneuverings, personal confrontations, and emotional revelations underscore the relentless tension as the case speeds toward trial.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Grand Jury Proceedings & Waiting Room Tensions

• The episode opens after a grand jury hearing, with Warren Jackson, Mary's nervous, inexperienced defense attorney, emerging to update Mary McKean on her likely indictment for kidnapping her son.
• Mary's emotional state is highlighted—she can't fully process the looming consequences, despite repeated warnings from both Jackson and Perry Mason.
  • Quote:

    "It's like we all know we're going to die, and yet none of us can conceive it's happening to what happened."
    — Mary McKean (01:44)

2. Legal Strategies and Pressure

• The prosecution's case is recounted: Mrs. Wren (Liz), Sergeant Barker, and B.H. Murtaugh have all given testimony.

• Murtaugh has maneuvered to become special prosecutor, intensifying the pressure on Mary’s defense.

  • Quote:

    "It appears Mr. Murtaugh's had himself appointed special prosecutor in your case."
    — Warren Jackson (02:15)

• Jackson admits he is not a trial lawyer and feels out of his depth, but will handle things until Perry Mason steps in.

  • Quote:

    "Mr. Mason is the trial lawyer, but you'll have to put up with me until Mr. Mason feels the time has come to appear."
    — Warren Jackson (02:37)

3. Liz Wren’s Vicious Confrontation with Mary

• Liz, imperious and cold, taunts Mary, expressing confidence in her imminent legal victory and her plans for Mary’s son, David Jr.

• The conversation escalates to Liz openly revealing her cruelty:

  • Quote:

    "I'll make him loathe the sound of your name... I'll make him cringe and beg me to change his name from David McKean Jr. to anything else."
    — Liz Wren (05:40)

• Mary stands her ground, pointing out Liz's hatred is ultimately self-destructive:

  • Quote:

    "They may send me to prison, Liz, but no judge or jury could ever sentence me to the torment you're inflicting on yourself right this moment."
    — Mary McKean (06:33)

4. Indictment Announcement and Rushed Trial Timeline

• Jackson returns with news—Mary has been indicted and the trial is set for Wednesday, a breakneck pace meant to disadvantage the defense.
  • Quote:

    "The trial date has been set for next Wednesday."
    — Warren Jackson (07:41)

• Mary is distraught, but Jackson encourages her by promising to do his utmost.
  • Quote:

    "I'll do the very best I can for you, Mrs. McKean."
    — Warren Jackson (07:45)

5. Behind-the-Scenes Maneuvering

• In parallel, Mason’s associates are scrambling—logistical issues (e.g., trucks, scenery) and the compressed timeline hinder the defense’s ability to prepare.
  • Quote:

    "He said it wasn't possible to get things ready before Wednesday."
    — Assistant (08:19)

• The urgency and procedural tactics ("stall the jury selection") highlight the drama behind the legal curtain.
  • Quote:

    "Maybe he can get a postponement from the trial judge or stall the jury selection."
    — Chief (10:06)

6. Cliffhangers and Questions

• The episode ends with lingering questions about whether Mason and his team will have enough time to mount a defense, and ominous foreshadowing about what Liz might do to David Jr.

  • Quote:

    "Or should you say if you get started, Mr. Mason? Well, but more of that tomorrow."
    — Narrator (10:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mary’s Existential Realization:
  “It's like we all know we're going to die, and yet none of us can conceive it's happening to what happened.”
  (Mary McKean, 01:44)

• Liz’s Cold Threat:
  “I'll make him loathe the sound of your name...”
  (Liz Wren, 05:40)

• Mary’s Moral Stand:
  “But no judge or jury could ever sentence me to the torment you're inflicting on yourself right this moment.”
  (Mary McKean, 06:33)

• The Rushed Justice:
  “The trial date has been set for next Wednesday.”
  (Warren Jackson, 07:41)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:59 – Grand jury room scene begins, Mary and Jackson discuss the indictment.
• 03:33 – Liz Wren enters; confrontation with Mary ensues.
• 06:45 – Climax of Mary and Liz’s argument.
• 07:22 – Jackson announces Mary’s indictment and the accelerated trial date.
• 08:17 – Mason’s team deals with the rushed logistics.
• 10:19 – Episode cliffhanger narrated.

Tone & Style

The tone is suspenseful, emotionally charged, and morally complex, characteristic of Perry Mason and the golden era of radio drama. The dialogue is sharp, with characters expressing raw emotion and deep-seated resentment, while the ethical stakes of the custody battle are made abundantly clear.

For those new to this format or episode, this summary brings you to the heart of the drama: a legal and personal crisis with a mother at risk of losing her child, an embittered guardian intent on revenge, and a defense team fighting against the clock. The tension is palpable; the next installment promises even greater suspense.