Perry Mason 52-03-11 (2216): "The Squeaking Witness Chair"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 4, 2025 (original airdate: March 11, 1952)

Overview

This episode of Perry Mason transports listeners to a dramatic evening just after a tense court session in the ongoing case of State vs. May Grant. The story focuses on compassionate gestures among Perry Mason and his allies as they comfort young Dori Grant on her sixth birthday, amid the looming shadow of the legal battle. A chilling twist arrives, intertwining the emotional family celebration with the relentless strategies of prosecutor Mr. Frederick Apt—best encapsulated when a birthday party is invaded by a trial subpoena for little Dori.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Calm Before the Storm: Setting the Scene

• Cast: Perry Mason, Della Street, Dori Grant, Mr. Frederick Apt (prosecutor)
• As evening falls, Mason and Della are en route to the Grant home to celebrate Dori’s birthday, providing a brief respite from the ongoing trial drama.
• The narrative momentarily shifts focus to Kitty DeCarlo and the overbearing presence of Anna B. Hurley, before introducing the antagonist, Mr. Frederick Apt, as he prepares for an unexpected social visit.

2. Frederick Apt’s Dual Nature

• Quote [03:29]:
  Mr. Frederick Apt: "I'm a most considerate man. To some people, my dear, as you shall learn."
  • Apt brings treats (sherbet, cupcakes, and sparkling burgundy) to Della under the guise of kindness, but the undertone of manipulation is clear throughout the exchange.
  • Despite promises of “unpleasant news,” Apt delays revealing his intentions, basking instead in the discomfort and suspense of his hosts.

3. The Tender Birthday Moment

• Quote [05:19]:
  Dori Grant: "Oh, I just think this is the nicest birthday party I've ever had."

• Perry Mason gives Dori a phonograph record—a surprise with great emotional weight. The record is a message from her absent mother, May Grant, currently embroiled in the murder trial.

• The heartfelt message plays out, comforting Dori and momentarily uniting the family through an “almost magical” sense of presence.

  Quote [06:38]:
  Dori Grant: "Like magic."
  Perry Mason: "Something like magic. Now you play the record, honey."

• May Grant’s recorded voice reminds Dori she is loved, encourages her to care for her father, and sings her “Happy Birthday.”

  [07:38] May Grant’s Recorded Message:
  "Now I've got to say nighty night, baby. And happy birthday. And let's sing it. Happy birthday to you..."

• The group is visibly moved, and small gestures—like Dori giving Mason a kiss to pass on to her mother—underscore their support.

4. A Chilling Turn: The Subpoena

• The party is abruptly interrupted by a messenger bearing a court subpoena for young Dori Grant. The legal notice demands William Grant deliver Dori to court the next morning, intending to use her as a witness.

  Quote [09:51]:
  Perry Mason: "Greetings from Mr. Apt. Greetings and a birthday present. He subpoenaed Dory."

• The just-expressed care and love is juxtaposed with the prosecutor's cold calculation, exploiting Dori's vulnerability in his pursuit of a conviction.

  Quote [10:03]:
  Perry Mason: "You know what he said, Della?"
  Della: "What?"
  Perry Mason: "The man said, happy birthday."

• The group’s mood turns to dread and sympathy for Dori, suddenly forced into the brutal adult world of the courtroom.

5. Moral Reflection & Next Steps

• The narrator closes with a stark reflection on Apt's priorities and the cost of ambition:

  Quote [10:22] Narrator:
  "Mr. Apt is a most thoughtful man. A man who thinks about his duty and his ambitions and who is letting absolutely nothing stand in the way of getting May Grant convicted for murder. Even if it means dragging an innocent, vulnerable little girl before a grim court of law."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [03:29] Mr. Frederick Apt:
  "I'm a most considerate man. To some people, my dear, as you shall learn."

• [05:19] Dori Grant:
  "Oh, I just think this is the nicest birthday party I've ever had."

• [06:38] Dori Grant & Perry Mason:
  "Like magic." / "Something like magic. Now you play the record, honey."

• [07:38] May Grant (on record):
  "Happy birthday to you… Good night, Dory."

• [09:51] Perry Mason (on the subpoena):
  "Greetings from Mr. Apt. Greetings and a birthday present. He subpoenaed Dory."

• [10:22] Narrator:
  "A man who thinks about his duty and his ambitions and who is letting absolutely nothing stand in the way of getting May Grant convicted for murder. Even if it means dragging an innocent, vulnerable little girl before a grim court of law."

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:30: Opening narration and shifting of scene to Apt’s arrival
• 01:21: Apt’s disconcerting visit to Della
• 03:29: Apt’s “most considerate man” self-description
• 05:19: Dori’s heartfelt appreciation of her birthday party
• 06:38: The emotional playing of May Grant’s birthday message
• 09:48: Messenger arrives with court subpoena for Dori
• 10:22: Narrator’s reflection on Apt’s ruthlessness

Tone & Atmosphere

• The episode is seasoned with gentle affection and nostalgia, capturing the warmth of family and found family through Mason, Della, and Dori.
• Undercurrents of unease and cruelty are introduced through Mr. Apt, whose manipulations contrast sharply against the group’s tenderness.
• The final turn of events leaves listeners with a sense of outrage and heartbreak, priming curiosity for the next installment.

Listeners are drawn into a world where affection and strategy collide, innocence is threatened by ambition, and every birthday wish is shadowed by a looming court battle.