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

Summary

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.

Transcript

[SpinQuest Announcer]

SpinQuest Social Casino. The presents are open and you're over the in laws. It's a perfect time to grab your phone and play spinquest.com with live dealer blackjack, craps and a ton of slots. And here's a great deal for the holiday. A thirty dollar coin pack for ten dollars. And if you're hearing this ad, you can play right now on SpinQuest.com SpinQuest.

[SpinQuest Legal Disclaimer]

Is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Narrator]

It's early evening, some hours after the Trial of State vs May Grant adjourned as Perry Mason and Della drive towards the Grant home to help celebrate Dori's sixth birthday. We'll join Perry and Della in a few moments. But first let's go to the apartment house on Baker street where Kitty DeCarlo has been living under the watchful eye of Anna B. Hurley. And let's join Mr. Frederick Apt, prosecutor as in the corridor outside Kitty's apartment, he stops to admire himself in the hall mirror, shifts the package he carries to his other arm, removes his hat, makes certain his hair is combed smoothly.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Then.

[Della]

Just a second.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

All right.

[Dori Grant]

Oh, Mr. F.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Well, good evening, my dear. I'm not disturbing you?

[Della]

Oh, no, I wasn't expecting company.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Ah, you look very nice.

[Della]

Oh, you've seen these hostess pajamas before.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Indeed I have. Indeed I have.

[Della]

Oh, please come in. I. I was surprised to see you. I forgot my manner.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, thanks.

[Della]

I'll take your coat.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Thank you.

[Della]

And that package.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, no, I'll just put it here on the table.

[Dori Grant]

All right.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

I'm glad you're alone, my dear.

[Della]

It's nice. I mean, being with you.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Cozy.

[Della]

Very cozy.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

That's why I hate to. Oh, let's sit down, shall we? And my dear, I think it's best.

[Della]

If you sit beside me on the couch, Ms. Ab.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Why, yes. I have some. Well, some rather unpleasant news for you. No, it's nothing too important, but still disturbing.

[Della]

What news?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Come, sit down.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Huh?

[Della]

All right.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Here we are.

[Della]

You comfortable?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Mm, Very comfortable. This is pleasant. Very, very pleasant.

[Della]

Mm. Now, what did.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

What did you. I resent the affairs of the world. I really do.

[Della]

What?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Well, those affairs intrude. Oh, but we have our duty, madam. Unpleasant.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Our duty.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

We mustn't shirk it.

[Della]

What are you trying to tell me, Mr. Hatton?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

About unpleasantness? I'm sorry I have to tell you this day of all days.

[Dori Grant]

This day?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

I know where your thoughts have been all this day, my dear.

[Della]

You do?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

When you're a little girl. What you didn't think I'd forget her birthday. I never forget a date, my dear. Oh, I remember seeing it on the record.

[Della]

I.

Well, I've tried not to think of it. No, I try not to think of Darry at all.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Poor lady.

[Perry Mason]

Poor lady.

[Della]

Oh, it's sweet of you to remember.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

I'm a most considerate man. To some people, my dear, as you shall learn. For instance. You know what's in that package?

[Della]

No.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Ice cream.

[Dori Grant]

Ice cream?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Well, sherbet, actually. And little cupcakes.

[Della]

How nice.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

I like cupcakes. I thought we might have a quiet celebration.

[Della]

That was thoughtful of you.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

No, but that isn't all.

[Narrator]

No?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

No. I brought an extra special treat. We're going to have the sherbet and cupcakes as sort of a party for your daughter. Then a little later on, that is, if you aren't too tired, there's a bottle of sparkling burgundy in the package. Wow. You see? You see? You see? You see? You see? You see?

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Ow.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

You see?

[Della]

Ow.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

You see, I'm a most considerate man. My dear, you've behaved yourself beautifully, and you deserve a celebration, too.

[Della]

Oh, you're a surprising guy, Mr. F. A thoughtful man.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Mr. Carlo, does my idea of a pleasant evening please you?

[Della]

But just a second.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Yes?

[Della]

What about that disturbing news?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, no hurry. I know, but we'll make us some coffee first. Well, I'd like some coffee.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Okay.

[Della]

Maybe I better put that other stuff on ice.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

No, it isn't necessary.

[Della]

Well, the room's warm.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

The ice cream, I had it packed.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Oh.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, yes. Dry ice.

[Della]

Oh.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Now, let's have some coffee and then shall we talk?

[Dori Grant]

Oh, I just think this is the nicest birthday party I've ever had.

[Della]

Oh, we're glad, honey.

[Dori Grant]

It's the nicest presents. Oh, Mr. Mason.

[Perry Mason]

I know, Dorie. Everything would be just perfect if your mommy were here.

[Dori Grant]

Yes, that's it.

[Perry Mason]

Well, I. I have a little surprise for you, Dorie.

[Dori Grant]

Oh, why?

[Della]

Maybe I better help Bill with the coffee. Here, I'll just take our cup.

[Dori Grant]

What's the surprise, Mr. Mason?

[Perry Mason]

It's a record. A record that you can play on your phonograph.

[Dori Grant]

You want more coffee, Paris?

[Perry Mason]

Yes, please, Della. I'm giving the record to Dory now.

[Dori Grant]

Yes, I'll be.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Where is your record player, Dorian?

[Dori Grant]

Over there.

Music, Mr. Mason.

[Perry Mason]

You wait and see.

[Dori Grant]

All right. Can I play it now?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Yes, of course it's yours.

[Dori Grant]

Can I put it on myself?

[Narrator]

Well, if you'll be extra, extra careful.

[Dori Grant]

I will.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, just a second, Dory.

[Dori Grant]

Yes, Mr. Mason.

[Perry Mason]

You understand, don't you? I mean, you understand why your mommy can't be here with us.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Well.

[Dori Grant]

I know she can't.

[Perry Mason]

But you understand she is thinking of you and wishing she were here with you.

[Dori Grant]

I wish she were here, too, Mr. Mason.

[Perry Mason]

Well, maybe we can almost have her here.

[Dori Grant]

Like magic.

[Perry Mason]

Something like magic. Now you play the record, honey.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Hello.

[Dori Grant]

Darn Mommy.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Happy birthday, darling.

[Dori Grant]

Thank you, Mom. Mommy.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Mommy wishes she could be with you, darling. But I know that Daddy and Mr. Mason have explained. And I know that you had the nicest party and the nicest presents.

[Dori Grant]

Yes.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

And that you and Mr. Mason and Della and Daddy had the best ice cream and cake. You didn't let Daddy eat too much, did you, dawn?

[Dori Grant]

Did you?

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

You've got to take care of Daddy. I will. Mommy And Daddy and Mr. Mason and Della, they'll take care of you.

[Dori Grant]

Yes.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

And, Dolly, I want you to know Mommy's thinking about you, that she loves you.

[Dori Grant]

I love you.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

Did you know that I was making some new clothing for Manuel Jr. I've been so very busy. I hadn't finished. But you'll get them tomorrow or the next day. Here.

Now I've got to say nighty night, baby. And happy birthday. And let's sing it. Happy birthday to you Happy birthday to you Happy birthday, dear Darby Happy birthday to you Good night, Darby.

[Dori Grant]

Oh. Oh, Mommy.

Are you going to see Mommy tonight, Mr. Mason?

[Perry Mason]

Oh, yes, for a minute. We're going back to the. We're going where she is and tell her about your party.

[Dori Grant]

Will you take her a big kiss for me?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Oh, sure.

[Perry Mason]

Come on, give me.

[Dori Grant]

Bend over so I can reach there. Why, Mr. Mason, do you mind if I play my record again?

[Perry Mason]

No, you go right ahead.

[Della]

What was the kiss for, Perry?

[Perry Mason]

Take back to Maine?

[Della]

Oh, you had a real nice idea, Mr. Mason. You old sentimentalist. Oh, now, Della, sending me out shopping while you had may make that record.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

I know you.

[Della]

But it was real considerate, Perry. Very thoughtful.

[Narrator]

Ah, you say that to all your bosses.

[Della]

I think Dory had a very good idea. Bend over, counselor.

[Narrator]

You deserve a nice D. Saved by the bell.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Darn.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

I'll get a bill.

[Messenger]

Mr. Grant.

[Narrator]

Why, no, I.

[Messenger]

This the Grant house, right? I check the address.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Perry Mason]

This is the Grant address.

[Narrator]

I'm Perry Mason.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Perry Mason. Oh, our lawyer.

[Perry Mason]

You got a message from Mr. Grant.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

It'll do.

[Messenger]

You can take this message.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

What?

[Messenger]

From Mr. Apps. Special greeting from Mr. Apps.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

See this?

[Messenger]

This piece of paper says Mr. William Grant delivered the child known as Dory Grant to court in the morning.

You want I should Read the fine print or you got it?

[Narrator]

I got it.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Okay.

[Dori Grant]

Happy birthday.

[Messenger]

Birthday party, huh?

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Yes.

[Perry Mason]

The child known as Dory Grant.

[Messenger]

Yeah.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Well, happy birthday.

[Dori Grant]

What was it, Perry?

[Perry Mason]

Greetings from Mr. Apps. Greetings and a birthday present. He subpoenaed Dory.

[Della]

Oh, dear.

[Sound Effects/Interjections]

That child.

[Della]

That poor baby.

[Perry Mason]

You know what he said, Della?

[Dori Grant]

What?

[Perry Mason]

The man said, happy birthday.

All right, Della, let's go deliver Mr. At's present.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mr. Frederick Apt]

Mr.

[Narrator]

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. Well, join us tomorrow, won't you?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Spin Quest Social Casino the presents are open and you're over the in laws. It's a perfect time to grab your phone and play spinquest.com with live dealer blackjack, craps and a ton of slots. And here's a great deal for the holiday. A $30 coin pack for $10. And if you're hearing this ad, you can play right now on spinquest.

[SpinQuest Legal Disclaimer]

Spin Quest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[McDonald's Announcer]

Quick. Choose a meal deal with McValue, the five dollar McChicken meal deal, the six dollar McDouble meal deal, or the new seven dollar Daily Double meal deal. Each with its own small fries, drink and Four Piece McNuggets. There's actually no rush. I'm just excited for McDonald's for a limited time only. Prices and participation may vary. Not valid for McDelivery.