Perry Mason Season one I love noir. ‘Double Indemnity’ ‘The Maltese Falcon’ ‘The Long Goodbye’ ‘Chinatown’ These are among the greatest films of all time, all landmarks of Hollywood history. The novels adapted for these productions, by Cain, Hammet & Chandler, are now considered classics of twentieth century fiction and constitute cornerstone works in the crime genre. Noir imagery permeates popular culture: the world weary, cynical PI boasting deadpan wit together with the allure of the femme fatale as they stalk mist-filled urban environments like revenging spirits. It’s powerful stuff. Yet the genre, like the western, has declined from its ubiquity of the early twentieth century. Yet I’m confident that HBO’s reimagined ‘Perry Mason’ will address and ultimately help counter this sad downturn. The 1930’s era production values are outstanding. The viewer is transfixed by authentic period detail while also appreciating that the show captures the era not merely with props and cos
