Cast of the Perry Mason Episode “The Case of the Potted Planter”

The Perry Mason episode “The Case of the Potted Planter” aired on May 9 1963 as part of the popular legal drama’s sixth season. It featured Raymond Burr as criminal defense attorney Perry Mason along with series regulars Barbara Hale as Mason’s dedicated secretary Della Street and William Hopper as private investigator Paul Drake. Here is a look at the talented cast that brought this mystery to life.

Main Cast

• Raymond Burr as Perry Mason – The formidable yet compassionate defense attorney who unravels the mystery to exonerate his client Raymond Burr played the iconic role of Perry Mason throughout the series

• Barbara Hale as Della Street – Mason’s loyal secretary who assists with his investigations. Barbara Hale appeared as Della Street in all nine seasons of the Perry Mason series.

• William Hopper as Paul Drake – The energetic private detective who digs up evidence for Mason. William Hopper was the only actor to play Paul Drake in the series.

• Ray Collins as Lt. Tragg – The police lieutenant often at odds with Mason (Collins was credited but did not actually appear in this episode).

Guest Stars

• Constance Ford as Frances – The owner of the town nursery and greenhouse where the murder occurs. Veteran actress Constance Ford appeared in dozens of TV shows in the 1950s and 60s.

• Diane Brewster as Andrea Walden – The young wife of the murder victim with a questionable past. Diane Brewster made many memorable appearances on shows like Leave it to Beaver.

• Paul Fix as District Attorney Hale – Fix made his fifth appearance as the exasperated rural DA. The character actor was in hundreds of films and TV series.

• Mark Goddard as Roy Mooney – Andrea’s disreputable friend who argues with the murder victim. Mark Goddard went on to star in the sci-fi series Lost in Space.

• Robert Bray as Martin Walden – Andrea’s jealous husband who is murdered. Robert Bray was a regular on Stagecoach West.

• Joe Maross as Nelson Tarr – The man on trial for Walden’s murder. Prolific TV actor Joe Maross starred in the series Whiplash.

• Davey Davison as Melinda Tarr – Nelson’s rebellious teenage daughter. Child actress Davey Davison had a brief TV career in the early 1960s.

• Harry Lauter as Chris Hearn – A local sheriff’s deputy. Veteran character actor Harry Lauter appeared in countless TV westerns and crime dramas.

With its mix of series regulars and talented guest stars, the cast of “The Case of the Potted Planter” helped deliver all the mystery, drama, and intrigue fans expected from Perry Mason.