Perry Mason Returns

Della, what are you still doing here?

Waiting for these quotes,

and they just came in over the telex from Brussels.

Anyone ever tell you that you're too efficient?

Certainly not you.

It's late. Go home.

I will. Good night.

Oh, uh, happy birthday...

...whether you like it or not.

See you Monday.

Bye.

- Night, Mr. Gordon. - Night.

(discordant chords play on the piano)

- Surprise! -Surprise! - Happy birthday.

Giving me a heart attack for my birthday?

Happy birthday, Mr. Gordon.

Thank you, Mrs. Jeffries.

Will there be anything else?

I hope not.

Bravo.

Did you make a wish?

No.

Father, here's to your next 60 years.

Don't be so pessimistic, David.

I was being sincere.

So was I.

Well, my heart certainly belongs to Daddy.

Thank you, my dear.

Mine, too.

Thank you.

Cheers.

- Thank you. - Hear, hear.

Thank you, all of you.

Well, now I would like to propose a toast.

I'd like to propose a toast to all of us.

This is a toast...

to change.

What sort of change?

Profound change.

I'm cutting you all out of my will.

You're joking.

The papers are being drawn.

All you ever gave us was your money.

You can't do this to us now.

I should have done it long ago.

Now, whatever you have left in your trusts,

that's all you get from me.

Now, children, you'll,

you'll learn to take care of yourselves.

The money you would have inherited

-will go into my foundation. - So that she can manage it?

No, I'm, uh, I'm removing Paula as head of the foundation.

Why?

My foundation was never designed

to be an extension of your social life.

And with the infusion of new money,

I'll need someone who's actually capable.

Della Street will be the new administrator.

Is this her idea?

It's getting late.

I have a few overseas calls to make.

It was very nice of you all to drop by.

Appreciate the thought.

Good night.

This is some surprise party, all right.

Afraid you're gonna lose your free ride?

Why don't you...?!

Chris! David, will you stop it?

Don't worry, Laura.

He won't divorce you till he's spent the last of your money.

Control yourself, David.

After all, it isn't Chris's fault.

He hasn't had as many chances to fail as you have.

And why did you marry our father, for his sense of humor?

Absolutely.

Joke's on us, isn't it?

Well, I don't know about the rest of you,

but I'm going to go home and see

if I can balance my checkbook.

Time to go.

You're telling me.

I'm relying on you to get a job done,

not to give me excuses!

No, I-l don't want to hear that.

Phil, listen, I've got Defense Department auditors all over me.

Now, if I don't get those transponders by Tuesday,

the deal is off.

Right. Call me.

Surprise.

Who are you?

What is this?

Murder.

If you get past me, you're home free.

Yes, sir?

Mr. Gordon?

Mr. Gordon, are you all right?

Arthur Gordon, founder and president

of Arthur Gordon Industries, one of the West Coast's

largest and most successful computer science companies,

was found stabbed to death in the study

of his Pacific Palisades mansion late last night.

-(horn honking) - Members of the family

have been arriving at the estate since early this morning.

Police have not been forthcoming

with any details regarding the murder,

except to say that no arrests have been made.

We will be bringing you further details

on this story throughout the day.

Mrs. Gordon, I'm Lieutenant Cooper.

This is Sergeant Stratton.

I'm sorry about your husband.

Thank you.

We do have to ask you some questions.

Mrs. Gordon wants to cooperate.

I'm Ken Braddock,

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon's attorney.

Hmm, this way, please.

Um...

The rest of the family is giving their statements in there.

Uh, please.

So, uh, what can I tell you?

Evidently the assailant knew the security code

to the house as well as the electronic gate.

- And so? - So we have to ask everyone

who had access their whereabouts last night.

Where were you?

You don't have to answer that.

Eh, perfectly all right.

I was, uh, staying in an apartment

we own in Century City.

Were you alone?

Totally.

Any particular reason why you were there and not here?

I often stay there.

You're not the mother of these children.

Is that correct?

Fortunately, they are his

by his first marriage.

Mrs. Gordon's first wife passed away

some time ago, Lieutenant.

Did you and Mr. Gordon have any children?

None.

- Do you recognize this earring? - No.

Should I?

It was found in Mr. Gordon's hand.

Apparently it come off during the struggle.

Apart from yourself, Mrs. Gordon,

and the housekeeper,

and, uh, the children, of course...

did anyone else know the security code?

Yes, Mr. Gordon's executive assistant

Della Street.

Hello.

Yes, this is she.

No.

Oh, my...

Yes, yeah, I'm still here.

Uh, of course.

I'll be right there.

Laura.

Oh, I'm so sorry, dear.

I'm so sorry.

I just can't believe it.

No...

Maybe your luck is changing.

Oh, Paula, I...

Della.

Paula's taking it very hard.

Where would you like to go?

Somewhere nice for lunch.

And just how long had you worked for Mr. Gordon?

About eight years.

In what capacity?

I originally

worked for Mr. Gordon as his personal secretary.

And then about four years ago,

he made me his executive assistant.

You got along?

Yes.

Why?

Oh, I understand he was a difficult man?

He could be.