Perry Mason (TV Series)

The Case of the Posthumous Painter (1961)

Raymond Burr: Perry Mason

Photos 

Quotes 

• Perry Mason : Good art is like music. It should be enjoyed, not dissected.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : [chuckles]  An excellent sentiment, Mr. Mason, but a bit basic, perhaps. You wanted to see me? I'm Vincent Kenyon.

  Perry Mason : Oh, Dr. Kenyon. I'm interested in a painting called "The Three Witches." I was told you'd bought it.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Yes, you-you passed it as you came in. It's the best of the Culross collection.

  Perry Mason : It has been suggested that the painting was completed by another artist after Culross' death.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Are you Mrs. Culross' attorney? A very emotional woman, Mr. Mason. Totally ignorant of art. This canvas is genuine, from first stroke to last.

  Perry Mason : You seem to be an expert on Culross, Dr. Kenyon.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Oh, I should be. I was the first to recognize his talent.

  Perry Mason : You'd have no objection to our verifying your observation scientifically?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Well, inexpert handling of a valuable canvas is really quite out of the question.

  Perry Mason : That's reasonable, Doctor. But we will in no way touch the painting.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Ah. Well, very well.

  [Mason examines the painting with a piece of equipment] 

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Well, Mr. Mason, are you satisfied?

  Perry Mason : Completely. My thanks for your cooperation.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Well, if you'd accepted my opinion, you could have saved yourself trouble. Anyone, even with the remotest familiarity with Culross' work, would never begin to doubt the authenticity of this canvas. Obviously, you are wasting your time.

  Perry Mason : You could be right, Dr. Kenyon. Good day.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Good day, Mr. Mason.

• [last lines] 

  Edna Culross : How ironic. They should be more valuable now that he's gone.

  [gives Perry a painting] 

  Perry Mason : Thank you, Edna.

• Perry Mason : Dr. Kenyon, you are an expert on fine arts?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : It has been said so.

  Perry Mason : Uh, now, when you purchased the painting titled "Three Witches" for the Hessler collection, it was in the belief that Jack Culross was dead?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Yes.

  Perry Mason : As you previously stated, you were the unwitting victim of a fraud.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Well, obviously.

  Perry Mason : As you were when you bought a forged Matisse from Culross?

  Hamilton Burger : Your Honor, we protest.

  Judge : The witness will answer the question.

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Well, I...

  Perry Mason : Dr. Kenyon, did you not buy from Jack Culross an alleged Matisse called "Blue Waters"?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : Yes, I did.

  Perry Mason : Are you aware that the genuine "Blue Waters" is in a private collection in London?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : But I found that out later.

  Hamilton Burger : Your Honor, we protest this irrelevant attempt to degrade a witness for the state.

  Judge : Since this is related to probity of an expert witness, I find it most relevant and illuminating. Continue, Mr. Mason.

  Perry Mason : Was Culross blackmailing you in order to promote his career, Dr. Kenyon?

  Dr. Vincent Kenyon : [pause]  I won't answer! I won't!