THE CASE OF THE LOST LOVE is one of the earlier PERRY MASON TV movies, featuring William Katt before his role was taken over by William R. Moses. I only known Katt for his film work such as CARRIE and HOUSE so it was a pleasure to see him here, his cheeky presence a real asset to the story. Unfortunately, the rest of the film, about a murdered blackmailer (Jonathan Banks, an actor well known for his roles in the likes of BREAKING BAD and UNDER SIEGE 2: DARK TERRITORY), is below par.
The main problem with this one is the slow pace and predictability of the storyline. Katt's material is okay, but the story seems to get slower and slower as it goes on, leading to a sub-par courtroom drama. The mawkish, drawn-out climax with that darned piano music really takes the biscuit. The bit where an ailing Burr disarms a gunman is risible, as is his admission that he needs a walking stick due to a skiing injury. The most interesting part is the casting of a pair of old-timers, Gene Barry and Jean Simmons, as husband and wife.
The main problem with this one is the slow pace and predictability of the storyline. Katt's material is okay, but the story seems to get slower and slower as it goes on, leading to a sub-par courtroom drama. The mawkish, drawn-out climax with that darned piano music really takes the biscuit. The bit where an ailing Burr disarms a gunman is risible, as is his admission that he needs a walking stick due to a skiing injury. The most interesting part is the casting of a pair of old-timers, Gene Barry and Jean Simmons, as husband and wife.