The Case of the Singing Skirt

The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Nicholas J. Chetta M.D. Coroner of New Orleans. The ultimate function of the autopsy is to protect the living. The cause of death in any obscure case may be of great importance not just to surviving relatives but to society. Dr. Chetta has modernized the coroner's office to aid law agencies in determining causes of death. This story begins with details about the bathing-beauty contest racket. Beautiful girls win a free trip to Hollywood. But then they are discarded and stranded, forced to seek a living anyway they can. [Too much pride to go back home?] Ellen Robb consults Perry Mason to complain about her firing from a gambling casino after she refused to spy on the cards held by a sucker. Rowena is a small town with a sleazy reputation. There was an alleged shortage after Ellen worked as the cashier. The owner of the gambling casino owns the justice of the peace, the chief of police, and has friends in high places. Perry Mason calls George Anclitas and will defend Ellen Robb against defamation of character. Mrs. Helman Ellis shows up to complain about her husband's losses at gambling, and ask for a return of the money. Impossible? Perry Mason cites California's community property law which can be used to recover money lost at gambling (Chapter 3). In Chapter 6 Perry Mason explains how to date a gun to determine when a bullet was fired by it. Ellen Robb found a pistol planted in her belongings, and brought it to Perry Mason. He inspected it, then returned a pistol to Ellen Robb. Is there something being planned? There is more conflict between Helman Ellis and his wife due to Ellen Robb. Do gamblers have a need to lose (Chapter 7)? In Chapter 8 we find out why Mrs. Ellis couldn't be found. The police arrive to question Ellen Robb about her whereabouts. The facts and problems in this case are reviewed (Chapter 9). Perry learns some shocking news! The Preliminary Hearing discusses the two bullets found in Mrs. Ellis. Did they both come from the same gun (Chapter 10)? One gun was traced back to Perry Mason, the second gun was not the one given to Helman Ellis. Questioning a witness, there is an outburst and confession in court. Perry's client is freed, so Perry won't face any charges. Perry notes the significance of eyewitness testimony that can't be corroborated. Erle Stanley Gardner does a better job is describing civic corruption, in fiction, than his contemporaries.

The Case of the Singing Skirt The 'Foreword' is dedicated to Nicholas J. Chetta M.D. Coroner of New Orleans. The ultimate function of the autopsy is to protect the living. The cause of death in any obscure case may be of great importance not just to surviving relatives but to society. Dr. Chetta has modernized the coroner's office to aid law agencies in determining causes of death. This story begins with details about the bathing-beauty contest racket. Beautiful girls win a free trip to Hollywood. But then they are discarded and stranded, forced to seek a living anyway they can. [Too much pride to go back home?] Ellen Robb consults Perry Mason to complain about her firing from a gambling casino after she refused to spy on the cards held by a sucker. Rowena is a small town with a sleazy reputation. There was an alleged shortage after Ellen worked as the cashier. The owner of the gambling casino owns the justice of the peace, the chief of police, and has friends in high places. Perry Mason calls George Anclitas and will defend Ellen Robb against defamation of character. Mrs. Helman Ellis shows up to complain about her husband's losses at gambling, and ask for a return of the money. Impossible? Perry Mason cites California's community property law which can be used to recover money lost at gambling (Chapter 3). In Chapter 6 Perry Mason explains how to date a gun to determine when a bullet was fired by it. Ellen Robb found a pistol planted in her belongings, and brought it to Perry Mason. He inspected it, then returned a pistol to Ellen Robb. Is there something being planned? There is more conflict between Helman Ellis and his wife due to Ellen Robb. Do gamblers have a need to lose (Chapter 7)? In Chapter 8 we find out why Mrs. Ellis couldn't be found. The police arrive to question Ellen Robb about her whereabouts. The facts and problems in this case are reviewed (Chapter 9). Perry learns some shocking news! The Preliminary Hearing discusses the two bullets found in Mrs. Ellis. Did they both come from the same gun (Chapter 10)? One gun was traced back to Perry Mason, the second gun was not the one given to Helman Ellis. Questioning a witness, there is an outburst and confession in court. Perry's client is freed, so Perry won't face any charges. Perry notes the significance of eyewitness testimony that can't be corroborated. Erle Stanley Gardner does a better job is describing civic corruption, in fiction, than his contemporaries.