Sketchin’ 28

If people remember actor Raymond Burr today, it is either for his odd framing appearance in the 1956 Americanized version of the original Godzilla (his scenes were filmed and inserted into this -obviously- Japanese film so that Americans would have both someone to explain what was going on and, I suppose, an American presence to relate to) and/or more likely for his role of defense attorney extraordinaire Perry Mason in the show with the same name which ran from 1957 to 1966 and was followed, years later and until his eventual passing in 1993, with a bunch of TV movies.

But before Mr. Burr appeared in these two works, he was very active in radio dramas (often playing both villains and heroes) and, more often than not, playing villains in many movies.  This promo picture of a younger Burr, presented also as his IMDB picture, is a great one which shows plenty of heavy shadows and a very noir look. Wouldn’t be surprised if this picture landed Mr. Burr a few villainous roles here and there!