Hello, and welcome to another episode of Cross Currents, where we interview Las Angeles residents of note. I'm your host Alice Stevens. Just last week, my guest was the lawyer Perry Mason. Today, I have his personal secretary Della Street. Pleased to have you on my show, Miss Street.
My pleasure. And please call me Della.
Sure, Della. First of all, how long have you worked for him?
It's been eleven years now. Before I worked for him, I worked for a lawyer named John Greene. But he retired, and the position opened up with Mr. Mason, so I took it.
And the rest, as they say, is history!
(laughing) That's about right!
So, what's a normal day like, for you?
Oh, the usual secretary stuff-taking dictation, typing of the letters, greeting clients. I also go to court with him, when there's a trial.
I understand that he takes you with him when he investigates crime scenes, as well.
Yes, he does. He likes to have a "female perspective" on the subject.
You mean "women's intuition?"
Exactly!
You were telling me backstage about an interesting incident that occurred as a result of one of these visits, would you mind repeating it?
Oh, yes. He and I went over to a public fountain to look for clues. I saw an object floating in the water, so I took my shoes off and waded in, after it!
That sounds like fun!
It was-and it helped to exonerate his client!
How wonderful! (They laugh together.) And he sometimes has you work undercover for him, is this true?
Oh, yes. Once, he had me go to a shoe store. You see, one of the clerks at it was a potential witness in a case. I was able to convince him to appear and give his evidence. It actually cleared Perry's client.
Wonderful!
Plus, I was able to get a new pair of shoes, as well!
Even better.
And the clerk told me that I have "lovely feet!"
Well, that was very sweet of him! (They laugh together.) When Mr. Mason was here, he told me something special that will be going on between you too.
Yes; we're getting married!
Congratulations, honey!
(smiling) Thanks!
When's the wedding?
August 26 at the Las Angeles 1st Apostolic Church.
Well, may the two of you have a long happy marriage!
Thanks!
Now, do you plan to continue working for him?
Yes. I know that this could cause potential conflicts. But we talked it over and we decided that if we do run into problems I'll quit working for him and either get a job with another lawyer or just "retire."
Well, that sounds like a good idea.
But we've known each other for such a long time that we both doubt that will happen. We'll just have to remember to keep our private life away from the office.
That makes sense. Do you have any advice for girls who think they'd like to become legal secretaries?
Work for Perry Mason!
Don't say that, honey; you're marrying him, soon!
Oh, that's right! (They giggle together.) I would say you should get some legal training to go along with your regular secretarial training. Many secretarial skills offer special courses in this.
I see.
Also, be prepared to work long hours.
No 9-5, is that right?
Right, Alice; it's more like 9-9! (They both laugh.) I've spent many long nights with him-occasional weekends, too.
Wow!
But it's all worth it when we go into court and he exposes the real culprit.
Yes, Mr. Mason's famous for doing that, isn't he?
He sure is! Sometimes, I feel like I'm a part of a murder mystery novel!
That does sound thrilling! Well, I'm afraid we're out of time, already! It was wonderful having you on my show, Della.
My pleasure.
And again, congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Thank you!
This has been Cross-Currents. Tune in tomorrow for another episode, when my guest will be. . .