Set in the city of Atlanta, Matlock was the story of Ben Matlock, Attorney at Law.
Played by television veteran Andy Griffith, this wily southern lawyer used his country sensibilities and cunning mind to unlock the most sensational cases. Aided by his strong-willed daughter, Charlene, and Tyler Hudson (a good-hearted private investigator), Ben Matlock always found his way to the truth and ensured that justice was done.
Matlock was also assisted by clerk Cassie and junior brief Michelle.
The series derived from a 1986 made-for-TV-movie called Diary of a Perfect Murder, in which a television reporter is accused of murdering his ex-wife, and appeals to Matlock for help.
This cagey barrister soon established that there is no perfect crime when he is on the job. After the success of the film, it was a shrewd move to bring Andy Griffith back to television for a regular series.
Matlock ran for nine seasons and spawned a handful of made-for-television movies before it ended.
Benjamin L. Matlock
Andy Griffith Charlene Matlock
Linda Purl
Tyler Hudson
Kene Holliday Michelle Thomas Nancy Stafford
Cassie Phillips Kari Lizer Conrad McMaster
Clarence Gilyard Jr. Leanne McIntyre
Brynn Thayer Lt. Bob Brooks
David Froman
DA Lloyd Burgess
Michael Durrell
Judge Richard Cooksey
Richard Newton
