Peter Falk first introduced his iconic character of Lieutenant Columbo in this memorable TV movie, scripted by Richard Levinson and William Link from their play. Columbo is on the case when eminent psychiatrist Ray Flemming (Gene Barry) murders his wife (Nina Foch) and sets up the perfect alibi, with the help of his actress lover (Katherine Justice). Flemming is so convinced that he's committed the perfect crime that at first he doesn't mind the persistence of the detective. But Columbo is not going to be denied in his search for answers, as he obsesses over the little details and nuances of the case.
What made the character of Columbo so great is how well he hid his savvy and intelligence underneath that slovenly, seemingly slow-witted exterior. He *counted* on criminals underestimating him, and the psychiatrist is naturally perceptive enough to pick up on this. In fact, there's one key dialogue sequence where the two men converse, and it's clear that we're watching some sort of game between two well-matched opponents. Flemming is a calm, cool character, unflappable in the extreme, who never loses that cool even when faced with Columbo's repeated probing for the truth.
As we can see, the story is not a matter of "whodunit". It's one of those situations where we wait and see how soon the detective can ascertain what everybody in the audience already knows. And we don't mind the wait. As Flemming points out, Columbo is inherently likeable, often attempting to put suspects and interviewees at ease with references to his own home life and whatnot. We can see that Columbo is no dummy, so we eagerly anticipate that moment where he can finally trip up the criminal and get them to reveal themselves.
Falk is extremely winning in the lead, with strong support from a great cast that also includes William Windom, Virginia Gregg, and notable screen bad guy Anthony James. Produced & directed by Richard Irving, this debut outing for the detective is clearly derived from a stage play, but it's compelling and holds your attention all the way.
The series would begin in earnest three years later, beginning with another feature length episode, 'Ransom for a Dead Man'.
Eight out of 10.
What made the character of Columbo so great is how well he hid his savvy and intelligence underneath that slovenly, seemingly slow-witted exterior. He *counted* on criminals underestimating him, and the psychiatrist is naturally perceptive enough to pick up on this. In fact, there's one key dialogue sequence where the two men converse, and it's clear that we're watching some sort of game between two well-matched opponents. Flemming is a calm, cool character, unflappable in the extreme, who never loses that cool even when faced with Columbo's repeated probing for the truth.
As we can see, the story is not a matter of "whodunit". It's one of those situations where we wait and see how soon the detective can ascertain what everybody in the audience already knows. And we don't mind the wait. As Flemming points out, Columbo is inherently likeable, often attempting to put suspects and interviewees at ease with references to his own home life and whatnot. We can see that Columbo is no dummy, so we eagerly anticipate that moment where he can finally trip up the criminal and get them to reveal themselves.
Falk is extremely winning in the lead, with strong support from a great cast that also includes William Windom, Virginia Gregg, and notable screen bad guy Anthony James. Produced & directed by Richard Irving, this debut outing for the detective is clearly derived from a stage play, but it's compelling and holds your attention all the way.
The series would begin in earnest three years later, beginning with another feature length episode, 'Ransom for a Dead Man'.
Eight out of 10.