Senatorial candidate Hayward has planted a fake story in the papers that there are death threats against him. He uses this as a cover to kill his manipulative campaign manager and make it look like the killer was out to get him. Columbo however is unconvinced ...
A solid Columbo murder mystery, with a typically brilliant yet effortless performance by Falk; his affinity for the character even in this comparatively early teleplay is seamless and dazzling. Check out the scene where the Deputy Police Commissioner has taken charge in a high-profile murder case. While his wastes his time getting dull reports from his top men, Columbo wanders carefully around, ascertains all the important facts from the crime scene (a cold car engine, an incongruous watch, a light left on) and has the case virtually solved. The supporting cast are a bit more straight-laced than usual here, but Cooper does a nice job as the smarmy politico (this was made during the heyday of American political dirty-tricks) and Scotti has a nice bit as a Beverly Hills tailor. The detail of the investigation is fascinating and there are several scenes which are great little comic asides on their own (the mafia-obsessed dentist, the police vehicle roadworthiness check, etc). An excellent Columbo TV movie, from a great story by Larry Cohen.
A solid Columbo murder mystery, with a typically brilliant yet effortless performance by Falk; his affinity for the character even in this comparatively early teleplay is seamless and dazzling. Check out the scene where the Deputy Police Commissioner has taken charge in a high-profile murder case. While his wastes his time getting dull reports from his top men, Columbo wanders carefully around, ascertains all the important facts from the crime scene (a cold car engine, an incongruous watch, a light left on) and has the case virtually solved. The supporting cast are a bit more straight-laced than usual here, but Cooper does a nice job as the smarmy politico (this was made during the heyday of American political dirty-tricks) and Scotti has a nice bit as a Beverly Hills tailor. The detail of the investigation is fascinating and there are several scenes which are great little comic asides on their own (the mafia-obsessed dentist, the police vehicle roadworthiness check, etc). An excellent Columbo TV movie, from a great story by Larry Cohen.