Publish or Perish (18 Jan. 1974)

A publisher hires a bomb enthusiast to murder a bestselling author of sex novels. Lt. Columbo is on the case.

Director:

Robert Butler

Writers:

Peter S. Fischer, Richard Levinson (creator),

Stars:

Peter Falk, Jack Cassidy, Mickey Spillane

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Falk	...	Columbo
Jack Cassidy	...	Riley Greenleaf
Mickey Spillane	...	Alan Mallory
Mariette Hartley	...	Eileen McRae
Jacques Aubuchon	...	Jeffrey Neal
John Davis Chandler	...	Eddie Kane (as John Chandler)
Gregory Sierra	...	Lou D'Allessandro
Alan Fudge	...	David Chase, Riley's lawyer
Paul Shenar	...	Sgt. Lou Young
Jack Bender	...	Norman Wolpert
Ted Gehring	...	Security Guard
Vern Rowe	...	Restaurant Manager
Lew Palter	...	Lab Technician
George Brenlin	...	Black the Locksmith
J.S. Johnson	...	Palmer

Storyline

Riley Greenleaf is a publisher and Alan Mallory, a successful writer, is his principal asset. But Alan Mallory has decided to change publishers. Riley threatens to kill Alan. Then he hires Eddie Kane, a Vietnam veteran, to murder Alan and to leave evidence that the killer is Riley himself, who has an excellent alibi. But a key will betray him.

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Plot Keywords:

publisher | murder | vietnam veteran | key | author | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 January 1974 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Chasen's Restaurant, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min 75 min (dvd release)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

If you pay attention to piano being played in the bar you will notice that its the exact same music used as a theme in the previous film starring Jack Cassidy Columbo: Murder by the Book.

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Goofs

Eddie Kane mentions a "Bouncing Betty" to Riley Greenleaf, but when asked what it is, he describes an ordinary landmine.

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Quotes

Lieutenant Columbo: Excuse me, I don't need a parking check?
Parking Attendant: [pointedly] Mister, I'll remember your car.

User Reviews

It's Really About Jack Cassidy

There are Columbo episodes, and there are Columbo episodes. For the most part, Peter Falk is consistent as the consummate Lt. Columbo, so what makes certain episodes shine are those who play in the role of his adversary. Robert Culp and Patrick McGoohan readily come to mind, as does Jack Cassidy, in his several (I believe three) appearances in various episodes, including this one. Cassidy never disappoints. He is cool and sly, often paying "left-handed" compliments to the good Lieutenant as the cat and mouse game ensues. Add to Cassidy's performance this great story and script, and you've got one of the classic episodes.