"Columbo" Publish or Perish (1974)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Director:

Robert Butler

Writers:

Peter S. Fischer (written by)
Richard Levinson (creator)
(more)

TV Series:

"Columbo" (1971)

Original Air Date:

18 January 1974 (Season 3, Episode 5)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

Publisher | Murder | Vietnam Veteran | Author | Writer

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy.

Cast

Peter Falk	...	Columbo
Jack Cassidy	...	Riley Greenleaf
Mickey Spillane	...	Alan Mallory
Mariette Hartley	...	Ms. McRae
Jacques Aubuchon	...	Jeffrey Neal
John Davis Chandler	...	Eddie Kane (as John Chandler)
Gregory Sierra	...	Lou D'Allessandro
Alan Fudge	...	David Chase
Paul Shenar	...	Sgt. Young
Jack Bender	...	Wolpert
Ted Gehring	...	Security Guard
Vern Rowe	...	Restaurant Manager
Lew Palter	...	Lab Technician
George Brenlin	...	Locksmith
J.S. Johnson	...	Palmer
Maurice Marsac	...	Walter
Rocky Frier	...	Parking Attendant
Maryesther Denver	...	Elderly Woman
Davis Roberts	...	Kramer
James Millhollin	...	Elderly Man
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
James Sikking	...	Policeman in office (uncredited)

Directed by
Robert Butler

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Peter S. Fischer		written by
Richard Levinson		creator
William Link		creator

Produced by
Edward K. Dodds	....	associate producer
Dean Hargrove	....	executive producer
Roland Kibbee	....	executive producer

Original Music by
Billy Goldenberg

Cinematography by
William Cronjager		(director of photography)

Film Editing by
Robert L. Kimble

Art Direction by
John W. Corso

Set Decoration by
Bill McLaughlin		(as William McLaughlin)

Production Management
Brad H. Aronson	....	unit manager (as Brad Aronson)

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Robert Gilmore	....	assistant director

Sound Department
Wallace R. Bearden	....	sound (as Wallace Bearden)

Editorial Department
Richard Belding	....	editorial supervisor
Steve Johnson	....	colorist
Arnold Baker	....	assistant editor (uncredited)

Music Department
Henry Mancini	....	composer: "Mystery Movie" theme
Hal Mooney	....	music supervisor

Other crew
Wayne Fitzgerald	....	title designer: main titles

Writing credits (in alphabetical order)
Richard Levinson		creator
William Link		creator

Production Companies

• Universal TV

Distributors

• National Broadcasting Company (NBC) (1974) (USA) (TV)
• Universal Pictures Finland Oy (2006) (Finland) (DVD)
• Viasat3 (2008) (Hungary) (TV) (re-release)

Other Companies

• Universal Title  titles and opticals

Runtime:

Germany:70 min | Italy:68 min | USA:73 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-18 (2005) (DVD) (self applied) | UK:PG

Company:

Universal TV

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 (#1.1)" (1971).

Goofs:

Factual errors: Although Greenleaf's publishing company is located in Los Angeles (where Columbo works), a cover letter is addressed to him in New York City.

Quotes:

Riley Greenleaf: You, and this place, deserve to be in the Valley.

Movie Connections:

Followed by "Columbo: A Case of Immunity (#5.2)" (1975)

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.