Columbo: A Bird in the Hand ... (1992) (TV)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Vincent McEveety

Writers:

Jackson Gillis (written by) and
Richard Levinson (creator)

Release Date:

22 November 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Sport

Plot:

Harold likes to gamble, but as a rule he loses and he is heavily in debt. His uncle is the famous Big...

Plot Keywords:

Police | Police Detective | Gambler | American Football | Murder

Cast

Peter Falk	...	Lt. Columbo
Tyne Daly	...	Dolores
Greg Evigan	...	Harold McCain
Frank McRae	...	Lt. Robertson (as Frank Mc Rae)
Don S. Davis	...	Bertie
León Singer	...	Fernando (as Leon Singer)
Michael Gregory	...	Mr. Hacker
Steve Forrest	...	Big Fred
Stephen Liska	...	Casino Manager
G.F. Smith	...	Salesman
Carol Swarbrick	...	Casino Waitress
Ed McCready	...	Ed
John Petlock	...	Medical Examiner
Joel Beeson	...	Clyde
Kay Perry	...	Honey

Runtime:

Germany:90 min | USA:120 min (including commercials)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Company:

Universal TV

Trivia:

Repeated "stock footage": The film of two police cars racing to the scene of the second murder in "A Bird In The Hand", swerving around the corner by the liquor store is the same film seen in Columbo: No Time to Die (1992) (TV), as police rush to rescue Melissa. These two episodes were originally broadcast during the same year, one after the other.

Movie Connections:

Follows "Columbo: Double Shock (#2.8)" (1973)

Soundtrack:

Rags To Riches

Tyne Daly steals every scene in which she appears

Emmy winner Tyne Daly guest stars as the boozy wife of Steve Forrest, the rich owner of a floundering football team. Greg Evigan plays Forrest's nephew, a gambler that has bet against the team in a pivotal game. Evigan's character is also having a secret affair with Daly. Unfortunately, for Evigan, a last ditch effort by the often-injured quarterback secures the team a playoff berth, ruining Evigan's plans to clean up. Thus, he plans to do away with "Big Fred" (Forrest), hoping that his uncle's demise will improve his chances of paying off his debts and solidify his relationship with Daly.

Unlike other "Columbo" films, this one has a few more twists and turns, making it engaging all the way through until the denouement. Falk, as usual, is excellent with his befuddled manner, shabby outfit, and "Oh, just one more thing..." delivery.

Dick Benedictus delivers another masterful score.

Another highlight is an impressive explosion midway during the film.