Clifford Paris is a wealthy old man who has a passion for keeping fit and a passion for a very young woman who he intends to marry much to the silent disapproval of his nephew and housekeeper. Dexter disapproves so much that he decides to kill his uncle by throwing an electric blender into his bath and then putting him on an exercise bike to make it look like he had a stroke. Despite this apparent accident, Columbo gets called out of his bed and, thanks to a missing towel and a wet bath, suspects that this was no accident. Columbo knows that the motives lie with those who stand to inherit his Clifford's millions namely his twin nephews, celebrity chef Dexter and serious banker Norman, neither of who speak to each other; however which of the twins could it have been? As with many TV film series (such as Perry Mason), if you like one or two of them then you'll pretty much like them all. This entry in the Columbo series pretty much follows the usual formula we know the killer and the "perfect" plan but then watch Columbo follow his hunch and gradually starts to pick holes in the story he is told before eventually finding enough to prove his suspicions. Saying this is not a spoiler it is simply what happens in all the films. With this strict adherence to formula it is usually down to several factors whether or not the Columbo film stands out or if it is just average. In this case the twist is that the suspect is one of twins, a gimmick that you know must be going to be used in some way or other as indeed it is. The plot sees the twins putting Columbo onto the other in a way that should have been twisty but it doesn't work as well as it should; it lacks tension and isn't as intriguing as it should have been. The ending is satisfyingly delivered though and it is yet another good film in the series.
Falk is a joy as Columbo; as usual his sharp mind is well hidden behind the bumbling but he also has a talent for comedy as seen in his TV appearance and his chemistry with Nolan. She plays a simple role of the aggressor to Columbo and together they produce some very funny moments, even if it is a rather one-not repeating gag. Landau is interesting but his Norman is pretty dull and he tends to save his actual performance for Dexter, who is a more colourful and interesting character. Support is good from Stewart and those with a mind for the camp will instantly recognise the one and only Julie Newmar most notably of Batman fame.
Overall this is a good entry in the series even if the twins aspect does feel a little gimmicky and seems to take precedence over the actual plot. The performances are good and the comedy is always a welcome addition but somehow the attempts at tension between the brothers just doesn't come off as it heads towards the twist that we all knew was coming simply because why else would they write twins into it unless it was key to the story. Fans will still enjoy it though and it generally meets the enjoyable standard of the majority of the Columbo films.
Falk is a joy as Columbo; as usual his sharp mind is well hidden behind the bumbling but he also has a talent for comedy as seen in his TV appearance and his chemistry with Nolan. She plays a simple role of the aggressor to Columbo and together they produce some very funny moments, even if it is a rather one-not repeating gag. Landau is interesting but his Norman is pretty dull and he tends to save his actual performance for Dexter, who is a more colourful and interesting character. Support is good from Stewart and those with a mind for the camp will instantly recognise the one and only Julie Newmar most notably of Batman fame.
Overall this is a good entry in the series even if the twins aspect does feel a little gimmicky and seems to take precedence over the actual plot. The performances are good and the comedy is always a welcome addition but somehow the attempts at tension between the brothers just doesn't come off as it heads towards the twist that we all knew was coming simply because why else would they write twins into it unless it was key to the story. Fans will still enjoy it though and it generally meets the enjoyable standard of the majority of the Columbo films.