Columbo 

Los Angeles homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo uses his humble ways and ingenuous demeanor to winkle out even the most well-concealed of crimes.

Creators:

Richard Levinson, William Link

Stars:

Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan

Won 2 Golden Globes. Another 20 wins & 49 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Peter Falk	...	Columbo 68 episodes, 1971-2003

Storyline

When you first saw him, Lieutenant Columbo looked like a bum that just came off the street. He had a bumbling demeanor, was overly polite and seemed to chomp on the same short cigar on a daily basis. However, beneath all that comical exterior was probably the most dogged investigator in the Los Angeles Police Department. Columbo was often called on to investigate high profile murders that involved the rich and famous. The culprits were often amused by him, and just as they thought they were going to get away with murder, Columbo would find a way to trap them or find enough evidence to make them confess.

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Plot Keywords:

cult tv | police protagonist | detective series | one word title | unseen wife | 

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Taglines:

Just one more thing...

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 March 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Columbo

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

NBC Universal Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min (41 episodes) 75 min (27 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono (45 episodes) Stereo (24 episodes)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Even though Peter Falk immediately made the Columbo character his own, he was actually the third actor to play the role. Previous attempts had been performed in the theatre and on live television.

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Goofs

In this 1968 two hour Pilot, (about 1hr-34min in), Columbo is waiting for the suspect's lover to approach him at the movie studio. The long shot, from behind and above Columbo, shows him standing next to the ice cream truck, and placing his briefcase on the ground, to the left and front of him. A tight-shot from Columbo's front, now shows the briefcase tight and to his left leg, while Columbo rips the wrapper from his Popsicle, and he THROWS the wrapper to the ground behind him. The next shot is again the long shot from behind and above Columbo. His briefcase is now, again, to his left and in front of him, and there is no sign of the Popsicle wrapper which he just threw on the ground behind him.

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Quotes

[repeated line]
Columbo: Oh, there's just one more thing...

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Connections

Referenced in General Hospital: Episode #1.12676 (2012)

User Reviews

Peter Falk as Columbo is incredibly charming. The Best detective series ever!

"Columbo" is simply the best detective series ever! Peter Falk as Columbo is wonderful and I absolutely love him. Although the formula is pretty much the same for all the episodes, I never get enough of that cat-and-mouse game that Columbo is playing with his "victims". There are delightful elements of surprise in each episode, that also add up to the puzzle that Columbo himself is. Falk's acting is splendid, his mannerisms are unmistakable, he is so intelligent, natural and subtle. Falk's talent for comedy is a treasure. There is great humor in Columbo's antics, the script is smart and ingenious, and the guest stars, especially the villains, are always a treat.

Besides, Columbo is a very intriguing character. We never really get to know who he is. Yes, there is mystery around Columbo, and catching a glimpse of the man behind the smoke screen is one of those things that have kept audiences watching for decades. He is indeed a fascinating character. "Columbo" will never get old, it's pure entertainment of the best kind. Splendid work!

Seasons 1-7 are the best and remain unmatched by anything else on television, including Columbo later seasons. It's not only the charm of the 70's and 80's that make it fascinating, but it's mainly the quality of the scripts in the early years of "Columbo".