He'll be waiting there. "Just a loose end, sir. You said you were going to flee to Mexico and here we are at the Canadian border. That's what's so strange to me, sir. Drives me crazy. Little things like that..."
The greatest asset of the entire Columbo series is Peter Falk's flawless diction and delivery. It's so well paced, with pauses in all the right places, nuanced - just so natural - it makes Columbo come alive. And as he drives the nail in the coffin you can feel a change in tone - one of authority, come into his voice. This is most evident in "Were you a witness to what he just did?" in Negative Reaction. In my book, Columbo is a 10 foot tall superhero.
Good point about the authority that comes into his voice. It's most evident as well in "It's all in the game" at the end when she gives him the confession and he asks her "How'd you keep the body warm?".
Another great example was in 'Ransom for a Dead Man': "This isn't just a kidnapping; this is a murder now. And I kind of figured that's *my* department. I'll see you around."
Him playing the piano was just to make sure John doesn't go straight to his suite or whatever...and to ignore the lieutenant's presence by accident. Brilliant. The writers thought of everything.
I also think this adds a lot of simplicity compared to others detectives in fiction. If it was Sherlock Holmes he would play some symphony from a famous artist and show extreme ability. Columbo is a simple man doing the best job he can, he is no pianist and barely can play twinkle twinkle little star and I love it
Sarge - "Where's Columbo?" Uniforn - "Oh, he's gone off to play Chopsticks on a grand piano in an empty stadium in an effort to intimidate a murder suspect" Sarge - "Is it Thursday already?"
The way Columbo confirmed the guy did it was how the suspect didn't freak out while the detective dragged that typewriter case all over the piano or balanced his cigar on the edge of the lid. An innocent person would be more interested in keeping the expensive piano pristine.
Like how the poisoner guy immediately returned to the restaurant to speak to the police when they told him someone he had dinner with was poisoned. As Columbo put it, an innocent person would have seen a doctor or gone to the hospital to have their stomach pumped. That he didn't means he knew he hadn't been poisoned because he was the poisoner
@@MurasakiTsukimaru - Agreed! What I really enjoyed about the Columbo series was that they showed you much of the crime taking place and then you got to watch Columbo work his magic, and he usually said one extra thing that you might not have noticed even though you witnessed the murder. A fantastic series and Peter Falk was brilliant; plus great writing and great guest stars.
Exactly! Any musician who loves their job, would immediately say: "Please don't scratch the piano!", even if it already has scratches from the transportation company guys, and/or the stage hands. It just hurts seeing a grand piano being scratched.
@@j.dragon651 a concert pianist would be loathe to incur any damage to a concert hall piano for multiple reasons. First, its sound could be affected. Two, he might be liable for repairs. Even cosmetic damage could be really expensive. You ever see how shiny a concert piano is? You could shave by its reflections.
"you forgot about the mileage" That's the exact moment when the race begins. The point of that typical Columbo moment of complete transparency and honest openness between hunter and hunted. At that time, the murderer knows that Columbo is on to him and Columbo blatantly shows that he exactly knows what's happened. From that point forward, all Columbo has to do is prove it. And the proof already exists in Columbo's mind. That is the moment, when the murderer literally can count the hours down to when he is finally exposed and arrested. That is so fine and elegant.
The "mileage" was the firestarter... The punch was at "They don't remember that Sir"... At this point the investigation was officially started DEEPLY while he didn't realized and was believing to have a clown in front of him 5 minutes earlier... The laugh at that time is perfectly acted... GREAT acting and writing...
Columbo would have sniffed out Light Yagami as Kira as fast or faster than L. And he would've wrapped the whole case up within 90 minutes. With plenty of time to get back home so his wife doesn't kill him.
Never really realised just how good Peter Falk was in this series, till I started watching the episodes as an adult. Loved it as a kid. But Layers of characterisation here!
same here, loved it as a kid, back then with german dub but now i am rewatching the original voices and fuck falk was sooo good. to be fair though mostly in every episodes his counterparts are doing good jobs as well, playing off falks interpretation of his character, just a joy to watch.
I just love the threat. We love him because he's an honest hard-working guy with zero pretensions. But he's also dogged and loves chasing down his quarry, which we'd all secretly love to do ourselves, especially the kind of arrogant rich people which are usually the murderers.
Its also the exact moment where the verbiage goes from a hypothetical "somebody", or using him as an "example", to "you". And then he makes the mistake of subconsciously confirming it by going along with the grammatical shift. "I forgot about the mileage?" I also love that Columbo was supposedly talking about what the woman did at the beginning, because he hadnt yet introduced the idea it was someone else, and yet he still used the male pronouns, which the suspect didn't seem to find odd or anything. It might have just been he felt it was impolite to correct Columbo, but we all know its probably because he did it.
It's just so good. He let's him know exactly that he knows how he did it, and then tells him before walking away "by the way, I'm the lead detective now."
That quiet "suppose it was you," perfectly delivered so that it sounds like a mere idle thought, even though it's definitely not. Love it. Falk as Columbo is really interesting to watch, because Falk is playing a character who is, themselves, typically and seamlessly acting and pretending much of the time. Whenever we see the "character" slip, it's the real Columbo shining through Columbo's facade, not Falk, as though it is Columbo who is the actor and not Falk himself. That's brilliant.
I've always loved that in Columbo his superiors almost never question that he's right. He always has their support because he's always correct. Apart from the episode when the Murderer is the Commissioner, of course.
Yess, it's very refreshing to see! In most other cop shows the detective is almost always on thin ice in every episode, and fights tooth and nail with their bosses to get the relevant permissions. But Columbo's superiors trust his abilities and deductions and back him up, even when the murderer tries to pull strings to get him off the case
I wondered why the Commissioner put Columbo on a case involving himself, he must have known it wouldn't end well. Maybe he just thought he could abuse his authority to sabotage Columbo's investigation, or that he'd be able to outwit him somehow... but clearly like everyone else he underestimated Columbo.
This entire episode, I could tell how much John Cassavettes loved playing off of Peter Falk. There are times when it feels like he's marvelling at Falk's portrayal of Columbo. It's like an entire episode of acting with someone you admire greatly, which makes sense as they were best friends in reality.
3:58 that's the "I think I'm in trouble" laugh, right there. And later at 7:00 that's the "I'm really screwed now" laugh. Brillant actors, brilliant performance.
What was particularly wonderful about that scene were all the "tells" that Cassavetes threw in to indicate he was lying. The tells were not over the top, just enough to augment the scene. One of Columbo's strength in these episodes was his ability to read people and instantly know when someone is lying. I wouldn't want to play poker with him.
It's wonderful how his nervous laughs are coming in wave... The climax being "They don't remember", he realizes that Columbo has already checkmated him without him really realizing the game was started... The the denial... And the "finish" from Columbo with making him realizing it was not just another cop having some miscellaneous case, it was a homicide professional, not a suicide professional, a HOMICIDE... I guess in his head (the character) must have shouted "Ohh Shhhh'it !"
This is a GREATEST among GREAT episodes. These two, long time good friends in real life, showed as always what skilled actors/artists they both were. Can never get enough of either of them.
@@Gera1713 You bring a tear to my eye. My brother, my late father, and I, got together every Friday Night and watched Columbo together. Brother would bring dinner, I'd write the checks (dad was getting too old for it); then we'd have our meal and watch a Columbo. So sad, both Faulk and dad have passed. :-(
Notice how he starts to decompose: at first he puts his leg on the chair to look "cool", then at your timing, he uses his hand to support his head which starts to get heavy, that's a sign of "power loss"... And then comes the hysterical "They d-d-d-don't remember ?" nervous laugh which is when he realizes that the game has been started and he missed the starting gun :). I love that moment.
Other throwbacks -- He tampers with evidence by typing on the supposed suicide note. And when the killers know they are outsmarted, they usually confess and there is a sort of mutual admiration between the criminals who adeptly covered their tracks and the detective with the hidden genius who unraveled it. No falling back on the the right to remain silent or mouthpiece lawyers. Oh, the good old days. 0.
TV was never better than Columbo. ... Every SINGLE Guest Star was a Great Actor. ... These two guys were the very BEST of Best Friends.. ... They must have had a ball shooting this episode.
I love a lot ones, but THIS sequence is gold... "I don't trust your theory" "That's my specialty, Homicide"... You can transpose this in MANY places where people think they KNOW better, even better than... the pros... Like creationists don't believing what scientists know... Antivax knowing better than doctors... etc. etc.
He never changes a beat, but delivers that devastating line so matter of factly - our villain knows that he's been underestimating the Lieutenant all along.
It the only time I can recall Colombo giving a warning rattle, before his strike. He knows, the pianist knows he's clever, and has no need to play the bumbling detective any more. The mask is removed, the protagonist now has a problem on his hands.
rd711 ha ha ha .. .. .. it must have been a lightning strike upon the person in front of him .. .. what a glorious fun arranged, yet brief, clearer, sharper dialogue at all the times between the artists .. !.
Also "...I've got something here that you might find interesting" = "This is going to wig you out." and " That's my specialty you know, homicide" = " I'm coming for you".
I always like how Columbo plays it off like he’s dumber than he actually is, saying stuff like “I’ve gotta get it straight myself.” That way the killer underestimates him and it’s more of a shock when Columbo nails him.
"let me see if I can understand what you're saying" I love how the actors in Columbo are able to really transform into the character they are playing. The way John Cassavetes plays dumb here is so convincing. Just like a real person who tries to play innocent just a little too hard in front of a hard boiled detective like Columbo. This is why Columbo will always be my number one crime series. It is just so realistic, casual and believable. I love it.
@@bluebird3281 And the "They d-d-don't remember?" breakdown... It's fantastic... I love that moment when he realizes that Columbo has been way BEYOND he thought he was ... The game was started, and he missed the starting gun...
I watch this show nearly EVERY day. There’s something about being humble and unassuming. There’s POWER in letting people think that you’re NOT the detonation that they fear the most.🔥
The best thing about Columbo was that 9 out of 10 times the murderer was well off and just greedy. There are a few exceptions. One of the greatest shows ever. Peter was so brilliant.
Peter Falk's performances in Cassavetes' own films are tremendous, especially in A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, where he acts alongside the amazing Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes' wife.
"But detective, I'm innocent because I've always got a smile on my face." "Yes sir. But you're John Cassavetes, you always have the permanent grin on your face."
That actor has something special. Quite enjoyable villain, fits perfectly on film and acts creepy but natural. Great and conducive acting and personality
Colombo:.....Oh listen, just one more thing...I know you don't agree, but at least I convinced my superiors,that Jennifer Wells murder, was not a suicide, and they've officially assigned me to the case...that's my specialty you know, "homicide" Suspect: oh s****t.
i've never trusted chicks who spell their name funny.... Jenifer Welles(3:08), how hard was it to spell it with two n's or should we blame her nutball parents
My favorite episode by far. Mostly because of the interaction of Falk and “Benedict” (John Cassavetes) and “Columbo”. Falk and Cassavetes were very close friends, almost like brothers, and you could feel them play off each other in this episode. Cassavetes was also very keen on improvisation, and as someone who does improvisation, I could tell when they were improvising off each other. Both were incredible talents. Beautiful to watch them interact here.
Random fact, this actor’s name is John Cassavetes. His son Nick Cassavetes directed “The Notebook” and his wife, Gena Rowlands was also in “The Notebook as older Alli…. Also in this Colombo episode, the actress that plays John’s wife is actress Blythe Danner, Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, who at the time of filming this episode in 1972 was pregnant with Gwyneth.
Particularly at the "They don't remember that, Sir"... Then he realized it's not "thinking loud" but that the actual investigation has seriously started...
Great stuff here. I’m a huge Columbo fan and this episode is on always great to watch. In real life, Peter and John are great personal friends. This episode had to have been great fun for these two. Thank you for the coverage. 👍🏻
M Leibs i saw a kindest soul in both of the species = leftinent columbo and mr. peter falk . they are blessed sweetest souls. my duty is to learn from them & be one of the kindest-pandit (master/learned/expert/teacher/explorer & working-for-common-greater-good) .
@Columbo - I love that Columbo was playing "Chopsticks" as it's one of the most well-known beginner pieces of music to play on the piano and also because it set the scene for the culprit to assume Columbo isn't threatening or even intelligent when in fact, Columbo is reading them like a book. I've always loved the way Columbo accuses culprits in a very charming and polite way that even the culprits can't even argue with him and sometimes, even admire him. The writers were fantastic and Peter Falk made Columbo's character come to life. There's something so nostalgic about this show and they don't make shows like this anymore. I'm so glad clips like these can be viewed and reviewed for generations to come. I look forward to seeing more clips uploaded by your channel!
The chemistry with these guys is so good. Ditto Robert Culp and Jack Cassidy. Peter and John were good friends. Sad John had demons. He prob would have been in more episodes but alcoholism is paralyzing. I know....
@ Exactly. 35MM is a great print for resolution. There was also another two camera format system that also had a similar resolution output, the one used on the Honeymooners. Video unfortunately was never this good, and this has led to a lot of shows having a tragic unfortunate state of low print quality conversions.
I love the way Columbo is goofing around with the piano and maestro shows up and he's talking about how when he was a kid and how he couldn't resist and how he loves the car, with a smile and good natured disposition meanwhile he knows he's talking to a murderer. It's matter of fact kind of talk in the company of a cold blooded killer. All alone. Just the cop and the beast. Having a friendly chat on a beautiful day. Well done throughout. Rest in peace Mr. Falk.
A problem I’ve noticed with a lot of villains is that when Colombo suggests an alternate theory, they always double down on the original theory instead of agreeing that the new theory is also possible. It’s an obvious tell which makes the villain suspicious.
Well they know that the "new theory" is coming close to them. It's a survival act... You need to be REALLY confident if you let Columbo unroll the carpet down to your own feet. In fact they should just say nothing, seems interested in the result of Columbo analysis, but it's hard. Because in fact Columbo has already smelled the fish, so he's just deploying the trap, and you can't do anything but trying to make him looking somewhere else...
Making them suspicious is often what provokes them to make more mistakes, eg.. trying to conceal evidence, or prepare more fake evidence. It's part of the plan.
@@garryiglesias4074 not to mention that most people feel the fact that if you didn't start the conversation by asking for your lawyer, suddenly asking for them after the cop asks a certain specific question is EXTREMELY suspicious. Far more so than just demanding a lawyer present as soon as the cop walks up. They think they're in too deep to clam up now and play either the "I want my lawyer" card, or even worse the "am I being charged/detained" card. Just a little thing about TV cop dramas that spills over to the real world. Any attempt to introduce that as any sort of evidence would get overruled in a heartbeat, of course, but maybe if the prosecutor were clever enough they can slip that little tidbit in in a way the jury catches unofficially, which of course starts them to thinking.
Playing Chopsticks on a maestro's piano, what an insult. What he's saying is you're a virtuoso musician but a beginner criminal, I'm a beginner musician but a virtuoso at catching criminals.
“Oh, just one more thing”. You knew he had been thinking about it all along but wanted to spring it on a suspect almost as it were an afterthought. Understated and brilliant acting by Peter Falk who’s characterization of Lieutenant Columbine won him six Emmy awards over the life of the series.
Falk and Casavetes had great chemistry, to bad they didn't do another episode or two.......................Cassavetes died over 30 years ago in 1989 but his wife Gena Rowlands is still alive as of today.
Sharply directed by Nicholas Colasanto (he was 'coach' on cheers) wonderful interaction between Peter Falk and John Cassavettes who was Falk's director in his experimental, powerful films.
The moment you hear Columbo say "oh listen, just one more thing..." get in your car and make a run for the border.
100% True !!
Columbia is the only man who will make you hand cuff your own self😎
@@charleswright5265 _Columbia_ ... Is that his sister?
(sorry, couldn't resist ;-)
He'll be waiting there. "Just a loose end, sir. You said you were going to flee to Mexico and here we are at the Canadian border. That's what's so strange to me, sir. Drives me crazy. Little things like that..."
When you hear it, it's already too late...
The greatest asset of the entire Columbo series is Peter Falk's flawless diction and delivery. It's so well paced, with pauses in all the right places, nuanced - just so natural - it makes Columbo come alive. And as he drives the nail in the coffin you can feel a change in tone - one of authority, come into his voice. This is most evident in "Were you a witness to what he just did?" in Negative Reaction. In my book, Columbo is a 10 foot tall superhero.
Good point about the authority that comes into his voice. It's most evident as well in "It's all in the game" at the end when she gives him the confession and he asks her "How'd you keep the body warm?".
Another great example was in 'Ransom for a Dead Man': "This isn't just a kidnapping; this is a murder now. And I kind of figured that's *my* department. I'll see you around."
A 10 foot tall superhero in a frumpy coat.
Yes, the acting is what builds Columbo. This is just a TV show, but its acting is more brilliant than than of many movies.
It’s sublime
Columbo pounding away on the piano reflects perfectly on how everyone sees him...before it's too late.
Him playing the piano was just to make sure John doesn't go straight to his suite or whatever...and to ignore the lieutenant's presence by accident. Brilliant. The writers thought of everything.
Awesome! Never thought of that!
I see
My
Thanks captain obvious.
@@doriangray2020 appropriate moniker you have there
I also think this adds a lot of simplicity compared to others detectives in fiction. If it was Sherlock Holmes he would play some symphony from a famous artist and show extreme ability. Columbo is a simple man doing the best job he can, he is no pianist and barely can play twinkle twinkle little star and I love it
Sarge - "Where's Columbo?"
Uniforn - "Oh, he's gone off to play Chopsticks on a grand piano in an empty stadium in an effort to intimidate a murder suspect"
Sarge - "Is it Thursday already?"
The way he says, "Suppose it was you" . . . that delivery by Falk says so much about Columbo. Just fantastic.
"Suppose it was Chopin, the cockatoo?" Does anyone care about that poor birdie? I wish Columbo had used him as an eyewitness ...
Right ! Suppose it was him....
The way Columbo confirmed the guy did it was how the suspect didn't freak out while the detective dragged that typewriter case all over the piano or balanced his cigar on the edge of the lid. An innocent person would be more interested in keeping the expensive piano pristine.
Like how the poisoner guy immediately returned to the restaurant to speak to the police when they told him someone he had dinner with was poisoned. As Columbo put it, an innocent person would have seen a doctor or gone to the hospital to have their stomach pumped. That he didn't means he knew he hadn't been poisoned because he was the poisoner
@@MurasakiTsukimaru - Agreed! What I really enjoyed about the Columbo series was that they showed you much of the crime taking place and then you got to watch Columbo work his magic, and he usually said one extra thing that you might not have noticed even though you witnessed the murder. A fantastic series and Peter Falk was brilliant; plus great writing and great guest stars.
That wouldn't be his piano. His would be in his studio.
Exactly! Any musician who loves their job, would immediately say: "Please don't scratch the piano!", even if it already has scratches from the transportation company guys, and/or the stage hands. It just hurts seeing a grand piano being scratched.
@@j.dragon651 a concert pianist would be loathe to incur any damage to a concert hall piano for multiple reasons. First, its sound could be affected. Two, he might be liable for repairs. Even cosmetic damage could be really expensive. You ever see how shiny a concert piano is? You could shave by its reflections.
Columbo, the only mystery show that's endlessly rewatchable.
Only? Uh, Murder, She Wrote? The Rockford Files? Monk?
"you forgot about the mileage" That's the exact moment when the race begins. The point of that typical Columbo moment of complete transparency and honest openness between hunter and hunted. At that time, the murderer knows that Columbo is on to him and Columbo blatantly shows that he exactly knows what's happened. From that point forward, all Columbo has to do is prove it. And the proof already exists in Columbo's mind. That is the moment, when the murderer literally can count the hours down to when he is finally exposed and arrested. That is so fine and elegant.
The "mileage" was the firestarter... The punch was at "They don't remember that Sir"... At this point the investigation was officially started DEEPLY while he didn't realized and was believing to have a clown in front of him 5 minutes earlier... The laugh at that time is perfectly acted... GREAT acting and writing...
Columbo would have sniffed out Light Yagami as Kira as fast or faster than L. And he would've wrapped the whole case up within 90 minutes. With plenty of time to get back home so his wife doesn't kill him.
+
@@lysander3262 With Kira’s ego? You were probably joking, but you’re deadass right.
@BoulderBro999 why? I wonder what Columbo's stand would be
Never really realised just how good Peter Falk was in this series, till I started watching the episodes as an adult. Loved it as a kid. But Layers of characterisation here!
same here, loved it as a kid, back then with german dub but now i am rewatching the original voices and fuck falk was sooo good. to be fair though mostly in every episodes his counterparts are doing good jobs as well, playing off falks interpretation of his character, just a joy to watch.
Specially the early series with really wonderful actors eg Lee Grant, Ann Baxter, Robert Culp, John CAssevetes, Marietta Hartley, Ray Milland etc etc
@@margaretlawrence3385 Always the biggest stars or upcoming young stars ,love the show and still watch it
same here!
Same, Used to watch it with my Grandad as a kid
I just love the threat. We love him because he's an honest hard-working guy with zero pretensions. But he's also dogged and loves chasing down his quarry, which we'd all secretly love to do ourselves, especially the kind of arrogant rich people which are usually the murderers.
Have to agree. As a process server I loved running people to the ground who were trying to avoid me.
Its also the exact moment where the verbiage goes from a hypothetical "somebody", or using him as an "example", to "you".
And then he makes the mistake of subconsciously confirming it by going along with the grammatical shift.
"I forgot about the mileage?"
I also love that Columbo was supposedly talking about what the woman did at the beginning, because he hadnt yet introduced the idea it was someone else, and yet he still used the male pronouns, which the suspect didn't seem to find odd or anything. It might have just been he felt it was impolite to correct Columbo, but we all know its probably because he did it.
It's just so good. He let's him know exactly that he knows how he did it, and then tells him before walking away "by the way, I'm the lead detective now."
That quiet "suppose it was you," perfectly delivered so that it sounds like a mere idle thought, even though it's definitely not. Love it.
Falk as Columbo is really interesting to watch, because Falk is playing a character who is, themselves, typically and seamlessly acting and pretending much of the time. Whenever we see the "character" slip, it's the real Columbo shining through Columbo's facade, not Falk, as though it is Columbo who is the actor and not Falk himself. That's brilliant.
@Angie H. yo why do you keep signing your comments. i aint judging but i just want to know
@Angie H. You use a lot of unnecessary punctuation, wtf
@Angie H. Why do you use such a large amount of punctuation?
@@ahennessy7998 There are some … weirdos on this channel I’ve noticed lol
I guess it’s fine, it’s not like they’re hurting anyone
@@CrystalRose1111 true
I've always loved that in Columbo his superiors almost never question that he's right. He always has their support because he's always correct.
Apart from the episode when the Murderer is the Commissioner, of course.
Yess, it's very refreshing to see! In most other cop shows the detective is almost always on thin ice in every episode, and fights tooth and nail with their bosses to get the relevant permissions. But Columbo's superiors trust his abilities and deductions and back him up, even when the murderer tries to pull strings to get him off the case
Imagine being so stupid that you, as the police commissioner, do a murder when you know for a fact there's a Lt. Columbo nearby.
imagine having a boss that believes and supports you!
@@chegorita Imagine having an employee with a near 100% success rate.
I wondered why the Commissioner put Columbo on a case involving himself, he must have known it wouldn't end well. Maybe he just thought he could abuse his authority to sabotage Columbo's investigation, or that he'd be able to outwit him somehow... but clearly like everyone else he underestimated Columbo.
This entire episode, I could tell how much John Cassavettes loved playing off of Peter Falk. There are times when it feels like he's marvelling at Falk's portrayal of Columbo. It's like an entire episode of acting with someone you admire greatly, which makes sense as they were best friends in reality.
Nah, he had seen him in other roles in movies where he actually acts much better and not this casual. John wasn't fond of such roles as these
@@vb8428 nah, they were good friends but working together may not be the best for friends 😂
They were the rat pack of the 70s...
Falk, Casavettes and Gazzara.... bff's.... google their tonight show appearance....leap frogs
3:58 that's the "I think I'm in trouble" laugh, right there. And later at 7:00 that's the "I'm really screwed now" laugh. Brillant actors, brilliant performance.
I can watch Columbo all day long. Will never be another.
Manish Parmar let’s hope you are wrong
yes, Days are like that.
Me too my favorite fictional detective.
I want to make an Android that is exactly like Columbo (and other characters) so we can make more episodes.
I think your Guilty of Homicide
best scene in the episode. Funny, Columbo says, "I'm not saying it was you," and then he goes on to describe exactly what happened.
What was particularly wonderful about that scene were all the "tells" that Cassavetes threw in to indicate he was lying. The tells were not over the top, just enough to augment the scene. One of Columbo's strength in these episodes was his ability to read people and instantly know when someone is lying. I wouldn't want to play poker with him.
It's wonderful how his nervous laughs are coming in wave... The climax being "They don't remember", he realizes that Columbo has already checkmated him without him really realizing the game was started... The the denial...
And the "finish" from Columbo with making him realizing it was not just another cop having some miscellaneous case, it was a homicide professional, not a suicide professional, a HOMICIDE... I guess in his head (the character) must have shouted "Ohh Shhhh'it !"
This is a GREATEST among GREAT episodes. These two, long time good friends in real life, showed as always what skilled actors/artists they both were. Can never get enough of either of them.
Cassavetes was brilliant with the condescension, impatience, arrogance of Mr. Benedict.
I am addicted to Columbo - can watch them over and over… 👍
That's true.
I watch it all day Sunday. My late Dad loved it. Peter Falk is unique. Miss him Ri.P
111sienna - On Amazon Prime video they have many (not all) of the episodes.
@@Gera1713 You bring a tear to my eye. My brother, my late father, and I, got together every Friday Night and watched Columbo together. Brother would bring dinner, I'd write the checks (dad was getting too old for it); then we'd have our meal and watch a Columbo.
So sad, both Faulk and dad have passed. :-(
The most classy of the addictions
Colombo is the most believable character in tv history. You never feel he’s acting. Colombo is a real person.
He is real... like Batman.
I felt that way about Mr. Ed.
@@lewisc215 what'd you mean, that was real... wasn't it?
@@arconeagain Of course.
Peter Falk was a great actor and the casting was perfect!
When Columbo said, “Suppose it was you?” I howled with laughter. 😂
Such a polite way to push the suspect’s buttons.
“suppose it was you.” priceless
A Columbo episode is truly great when he has great chemistry with the villain.
Always wanted Sinatra to be a guest villain!
@@sahej6939
That would have been great. There was one with Johnny Cash.
It makes sense, especially if you see their films together
One of the greatest detective shows ever created
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT.
At 6:00 I would've started crying and confessed. He literally just described the crime to the murderer without naming him specifically
Notice how he starts to decompose: at first he puts his leg on the chair to look "cool", then at your timing, he uses his hand to support his head which starts to get heavy, that's a sign of "power loss"... And then comes the hysterical "They d-d-d-don't remember ?" nervous laugh which is when he realizes that the game has been started and he missed the starting gun :). I love that moment.
The good old days before "CSI" when Columbo used to crack a hardboiled egg all over a crime scene.
Yes, was funny 👍🏻😂
So true ... and smoke, and drink coffee, and cough and sneeze ... Ah, the '60s and '70s were so much simpler times ;-)
They try to bring this sort of thing back, but it's just not the same.
I love when came to crime scene and just ate everything because he was hungry :D
Other throwbacks -- He tampers with evidence by typing on the supposed suicide note. And when the killers know they are outsmarted, they usually confess and there is a sort of mutual admiration between the criminals who adeptly covered their tracks and the detective with the hidden genius who unraveled it. No falling back on the the right to remain silent or mouthpiece lawyers. Oh, the good old days.
0.
TV was never better than Columbo. ... Every SINGLE Guest Star was a Great Actor. ... These two guys were the very BEST of Best Friends.. ... They must have had a ball shooting this episode.
Just the old Columbo. The new ones had second rate actors but for Steiger in one of them 🙋💕
Cassavettes was a brilliant actor. He and Falk always worked well together.
Was he in Rosemary's Baby?
Yes he was. If you get a chance, check out Cassavettes and Falk in the film Mikey & Nicky.
They were great together in this episode, great friends in real life too.
Yes he was!!!
I have a signed book from one of the cast of RB.
This is probably my favorite Columbo episode. His exchange with Cassavetes here is priceless, and funny! 😄
I know great stuff yep.
Agreed
These two played off each other so well
Mine's the one with Johnny Cash, hands down, because of the music
I love them all
I love a lot ones, but THIS sequence is gold... "I don't trust your theory" "That's my specialty, Homicide"...
You can transpose this in MANY places where people think they KNOW better, even better than... the pros...
Like creationists don't believing what scientists know... Antivax knowing better than doctors... etc. etc.
Just love the mind games being played by both of them in this scene. Pure brilliance.
"Are you still with me?"
"I'm standing here."
clubchampion I always liked that line. Reminded me of Dustin Hoffman’s “I’m walking here!”
😂😂😂😂😂😂💦
That was a good line ;-)
"That's my speciality, you know, ...homicide!" Ominous background music sets in, and rightly so. This is Columbo at his most badass.
He never changes a beat, but delivers that devastating line so matter of factly - our villain knows that he's been underestimating the Lieutenant all along.
@@JeghedderThomas And, the "underestimation" is the _best_ part of it !!
It the only time I can recall Colombo giving a warning rattle, before his strike. He knows, the pianist knows he's clever, and has no need to play the bumbling detective any more. The mask is removed, the protagonist now has a problem on his hands.
They all have that same look when Columbo walks away. "Oh shit"
😂😂😂😂
M K Yup
I know. And they're like, I've gotta use the battroom, I need to lay a cable.
"Suppose it was you." = "I know it was you. I'm just accumulating evidence."
rd711 ha ha ha .. .. .. it must have been a lightning strike upon the person in front of him .. .. what a glorious fun arranged, yet brief, clearer, sharper dialogue at all the times between the artists .. !.
Also
"...I've got something here that you might find interesting" = "This is going to wig you out."
and
" That's my specialty you know, homicide" = " I'm coming for you".
"There's just one thing I can't figure out"="please tell me you fiction about what happened"
I love how smoothly he segues from hypothetical language to certainty. Makes those fuckers sweat!
"You're a cocky fellow.....you're an audacious fellow!"
I always like how Columbo plays it off like he’s dumber than he actually is, saying stuff like “I’ve gotta get it straight myself.” That way the killer underestimates him and it’s more of a shock when Columbo nails him.
Peter Falk played Columbo so well. Love watching them all. The best
"let me see if I can understand what you're saying" I love how the actors in Columbo are able to really transform into the character they are playing. The way John Cassavetes plays dumb here is so convincing. Just like a real person who tries to play innocent just a little too hard in front of a hard boiled detective like Columbo. This is why Columbo will always be my number one crime series. It is just so realistic, casual and believable. I love it.
Even the way Cassavetes pulled up walked out like an arrogant jackass was great
@@bluebird3281 you know, you're an audacious fella! Hahaha
@@bluebird3281 And the "They d-d-don't remember?" breakdown... It's fantastic... I love that moment when he realizes that Columbo has been way BEYOND he thought he was ... The game was started, and he missed the starting gun...
Not Dumb. John plays Just Nonchalant convincing John
Falk and Cassavetes. True class.
You speak the truth, Kemo Sabe !
Absolutely agree!
The only thing is that they have Cassavetes laugh too much, it comes over as being false and a detective would be reading that as plain as day.
I watch this show nearly EVERY day. There’s something about being humble and unassuming. There’s POWER in letting people think that you’re NOT the detonation that they fear the most.🔥
2021 and I still binge this on occasion...just recently this weekend I watched a few of the older episodes / seasons. I swear they never get old.
The best thing about Columbo was that 9 out of 10 times the murderer was well off and just greedy. There are a few exceptions. One of the greatest shows ever. Peter was so brilliant.
And the murderer was confident that if there were any holes, his lawyer would just explain them all away.
Peter Falk's performances in Cassavetes' own films are tremendous, especially in A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE, where he acts alongside the amazing Gena Rowlands, Cassavetes' wife.
"that's my specialty you know, homicide." - Brilliant!
Columbo is the only role in the history of the universe that can never and must never be recast.
Peter Falk was one of a kind. He made and immortalized Columbo.
Yes; &, No.
Yes, this must never be recast! No, it's not the only show like that!
archie bunker, tony soprano, hawkeye pierce, gregory house
How he smiles back at Cassavetes applauding... Such a light hearted, funny character
John Cassavetes and Peter Falk were good buddies. So this was intriguing to watch them together.
Well said and well put ! Their real life friendship really enhanced this memorable episode !
Weren't they also both friends with Alan Arkin and Ben Gazzara? They did make films together.
A lot of actors would have telephoned this scene in,
but Peter and John act to the hilt...superb!
Now _there_ is a great comment !
Falk genuinely looks like he's having fun at that piano.
That 'in the moment' acting thing only works when you're truly talented. 🙋💕
ta ta ta ta ta ta
This show is so good!! The writing and acting is so good wonderful 😊
I remember watching Columbo, Banacek, McMillan and Wife, McCloud every Sunday night with my mom dad and younger brother. Good family memories.
Yes it was, plus The Wonderful World of Disney
those were all good shows done by top professionals.
"But detective, I'm innocent because I've always got a smile on my face."
"Yes sir. But you're John Cassavetes, you always have the permanent grin on your face."
Of course he'd never have done it, but Cassavetes would have made for an interesting Joker....turn him loose!
@@KClouisville Franco.
Loved this scene, just watched the entire episode last night. It’s pure joy to watch Lt. Columbo do his stuff.
I think it's the best episode of them all
That actor has something special. Quite enjoyable villain, fits perfectly on film and acts creepy but natural. Great and conducive acting and personality
Colombo:.....Oh listen, just one more thing...I know you don't agree, but at least I convinced my superiors,that Jennifer Wells murder, was not a suicide, and they've officially assigned me to the case...that's my specialty you know, "homicide"
Suspect: oh s****t.
Decades later, Steve Jobs would swipe the "one more thing," and the audience would think how original.
i've never trusted chicks who spell their name funny.... Jenifer Welles(3:08), how hard was it to spell it with two n's or should we blame her nutball parents
@@omega125th It's why she killed herself
@@omega125th unless she changed her name to that specifically, then it was her parents...
Lòooooool!!!!
He has such an angelic voice, my lord. What was he, in his late 40's in this? My heart has been swindled.
My favorite episode by far. Mostly because of the interaction of Falk and “Benedict” (John Cassavetes) and “Columbo”. Falk and Cassavetes were very close friends, almost like brothers, and you could feel them play off each other in this episode. Cassavetes was also very keen on improvisation, and as someone who does improvisation, I could tell when they were improvising off each other. Both were incredible talents. Beautiful to watch them interact here.
Random fact, this actor’s name is John Cassavetes. His son Nick Cassavetes directed “The Notebook” and his wife, Gena Rowlands was also in “The Notebook as older Alli…. Also in this Colombo episode, the actress that plays John’s wife is actress Blythe Danner, Gwyneth Paltrow’s mother, who at the time of filming this episode in 1972 was pregnant with Gwyneth.
I think the suspect started to realize he was cooked when he started laughing spontaneously during the conversation, er.. I mean interrogation....
Particularly at the "They don't remember that, Sir"...
Then he realized it's not "thinking loud" but that the actual investigation has seriously started...
Probably the scene that most captures the essence of the character in the entire series, just brilliant.
Great stuff here. I’m a huge Columbo fan and this episode is on always great to watch. In real life, Peter and John are great personal friends. This episode had to have been great fun for these two. Thank you for the coverage. 👍🏻
Were. Peter Faulk passed away.
Calmly saying "I don't think your theory holds up in court" is certainly the hallmark of innocence lol.
Even after all this time...the show is still amazing. I always watch it when it's on and I have some spare time. It's so special
When Columbo uses you as an example to explain how the crime you committed it's a wrap he done pin pointed the target
I love the look on Cassavettes Face as he feels the Noose tighten LOL .
😮 My favorite line from ALL the Columbos! ❤️ And I’m a Columbophile!!! What great interplay between these two actors. (Best friends in real life.)
M Leibs i saw a kindest soul in both of the species = leftinent columbo and mr. peter falk . they are blessed sweetest souls. my duty is to learn from them & be one of the kindest-pandit (master/learned/expert/teacher/explorer & working-for-common-greater-good) .
venkata raghavaraju Budharaju Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts!
@@MLeibs I agree. 7:50-54 could be one of my favorite Columbo moments.."That's my specialty....homicide"
I wonder if they have Columbophiles Anonymous chapters for those who take it too far. 🤔
@@johng4093😂 🕵🏼♀️
John Cassavetes & Peter Falk
quel duo!!!
Deux grands artistes.
Deux grands hommes.
LOVE ♥️
Golden age of mysteries, when actors were chosen by talent rather than looks.
Rip William Link. Thank you for bringing us fans this excellent show
Simply superb acting!
Mark Chad i was just about to point that out
Amen to that !!
I love the ending of this the way columbo gets him with the flower
Do'h I forgot that .... thanks. Grrrrrr
Falk is a great actor!
@Columbo - I love that Columbo was playing "Chopsticks" as it's one of the most well-known beginner pieces of music to play on the piano and also because it set the scene for the culprit to assume Columbo isn't threatening or even intelligent when in fact, Columbo is reading them like a book.
I've always loved the way Columbo accuses culprits in a very charming and polite way that even the culprits can't even argue with him and sometimes, even admire him.
The writers were fantastic and Peter Falk made Columbo's character come to life. There's something so nostalgic about this show and they don't make shows like this anymore. I'm so glad clips like these can be viewed and reviewed for generations to come. I look forward to seeing more clips uploaded by your channel!
One of the best episodes in the entire series.
The chemistry with these guys is so good. Ditto Robert Culp and Jack Cassidy. Peter and John were good friends. Sad John had demons. He prob would have been in more episodes but alcoholism is paralyzing. I know....
Well put
Columbo playing chopsticks is perfect for all of those ignorant of music- they feel right at home-
A great detective series with the magnificent Peter Falk. 💗 Each episode can be watched 100 times and never get bored.
Love the way he plays stupid!
Alex Klatt ...that way people under estimate him !! Lol...
Wtf? This footage looks incredibly good for '73
Digital restoration is a wonderful thing.
It’s film, not video, so the print is analog and not pixelated.
That is because it was done on film.
@ Exactly. 35MM is a great print for resolution. There was also another two camera format system that also had a similar resolution output, the one used on the Honeymooners. Video unfortunately was never this good, and this has led to a lot of shows having a tragic unfortunate state of low print quality conversions.
1972
Columbo shoddily playing chopsticks in a big, fancy amphitheater really sums up his appeal.
He’s the most unexpected badass, just the way he delivers that line
I love the way Columbo is goofing around with the piano and maestro shows up and he's talking about how when he was a kid and how he couldn't resist and how he loves the car, with a smile and good natured disposition meanwhile he knows he's talking to a murderer. It's matter of fact kind of talk in the company of a cold blooded killer. All alone. Just the cop and the beast. Having a friendly chat on a beautiful day. Well done throughout. Rest in peace Mr. Falk.
If I commit a crime and Colubmo shows up, i'm leaving the country asap
He'd be on that plane.
@@giorgiogazzola5972 yeah, he will be saying: I just happened to be in the neighborhood...LOL.
There are episodes where he is in England, Mexico, and a cruise ship. Columbo has no jurisdiction.
@@orionstar6747 😂😂😂😂 absolutely right
hypothetically of course
Digitally remastered from 73 ...looks better then when it was made
I have a notion to second that emotion !!
We all had shitty TV's back then.
This was 73??
I thought it was late 80s or so. The quality is that good.
1972!
A problem I’ve noticed with a lot of villains is that when Colombo suggests an alternate theory, they always double down on the original theory instead of agreeing that the new theory is also possible. It’s an obvious tell which makes the villain suspicious.
Well they know that the "new theory" is coming close to them. It's a survival act... You need to be REALLY confident if you let Columbo unroll the carpet down to your own feet.
In fact they should just say nothing, seems interested in the result of Columbo analysis, but it's hard. Because in fact Columbo has already smelled the fish, so he's just deploying the trap, and you can't do anything but trying to make him looking somewhere else...
Making them suspicious is often what provokes them to make more mistakes, eg.. trying to conceal evidence, or prepare more fake evidence. It's part of the plan.
@@garryiglesias4074 not to mention that most people feel the fact that if you didn't start the conversation by asking for your lawyer, suddenly asking for them after the cop asks a certain specific question is EXTREMELY suspicious. Far more so than just demanding a lawyer present as soon as the cop walks up. They think they're in too deep to clam up now and play either the "I want my lawyer" card, or even worse the "am I being charged/detained" card. Just a little thing about TV cop dramas that spills over to the real world. Any attempt to introduce that as any sort of evidence would get overruled in a heartbeat, of course, but maybe if the prosecutor were clever enough they can slip that little tidbit in in a way the jury catches unofficially, which of course starts them to thinking.
@@POTUSJimmyCarter BTW: Thank you, this is another opportunity to see again this scene which is one of my favorite ones.
In real life when a "person of interest" has to keep revising their story to account for new evidence it's very suspicious.
2 lifelong close friends going head to head.-------------so much fun !
Peter is the only one who could do this role! He was fantastic!!!!
He said speedometer; he meant odometer. That actually makes it more realistic as we all goof in conversations... We knew what he meant.
That was an epic "just one more thing"
Leaves his cigar on an expensive piano
Yeah, ha!
LMAO.
and also drags a typewriter around on the expensive piano
How do you know it's an expensive piano? I don't think the concert hall would put an expensive piano outside where bugs and leaves can get into it.
The orchestra is set up for the performances so we would assume it is going to be a good Piano. In reality it probably is a cheap one.
Just one more thing. R.I.P.
@Mr Fishfinger ?
No way you can get to anywhere from The Hollywood Bowl in 3 1/2 minutes! 😂
John Cassavetes was a great actor!
I love it how the "Conductor" hides his annoyance with the "Piano Playing" Columbo....while he is playing this simple tune....
Playing Chopsticks on a maestro's piano, what an insult. What he's saying is you're a virtuoso musician but a beginner criminal, I'm a beginner musician but a virtuoso at catching criminals.
“Oh, just one more thing”. You knew he had been thinking about it all along but wanted to spring it on a suspect almost as it were an afterthought. Understated and brilliant acting by Peter Falk who’s characterization of Lieutenant Columbine won him six Emmy awards over the life of the series.
Yeah, it's to catch them off guard when they had the relief of finally getting rid of him. Nope! One more thing!
Falk and Casavetes had great chemistry, to bad they didn't do another episode or two.......................Cassavetes died over 30 years ago in 1989 but his wife Gena Rowlands is still alive as of today.
Sharply directed by Nicholas Colasanto (he was 'coach' on cheers) wonderful interaction between Peter Falk and John Cassavettes who was Falk's director in his experimental, powerful films.
I had seen that Nicholas Colasanto directed two of my favorite Columbo episodes. This one and “Swan Song” with Johnny Cash. Both very well done!!!!
My favorite Colombo episode. Cassavetes is such a fantastic actor.