You know, I love when Columbo shows just, kindness to the murderers he comes across. He recognizes that sometimes, people just feel trapped and threatened, and like a cornered animal they lash out to protect themselves or what they love. And for those killers, he always shows them kindness, not forgiveness because murder is murder, but kindness and understanding.
Depends. Im sure he has no repect for some... im thinking of the guy who run the gym franchises, Milo Janus. He was guning for him by the end... one of my favourites that episode.
What makes these moments special is that they are rare. Including this one I can think of four cases where Columbo was genuinely kind to the murderers without putting on an act. Makes him all the more likeable frankly. He sees people as people, understands them and at times respects them.
Aww me too. You can always tell the ones Columbo admired and respected like this one. And you can always tell the ones he doesn't like and takes pleasure in busting. Like the fitness guy who changed his victims clothes. But even then Columbo shows his respect for smartness. When he says to him you did something else and I give you credit for this. I hate cops but I love Columbo. All his shows are never a who dunnit but a how did he do it. As quoted by the man himself
"Pity. I would have liked it to have been a record." That entire excahnge beforehand illustrates everything you need to know about these two characters: Carsini is an extravagant perfectionist (wanting to be undone by some extreme factor he didn't take into account) and Columbo is so thorough and understanding he even looked up weather data for the last century just because he knew Carsini would probably ask about it.
A masterstroke of acting by Donald Pleasence. He played Carsini as a man with a short fuse, ill-tempered at times. In this final scene though, the fact that he had to destroy what was basically his life's work as well as the fact that he actually liked Columbo made him react with a chuckle at himself after realizing he gave himself away. Perfect ending, made the character whole.
Why did he have to destroy the wines? Even if they went bad, he can still refuse to serve them. Or if he wants to destroy them, he can simply pour them down the drain as if he drank them over time. And what I don't get is why the wine going bad would be incriminating? How does that link him to the murder?
@@walden6272 Because he tied his brother up and left him to suffocate in the wine cellar, with the door closed. With the door closed, the cellar grew warm and spoiled the wine as well as killed the brother. A connoisseur would never let that happen, not unless... **Dramatic music** ...murder is afoot.
@@ryans756 I've read that even if the cellar did get as hot as it was supposed to, that wouldn't have been enough to damage the wines.... Still a fine ending to a fine episode, though.
@@rtpoe Way back when I talked to two liquor store owners I knew about this. They told me that the heat may or may not have damaged the wines. It would have been on a case by case basis. However, they did point out that the older the wine the more vulnerable it would be and it seems like much of Carsini's cellar was full of older wines. Also, they pointed out that most laypeople wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Then again, Carsini had a "very delicate palette".
This is one of the better endings, and it's due to the actors. Donald Pleasence and Peter Falk gave nuanced, brilliantly performed characters and I wish they'd have used Pleasence in another episode
His talent was wasted in an episode of that awful so-called spinoff, Mrs. Columbo. I watched it on RUclips just because I like Pleasence so much (and Kate Mulgrew for that matter. Just a bad show based on a bad premise. Falk never supported it).
@@lisawilliams2013 I have the Columbo series on DVD, and some have a bonus of the tv series Mrs. Columbo, so yes I have seen that series. But still I like the characters.
This time period California still used the gas chamber for executions. Possible that all of Columbo’s culprits were executed rather than locked up given the crime.
This murderer was the one that Columbo admired the most. You could tell they both liked each other, despite being on opposite sides of the law. Also note that Pleasance is holding the wine glass correctly, by the stem, as any wine connoisseur would. Columbo holds it by the top of the glass. The reason for holding it by the stem is to avoid the body heat of the hands warming up the wine, slightly altering the taste. Columbo just doesn't know this, and Pleasance just doesn't care at that point.
Also, observe that Pleasance carefully sips his wine, while Columbo downs the whole glass in a single motion, the act of which causes him to laugh, perhaps at the absurdity of the situation.
@AsdfAsdf-uo1rj another reason why Columbo downed the wine quickly: he was about to drive Corsini to the police. He'll savor it for a few seconds, but he'll still perform his duty while giving Corsini the opportunity to savor the rest of the bottle on the road.
Columbo respects excellence wherever he finds it. He also seemed to have a soft spot for Col. Rumford in "By Dawn's Early Light" - another lonely man who's whole life revolved around his career.
Yes. Columbo's line about "the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me" brought a tear to my eye. Falk had a wide range and I loved it all. E.g. His rant about 'Take!' as violent Abe Reles in "Murder, Inc." The clip is here on RUclips.
I imagine it was due to being a desperate man faced with a terrible situation. I mean, if you'd spent your life making fine wines that were works of art in themselves, and your half-brother planned to sell the vineyard to some soulless corporation that churned out cheap plonk, you'd probably driven to desperation too. And of course, that bitter cherry sat on top of a spunk sundae when said half-brother kept splashing out on expensive cars, then had the sheer nerve to be tired of *_Adrian's_* indulgences as an artist of the vine. Even if Adrian's methods were questionable at best, Rick probably got what was coming to him.
I remember watching this with my parents back in 1973 when it was first broadcast. We all thought it was the best-ever episode of Columbo, and I still feel the same way today.
I love the little detail that he actually did look up the weather records and had the answer right there. 🤣 Peter Falk or Columbo ... both where unbeatable.
That is what's wonderful about Columbo. When he identifies with his prey, understands what happened, understands him, Columbo's empathy is just wonderful. Donald Pleasence's Carsini is one; Johnny Cash's Tommy Brown is another. And when Columbo has a reason to despise or even hate his prey, his anger is just as palpable.
@@KutWrite Yes, he was the murderer in three or four original episodes (directing most), and one from the revival series. McGoohan is fantastic every time.
While the villains in Columbo always motivate him to learn new things, this one has the distinction of giving Columbo some positive growth. In this case, embracing the Italian wine heritage.
„I guess … freedom is purely relative…“ To me that‘s my favorite line from the whole show. The way Donald Pleasance presented that line was absolutely brillant, somewhere between disillusion, despair and relief altogether, leading to him as one of the few villains to feel a little bit sorry for.
This is my favorite Columbo episode. It also has one of favorite lines. When Donald Pleasance said "Marino Borthers!? Marino Brothers!? They don't make good wine. They don't even make good mouthwash!" Which is what I say whenever I encounter sub-par wine. In my opinion, for whatever it's worth, I consider this the best episode in the best television series ever aired. "Columbo" is the show that all television shows should be judged.
I can't resist picturing a "Deleted Scene" at the end where Columbo tells Carsini that the Marino Brothers wanted to by his winery so they could launch a new line of better, more "upscale" wines....
I love it when he asks about the weather and if it was some kind of record, as you can just sense his brain starting to process that he's been caught for real.
A bittersweet ending. I remember this particular ending so vividly. Such mutual respect for each other in these two characters, understanding and most of all admiration for Wine!
I watched Columbo when it was first on, this episode too - and though I've never watched any Columbo at all since, _this_ episode with the brilliant trap, for the one guy in the country who can prove the wine was damaged who was himself the perp, has been clear in my mind all of these years. This one, and the Fugu poison one. Oh, and the one where he has some concrete pilings for a building under construction dug out at great trouble and expense only to provide the perp with a perfect place to hide the missing body. Those three episodes are at the top of any list with any cop/detective show since!
One of the MANY great things about Lt. Columbo was how respectful and non confrontational he was with his suspects. ALWAYS called them "sir" or "mame" even when arresting them. My Dad always admired that quality. (Of course his suspects were never the dregs of society.) I wish real cops would have taken their cues from "Columbo" instead of the likes of "Elliot Stabler" and such.
He was usually that way with most suspects but he was confrontational at times and it was clear he despised them. Characters played by Robert Conrad, Louis Jordan, and Leonard Nimoy were among these.
To think, a professional wine conasior(don't know if I spelt it right) was taken down by his own knowledge of wine, proving that a great strength can also be a great weakness.
Connoisseur,I looked on the dictionary to find the right spelling,that's a hard word LOL.Yes,Carsini's expertise in wine is exactly what gave him away.Something similar happens in "Negative Reaction",the killer knew about cameras and got arrested by Columbo.
@@mkassis713 having watched columbo over and over again. Its almost like a scooby doo formula... Columbo is always the scruffy, dishevelled, abscent minded fool. Always pinching ppls pencils. The Villian is always a ego maniac, narcissist, wealthy know it all who looks down on the foolish detective. The dynamics this creates gives it this entertaining tension.
Peter Falk has apparently said this was his favorite episode of the entire show and he enjoyed working with Donald Pleasence, the two had such great chemistry together.
It was honestly really refreshing to see Donald as this character. I think I've only ever seen him in fairly unnuanced, stereotypical Bond villian overlord type parts before. I think he did a good job. To see him emotional, afraid, vulnerable, regret-filled, despondent, even on the verge of tears, rather than just stoically committed to some overtly evil massive plan to take over the world...very against type.
Only recently found out that he served in the RAF in WWII & was shot down & captured in 1944. Must have made his role in The Great Escape so much more personal.
And like Columbo said of the wine bottle he stole from his cellar and brought to the restaurant, only Carsini would’ve known it was compromised, as shown when the swanky restaurant waiter and chef both tasted it after they left, and showed no reaction to it being spoiled.
Fruit of a poison tree. All evidence and statements obtained from stolen property would be unusable in a prosecution. Colombo technically committed a 4th A violation when he took property. Without a warrant allowing him to seize private property the chain of evidence would be invalidated.
"You learn very well" is a really outstanding compliment to give someone. It conveys respect and admiration, almost begrudgingly so, from someone who considers themselves excellent at something and who thought the complemented never could be. It's an earned complement. Mind you, the person doesn't have to be actually excellent at that thing. The true compliment is how far you've risen in their esteem. Casually excellent writing.
When Carsini remarks that his confession to the murder is "a great load off (his) mind," Columbo asks why, presumably since he hadn't detected any discernible burden up to that point. Adrian then explains how Karen, his dour secretary, was going to effectively blackmail him in return for her silence 😏
A really beautiful detail in this scene is Columbo recording the weather records in his notebook to accommodate the murderer’s curiosity. He was always a man of empathy.
@@mkassis713 perhaps he was? never really thought of it however, he was such an “artisan”(as one commenter aptly put) he likely never had time nor inclination, to carry out a relationship with a male or female? Even though not premeditated, if he was willing to kill and elaborately coverup the murder in order to keep his family’s company, tells us that the guy probably doesn’t even golf or play cards in his leisurely time?
Fantastic episode. Not my #1 but easily in the Top 10 and likely Top 5. Donald Pleasence overall was spectacular and the restaurant scene is memorable.
I am born in 1985, so I just stumbled across Columbo later in life and have seen some scattered epsiodes (some in part, some full), as I caught them on TV. Now I have the DVD set and am making my way through. This has to be one of my favorite episodes thus far. Imagine the hype, when I saw Dr. Loomis appearing in Columbo! He makes for such a memorable villain. Because he didn't really plan to do it and seemed like such an unlikely type to kill somebody (which, in a way, turns out he was). That is also why the dynamic between him and Columbo is so different and cordial pretty much through the entire episode. And the ending just hits all the right notes.
“Mind if I smoke?” That line and Donald then saying “no”. My favorite part. DP seems even more confused that Columbo is still extending him courtesy even though, I assume, he knows Columbo figured it out.
What a great series this was. Clever episodes and a central character who endeared himself to the audience. Not to mention Peter Falk himself. A master of his craft.
Three sublime stars in this clip. The always wonderful Peter Falk. British brilliance in Donald Pleasence. And the Gallic charm of the Peugeot 403 cabriolet.
Columbo was a fantastic character and his films were superb. They really stand out compared to today. No car chases or shoot outs, just a contest of wits and intelligence. And the characters feel so much more real.
Surely one of the joys for Peter Falk of playing the Columbo character for so many years was that he got to work closely with many wonderful actors and actresses, like Donald Pleasance in this episode.
Something Columbo has shown a fair number of times that im not sure ive seen in other crime shows is when the killer getting caught, and not only resigning to their fate, but expressing a sort of relief of getting caught. That the weight of keeping the secret of their crime was gone and they could simply accept the punishment to come.
Yep, that’s what made this series so great. Each murderer all had different modus operandi, greed, blackmail, extortion, revenge, power etc however, there are a few cases in which the audience feels sympathy for? In this particular case, it was more like self preservation, as Carsini just told Columbo that the vineyard and factory was his life, and wouldn’t let some partying, philandering half brother playboy, take it all away from him, just because he needs more party/alimony money. The “Dawns Early Night” episode was very similar, in which the Colonel of an all boys Military College(played masterfully by the late Patrick McGoohan) was also forced to commit murder in order to preserve his lifelong endeavour, and potential closing of the school. What’s interesting, is how both of those men stated that they would do it again, if it meant to protect the greater good.
My all-time favorite Columbo moment. I love it even better than the "I kept meeting smart people" speech in the Mensa one. It's such a simple moment, but it explains the man so well. "You've learned very well, Lieutenant." "Thank you, sir. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me." To him, that really was the highest compliment you could pay him.
A beautiful scene and superbly acted by both men. There's a small niggle, which is the mid dialogue edit at 1:17. It must have impeded on the general pace of the denouement, so they chopped it out.
This is my Favorite Columbo episode: Any Old Port in a Storm. My whole family watched Columbo, together. Mom and Dad, 2 brother's, 4 sister's. I miss those days.
This show attracted some top acting talent: in these short extracts from full episodes I've seen Ricardo Montalban, Nicol Williamson (fine Shakespearian actor), Patrick McGoohan and now Donald Pleasence. Johnny Cash was in one episode. Peter Falk matched them in his screen presence and the writers were ingenious, although many murders in real life are messy, impulsive crimes which wouldn't need Columbo to solve them.
I'm new to the show, but this episode really did it for me. Although Columbo is great at his job, every case he's looked down upon. This guy gave him respect, and they share a nice moment. Bittersweet.
You know, I love when Columbo shows just, kindness to the murderers he comes across. He recognizes that sometimes, people just feel trapped and threatened, and like a cornered animal they lash out to protect themselves or what they love. And for those killers, he always shows them kindness, not forgiveness because murder is murder, but kindness and understanding.
Depends. Im sure he has no repect for some... im thinking of the guy who run the gym franchises, Milo Janus. He was guning for him by the end... one of my favourites that episode.
@@armondtanz There were a few others who you could tell Columbo had absolute contempt for
@Baox, that's one of the things I love most about Columbo.
What makes these moments special is that they are rare. Including this one I can think of four cases where Columbo was genuinely kind to the murderers without putting on an act. Makes him all the more likeable frankly. He sees people as people, understands them and at times respects them.
Aww me too. You can always tell the ones Columbo admired and respected like this one. And you can always tell the ones he doesn't like and takes pleasure in busting. Like the fitness guy who changed his victims clothes. But even then Columbo shows his respect for smartness. When he says to him you did something else and I give you credit for this. I hate cops but I love Columbo. All his shows are never a who dunnit but a how did he do it. As quoted by the man himself
"Pity. I would have liked it to have been a record."
That entire excahnge beforehand illustrates everything you need to know about these two characters: Carsini is an extravagant perfectionist (wanting to be undone by some extreme factor he didn't take into account) and Columbo is so thorough and understanding he even looked up weather data for the last century just because he knew Carsini would probably ask about it.
I think Carsini took a shine to Columbo precisely because he recognized that beneath the shabby appearance Columbo is also a perfectionist.
@@rdrrrMore the fact that he recognise that Columbo is the master at spotting micro details.
A masterstroke of acting by Donald Pleasence. He played Carsini as a man with a short fuse, ill-tempered at times. In this final scene though, the fact that he had to destroy what was basically his life's work as well as the fact that he actually liked Columbo made him react with a chuckle at himself after realizing he gave himself away.
Perfect ending, made the character whole.
Why did he have to destroy the wines? Even if they went bad, he can still refuse to serve them. Or if he wants to destroy them, he can simply pour them down the drain as if he drank them over time. And what I don't get is why the wine going bad would be incriminating? How does that link him to the murder?
@@walden6272 Because he tied his brother up and left him to suffocate in the wine cellar, with the door closed. With the door closed, the cellar grew warm and spoiled the wine as well as killed the brother. A connoisseur would never let that happen, not unless... **Dramatic music** ...murder is afoot.
@@ryans756 I've read that even if the cellar did get as hot as it was supposed to, that wouldn't have been enough to damage the wines.... Still a fine ending to a fine episode, though.
Such a great actor. I love him in everything I've seen him in, even if the film is not good (not saying this episode isn't good, it's great).
@@rtpoe Way back when I talked to two liquor store owners I knew about this. They told me that the heat may or may not have damaged the wines. It would have been on a case by case basis. However, they did point out that the older the wine the more vulnerable it would be and it seems like much of Carsini's cellar was full of older wines. Also, they pointed out that most laypeople wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway. Then again, Carsini had a "very delicate palette".
This is one of the better endings, and it's due to the actors. Donald Pleasence and Peter Falk gave nuanced, brilliantly performed characters and I wish they'd have used Pleasence in another episode
His talent was wasted in an episode of that awful so-called spinoff, Mrs. Columbo. I watched it on RUclips just because I like Pleasence so much (and Kate Mulgrew for that matter. Just a bad show based on a bad premise. Falk never supported it).
@@lisawilliams2013 I have the Columbo series on DVD, and some have a bonus of the tv series Mrs. Columbo, so yes I have seen that series. But still I like the characters.
@@lisawilliams2013 That is an accurate description of Mrs. Columbo. So much wrong with it, but not the talent attached.
@@TheWasif Indeed.
great show !
The only murderer I can genuinely see Columbo visiting in the prison. Briliant indeed
I wonder if he ever did visit anyone in prison
@@kevino4372 That would be an interesting episode
Columbo won't need to visit Kay Freeman (the lovely and incredible Trish Van Devere) because she might have won, as she surmised.
He would not be convicted in the first place. Spoiled wine as your main evidence would not convict anyone
This time period California still used the gas chamber for executions. Possible that all of Columbo’s culprits were executed rather than locked up given the crime.
This murderer was the one that Columbo admired the most. You could tell they both liked each other, despite being on opposite sides of the law. Also note that Pleasance is holding the wine glass correctly, by the stem, as any wine connoisseur would. Columbo holds it by the top of the glass. The reason for holding it by the stem is to avoid the body heat of the hands warming up the wine, slightly altering the taste. Columbo just doesn't know this, and Pleasance just doesn't care at that point.
Also, observe that Pleasance carefully sips his wine, while Columbo downs the whole glass in a single motion, the act of which causes him to laugh, perhaps at the absurdity of the situation.
@@AsdfAsdf-uo1rjand then he decided “oh what the hell and downs the rest. Truly a subtle and nuanced performance
He also liked and admired Johnny Cash in "Swan Song".
@AsdfAsdf-uo1rj another reason why Columbo downed the wine quickly: he was about to drive Corsini to the police. He'll savor it for a few seconds, but he'll still perform his duty while giving Corsini the opportunity to savor the rest of the bottle on the road.
Columbo respects excellence wherever he finds it. He also seemed to have a soft spot for Col. Rumford in "By Dawn's Early Light" - another lonely man who's whole life revolved around his career.
There was clearly genuine respect between the two characters, That's why this is my favourite episode.
It was Peter Falk's favorite too.
Yes. Columbo's line about "the nicest thing anybody's ever said to me" brought a tear to my eye.
Falk had a wide range and I loved it all. E.g. His rant about 'Take!' as violent Abe Reles in "Murder, Inc." The clip is here on RUclips.
"Freedom is purely relative". True statement if I ever heard one.
A bird in a gilded cage is still caged.
This killer was rated the one the audience felt most compassion for.
Yeah. I could see that. Johnny Cash also. Even I wanted to kill his wife in that one lol.
I imagine it was due to being a desperate man faced with a terrible situation. I mean, if you'd spent your life making fine wines that were works of art in themselves, and your half-brother planned to sell the vineyard to some soulless corporation that churned out cheap plonk, you'd probably driven to desperation too. And of course, that bitter cherry sat on top of a spunk sundae when said half-brother kept splashing out on expensive cars, then had the sheer nerve to be tired of *_Adrian's_* indulgences as an artist of the vine.
Even if Adrian's methods were questionable at best, Rick probably got what was coming to him.
I remember watching this with my parents back in 1973 when it was first broadcast. We all thought it was the best-ever episode of Columbo, and I still feel the same way today.
I love the little detail that he actually did look up the weather records and had the answer right there. 🤣
Peter Falk or Columbo ... both where unbeatable.
This is one of my all-time favorite episodes I just love the chemistry between Peter Falk and Donald Pleasence. May they both Rip🙏
I think my favorite Pleasance role was as "SEN" in "THX-1138."
That is what's wonderful about Columbo. When he identifies with his prey, understands what happened, understands him, Columbo's empathy is just wonderful. Donald Pleasence's Carsini is one; Johnny Cash's Tommy Brown is another.
And when Columbo has a reason to despise or even hate his prey, his anger is just as palpable.
I seem to remember Patrick McGoohan as a villain on this show. Is that true?
@@KutWrite Yes, he was the murderer in three or four original episodes (directing most), and one from the revival series. McGoohan is fantastic every time.
@@kali3665 I just found a couple. Thanks.
I also think he reads the script to find out whodunit.
@@KutWrite Patrick McGoohan was in 3 or 4 episodes. In one he kills Leslie Nielson, who was in more than one episode and very good as well.
While the villains in Columbo always motivate him to learn new things, this one has the distinction of giving Columbo some positive growth.
In this case, embracing the Italian wine heritage.
Still Columbo can't sing.
@@drbonesshow1 😂 good one!
Russ Columbo did sing.
@@gianca60 whoosh!
More french and Portuguese wines lol
"I guess that freedom is purely relative"...truer words have never been spoken.
And he had killed his closest relative ... ohhhh ho ho ho ho ho ho ho ho.
„I guess … freedom is purely relative…“ To me that‘s my favorite line from the whole show. The way Donald Pleasance presented that line was absolutely brillant, somewhere between disillusion, despair and relief altogether, leading to him as one of the few villains to feel a little bit sorry for.
I love Donald Pleasence. This was a great episode, and a great ending.
"Freedom is purely relative" - a gem of a line.
This is my favorite Columbo episode. It also has one of favorite lines. When Donald Pleasance said "Marino Borthers!? Marino Brothers!? They don't make good wine. They don't even make good mouthwash!" Which is what I say whenever I encounter sub-par wine.
In my opinion, for whatever it's worth, I consider this the best episode in the best television series ever aired. "Columbo" is the show that all television shows should be judged.
My fav ep. too, it was also Peter Falk's favourite episode to film.
I can't resist picturing a "Deleted Scene" at the end where Columbo tells Carsini that the Marino Brothers wanted to by his winery so they could launch a new line of better, more "upscale" wines....
But what about the Super Marino Brothers? ;-)
0.69 a gallon Marino Bros?!
I love it when he asks about the weather and if it was some kind of record, as you can just sense his brain starting to process that he's been caught for real.
A bittersweet ending. I remember this particular ending so vividly. Such mutual respect for each other in these two characters, understanding and most of all admiration for Wine!
It is so awesome that Columbo sometimes gets attached to the killers and really respects them, not the murderer part , but the person behind it.
I believe this is my favorite episode. Donald Pleasance was a tremendous actor. This episode was gold through and through.
I watched Columbo when it was first on, this episode too - and though I've never watched any Columbo at all since, _this_ episode with the brilliant trap, for the one guy in the country who can prove the wine was damaged who was himself the perp, has been clear in my mind all of these years. This one, and the Fugu poison one. Oh, and the one where he has some concrete pilings for a building under construction dug out at great trouble and expense only to provide the perp with a perfect place to hide the missing body. Those three episodes are at the top of any list with any cop/detective show since!
Great actor indeed!
This is said to be Falk's favorite episode.
When I was little, I used to fall asleep at the foot of my moms bed as we both watched Columbo together. Such fond memories...
My mom used to watch this all the time too :'D
One of the MANY great things about Lt. Columbo was how respectful and non confrontational he was with his suspects. ALWAYS called them "sir" or "mame" even when arresting them. My Dad always admired that quality. (Of course his suspects were never the dregs of society.) I wish real cops would have taken their cues from "Columbo" instead of the likes of "Elliot Stabler" and such.
He was usually that way with most suspects but he was confrontational at times and it was clear he despised them. Characters played by Robert Conrad, Louis Jordan, and Leonard Nimoy were among these.
To think, a professional wine conasior(don't know if I spelt it right) was taken down by his own knowledge of wine, proving that a great strength can also be a great weakness.
Connoisseur,I looked on the dictionary to find the right spelling,that's a hard word LOL.Yes,Carsini's expertise in wine is exactly what gave him away.Something similar happens in "Negative Reaction",the killer knew about cameras and got arrested by Columbo.
@@mkassis713 having watched columbo over and over again. Its almost like a scooby doo formula...
Columbo is always the scruffy, dishevelled, abscent minded fool. Always pinching ppls pencils.
The Villian is always a ego maniac, narcissist, wealthy know it all who looks down on the foolish detective.
The dynamics this creates gives it this entertaining tension.
That is correct, but only if you're talking about champ agen. I certify this as the man with no name. Zapp Brannigan
Those were always my favorite Columbia episodes, when he used the murderer's own strengths to trick them into incriminating themselves
How did the wine going bad incriminate him? I don't get that part.
Two of the greatest actors this sad and evil world has produced together in one show. Priceless.
"....this sad and evil world " wow , hope things get better for you .
@@exitscreaming4637it is now. Back then not, but now certainly. We're 90 seconds before midnight
@@exitscreaming4637 Yes, when it disappears.
Peter Falk has apparently said this was his favorite episode of the entire show and he enjoyed working with Donald Pleasence, the two had such great chemistry together.
It was honestly really refreshing to see Donald as this character. I think I've only ever seen him in fairly unnuanced, stereotypical Bond villian overlord type parts before. I think he did a good job. To see him emotional, afraid, vulnerable, regret-filled, despondent, even on the verge of tears, rather than just stoically committed to some overtly evil massive plan to take over the world...very against type.
He's very definitely not a stereotypical Bond villain type in The Great Escape!
@@RJSRdg
I was about to mention that too. I loved The Great Escape.
He played a weak, effeminate character in Cul-de-sac.
Only recently found out that he served in the RAF in WWII & was shot down & captured in 1944. Must have made his role in The Great Escape so much more personal.
@@hlcdriver Yes, he apparently found filming quite difficult as the film set was so close to reality that it brought back unpleasant memories.
And like Columbo said of the wine bottle he stole from his cellar and brought to the restaurant, only Carsini would’ve known it was compromised, as shown when the swanky restaurant waiter and chef both tasted it after they left, and showed no reaction to it being spoiled.
Carsini was such an artisan he went to destroying a collection worth thousands, all over an imperfection only he could see.
Fruit of a poison tree. All evidence and statements obtained from stolen property would be unusable in a prosecution. Colombo technically committed a 4th A violation when he took property. Without a warrant allowing him to seize private property the chain of evidence would be invalidated.
Donald Pleasance, what a great actor.
nicest end scene in all Columbos...both understand and respect each other
Peter Falk and Donald Pleasence really were titans of acting.
"You learn very well" is a really outstanding compliment to give someone. It conveys respect and admiration, almost begrudgingly so, from someone who considers themselves excellent at something and who thought the complemented never could be. It's an earned complement.
Mind you, the person doesn't have to be actually excellent at that thing. The true compliment is how far you've risen in their esteem.
Casually excellent writing.
"I guess freedom is purely relative." What a great line!
The best episode of all time imo . Total masterpiece
It was also Peter's favorite episode that he filmed
When Carsini remarks that his confession to the murder is "a great load off (his) mind," Columbo asks why, presumably since he hadn't detected any discernible burden up to that point. Adrian then explains how Karen, his dour secretary, was going to effectively blackmail him in return for her silence 😏
... with marriage, if I recall correctly
In which case she'd probably get charged as well, since blackmail is illegal and knowing that would already make her an accessory.
lol, he'd rather go to prison than get married
@@aliali-ce3yf chateaux before hos
@@michaelwalsh9616 *heaux
Two consummate actors, together. Such class.
i just bought the entire DVD collection on Amazon - and watched this chepter- in my eyes, one of the best solving of Columbo
I am 55 and love watching 2 great actors...10,15 years,I will meet them...lol
Donald Pleasance has always been one of my favorite character actors...
Great chemistry between the actors.
Peter absolutely adored Donald and was so happy he did the show ❤😊
A really beautiful detail in this scene is Columbo recording the weather records in his notebook to accommodate the murderer’s curiosity. He was always a man of empathy.
Donald Pleasance gave totally everything he had in this episode. Such a great performance for a tv show.
Masterpiece!
Terrific episode of Columbo.
Donald Pleasence, great acting.
Not only a great story but probably one of each actor's best performances.
Beautifully acted, with Columbo showing both wit & humanity.
Everything about this episode was fantastic, the writing, the acting, the cinematography. Absolutely brilliant television 📺
Donald Pleasance was a true actor in every sense of the word. If you looked up actor in the dictionary they should put his picture as an example.
Carsini referring to Karen as "the iron maiden",he would rather confess and go to jail instead of marrying her and getting away with it.
Someone somewhere remarked that Carsini is a closeted gay, and the more I think on it, the more it fits.
@@nicholasschroeder3678 I was thinking the same thing while watching this episode,I think that the way he talks gives a hint,
@@mkassis713 perhaps he was? never really thought of it however, he was such an “artisan”(as one commenter aptly put) he likely never had time nor inclination, to carry out a relationship with a male or female?
Even though not premeditated, if he was willing to kill and elaborately coverup the murder in order to keep his family’s company, tells us that the guy probably doesn’t even golf or play cards in his leisurely time?
Fantastic episode. Not my #1 but easily in the Top 10 and likely Top 5. Donald Pleasence overall was spectacular and the restaurant scene is memorable.
This is one of the killers that he actually liked and empathized with.....same with Johnny Cash
"Just one more thing ..." is one of favourite lines from this series. I'm glad the writers had the good sense to keep it.
Always astonishes me how perfectly human this ending is. It's just so well written and acted. Learn a lot about Columbo in scenes like this.
Donald Pleasence so pure in his presentation with no vanity. Exceptional.
Such craftsmanship does not exist any longer.
I am born in 1985, so I just stumbled across Columbo later in life and have seen some scattered epsiodes (some in part, some full), as I caught them on TV. Now I have the DVD set and am making my way through. This has to be one of my favorite episodes thus far. Imagine the hype, when I saw Dr. Loomis appearing in Columbo!
He makes for such a memorable villain. Because he didn't really plan to do it and seemed like such an unlikely type to kill somebody (which, in a way, turns out he was). That is also why the dynamic between him and Columbo is so different and cordial pretty much through the entire episode. And the ending just hits all the right notes.
“Mind if I smoke?” That line and Donald then saying “no”. My favorite part. DP seems even more confused that Columbo is still extending him courtesy even though, I assume, he knows Columbo figured it out.
What a great series this was. Clever episodes and a
central character who endeared himself to the audience.
Not to mention Peter Falk himself. A master of his craft.
Sad, philosophical ending (also just). His "iron maiden" line makes me chuckle every time.
who knew he was into heavy metal.
This episode was one of my favorites
Me too !!!
Donald Pleasance was a superb actor!
I'm just amazed someone didn't whack Columbo at the end of one of these episodes. Particularly ones where he's alone with the murderer.
I love the response and it is perfect for his character - when told he learned very well. Everyone overlooks that fact.
Three sublime stars in this clip.
The always wonderful Peter Falk.
British brilliance in Donald Pleasence.
And the Gallic charm of the Peugeot 403 cabriolet.
Columbo was a fantastic character and his films were superb. They really stand out compared to today. No car chases or shoot outs, just a contest of wits and intelligence. And the characters feel so much more real.
My favorite episode …. excellent story and acting - A perfect Columbo 👍
Surely one of the joys for Peter Falk of playing the Columbo character for so many years was that he got to work closely with many wonderful actors and actresses, like Donald Pleasance in this episode.
TV legend Peter Faulk kept us all glued to the TV 👍👍👏👏👏
My favorite Columbo episode! Even though 150 degrees in a wine cellar seems a bit high.
115 sounds similar, and is probably more realistic. Although I always figured the point of a cellar is to keep things cool by insulation.
incidentally, it was Peter Falk's favourite episode to film
Rest in peace both of you great actors !
One of my favourite episodes. It's amazing how a cycloptic detective can see so much.
Donald Pleasence was marvelous in this episode.
One of those rare circumstances where sinner is more sympathetic than victim! Prob est columbo epi ever!
Something Columbo has shown a fair number of times that im not sure ive seen in other crime shows is when the killer getting caught, and not only resigning to their fate, but expressing a sort of relief of getting caught. That the weight of keeping the secret of their crime was gone and they could simply accept the punishment to come.
Rest in powerful peace Peter Falk 🙏
16 September 1927 ~
23 June 2011⚘
one of the best episodes, i wish peter falk was still alive soo they can have it on blu-ray so he peter can commentary on each episodes
One of the best episodes.
What a brilliant ending to one of my all time favourite columbo episodes.
I will watch anything with Peter Falk or Donald Pleasence. Having them together is brilliant.
This is one of my favorite episodes ..
Superb acting
Masterclass
Two absolute LEGENDS!…
One of my favorite episodes..
Another one of his less difficult less Pompice suspect. Humble. I still feel bad his beloved hobbie still got taken from him.
Yep, that’s what made this series so great. Each murderer all had different modus operandi, greed, blackmail, extortion, revenge, power etc however, there are a few cases in which the audience feels sympathy for?
In this particular case, it was more like self preservation, as Carsini just told Columbo that the vineyard and factory was his life, and wouldn’t let some partying, philandering half brother playboy, take it all away from him, just because he needs more party/alimony money.
The “Dawns Early Night” episode was very similar, in which the Colonel of an all boys Military College(played masterfully by the late Patrick McGoohan) was also forced to commit murder in order to preserve his lifelong endeavour, and potential closing of the school.
What’s interesting, is how both of those men stated that they would do it again, if it meant to protect the greater good.
This episode is one of my favourite, has 2 of my favourite actors in it
My all-time favorite Columbo moment. I love it even better than the "I kept meeting smart people" speech in the Mensa one. It's such a simple moment, but it explains the man so well.
"You've learned very well, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, sir. That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me."
To him, that really was the highest compliment you could pay him.
Donald Pleasence was truly an underrated actor! He also had the most amazing eyes!!!
A beautiful scene and superbly acted by both men.
There's a small niggle, which is the mid dialogue edit at 1:17. It must have impeded on the general pace of the denouement, so they chopped it out.
This is my Favorite Columbo episode: Any Old Port in a Storm. My whole family watched Columbo, together. Mom and Dad, 2 brother's, 4 sister's. I miss those days.
The Lieutenant proves his brilliance once again!!! 👌
One of my favorite episodes!
When I work I listen your channel . It relaxes me
This always brings a tear to my eye.
It’s heartbreaking.
This show attracted some top acting talent: in these short extracts from full episodes I've seen Ricardo Montalban, Nicol Williamson (fine Shakespearian actor), Patrick McGoohan and now Donald Pleasence. Johnny Cash was in one episode. Peter Falk matched them in his screen presence and the writers were ingenious, although many murders in real life are messy, impulsive crimes which wouldn't need Columbo to solve them.
Columbo ... the very definition of dont judge a book by its cover
Never will be another Columbo in real life or TV Class act at the end with the wine
Two terrific actors helped make this one of the very best Columbo episodes..well done sir on another great video.
Such great acting! And a great script!
"That is a fine dessert wine."
You might say he got his "just desserts."
I'm new to the show, but this episode really did it for me. Although Columbo is great at his job, every case he's looked down upon. This guy gave him respect, and they share a nice moment. Bittersweet.