Pleasance plays Adrian Carsini the owner of a vineyard and there is nothing more important to him that producing, buying and selling fine wine. When his half-brother, Ric (Gary Conway) tells him he intends to sell the land, Donald kills him immediately. Now what makes this a great episode for me is not the cleverness in proving his guilt (although there are few good twists) but the camaraderie established between the two characters. Although there are many fine guest appearances on COLUMBO, this is the best for me because it's quieter and more charming than most of them. The final scene between the two actors is almost as sweet as Bogie and Bergman saying goodbye in CASABLANCA.
This was one of Falk's favorite episodes.
What is your favorite episode?
9 comments:
One of the most popular episodes with fan/buff viewers, as well...and the ending of this one is certainly one of the best.
I am somewhat perversely fond of the Patrick McGoohan as spy episode, "Identity Crisis", not least the conversation between Columbo and Barbara Rhoades's amusement-park photographer, Joyce--even though it's clearly not-brilliantly edited from several takes.
Also like the Dick Van Dyke episode, in part for some of the incidental business, such as a soup-kitchen nun hoping to get Columbo at least a better coat.
I also like the one with John Cassavetes-Etude in Black a lot. My husband adored this show.
I loved this show, Patti! Thanks for the reminder. And I remember how great the guest stars were. The show certainly did attract some good ones!
The list is impressive indeed.
Great minds think alike! I've always loved Any Old Port in a Storm. Just a brilliant scheme and wonderful performances. I just picked up a number of COLUMBO DVDs recently. With this latest snowstorm about it hit us, this might be the weekend to just stay home and watch old COLUMBO episodes.
"Any Old Port in a Storm" is one of my favorite Columbo episodes, too. Another is "Negative Reaction," in which Dick Van Dyke plays a renowned photographer who slays his wife and then blames her demise on a kidnapping gone wrong. There's a terrific "gotcha" scene at the end.
Cheers,
Jeff
I will put it on my list. I have one with Martin Landau playing twins up next. Of course, I saw all of these at least once.
Jeff cites one of mine...also interesting because it features Joanna Cameron in one of her few roles beyond "Isis", in her Saturday-morning live-action series paired with the '70s Captain Marvel/SHAZAM! half-hour on CBS. (Her telefilm, IT COULDN'T HAPPEN TO A NICER GUY, has her playing a rapist, for laffs, Fire your agent.)
Are you caching them on Amazon Freeview (with ads) or on something less irritating? he Landau episode has some dodgy editing, as well...
I am watching them on Peacock. Too many commercials after the first 20 minutes. I will ditch it once Poker Face is over.
Post a Comment