Details

Release year: 1971

Storyline

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

Top credits

Cast

Peter Falk — Columbo, Lt. Columbo
Mike Lally — Bartender, Police Photographer, Security Guard, 2nd Bartender, Cab Driver, Campaign Worker, Charlie, Club Member, Cop with Orange Juice, Detective, Frank, Fruit Seller, Man Tallying Figures, Man in Bank Vault, Man in Line, Man in Photo, Man in Snack Bar, Michael Lally, Old Man in Alley, Parking Lot Guard, Party Guest, Scientist, Sgt. George Carter, Tram Operator, Waiter
Dianne Travis — Blonde At Birthday Of Mrs Hayward, Blonde In Road, Blonde Instructor, Board Member, Club Member, Executive, Lady Scientist
Bruce Kirby — Sergeant George Kramer, Lab Attendant Doug, TV Repairman

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Awards

13 wins & 26 nominations

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Did you know

• Columbo's wardrobe consisted of Peter Falk's own clothes, including the high-topped shoes and shabby suit. Falk bought the famous raincoat, which first appeared in "Prescription: Murder (1968)," for $15 in 1967, when he got caught in a New York City rainstorm. A life-long cigarette smoker, Falk added the cigar as a personal touch.

• The original plan was for a new episode to air every week, which would have meant shooting an episode every five days. As a motion picture star, Peter Falk refused to commit to such a busy schedule. The network arranged for the Columbo segments to air once a month on Wednesday nights.

• Peter Falk frequently added in unscripted improvisations such as asking for a pencil, searching for something in his pockets, asking a character to repeat something, rambling about irrelevant trivialities, or adding in a line about Mrs. Columbo. Falk did this to frustrate and annoy his fellow actor (usually the suspect) and generate a genuine "get to the point" moment.