Motion Pictures: The Irresistible Allure of "Columbo": Why You Can't Just Watch One

Unveiling the secrets behind the trench coat—An exploration of the classic American TV series "Columbo," from the irresistibly flawed characters to fascinating trivia.

From its unique storytelling technique to the iconic rumpled detective in a trench coat, "Columbo" has captured the hearts of viewers around the world. Read on to discover the captivating details about this American TV classic that first graced our screens in 1968. With 69 episodes, numerous awards, and a host of guest stars, there's more than one reason to become utterly engrossed in the world of "Columbo."

Ah, "Columbo," the show that makes us all feel like amateur detectives—except we're not as clever as the rumpled sleuth himself, Lieutenant Columbo! As you pop open a bag of crisps and nestle into your favourite chair, you might wonder what makes this show as enduring as a detective's unshakable hunch. 

So, let's take a magnifying glass to "Columbo" and uncover some clues.

Origins and Longevity

The show originated from a 1960 episode of the anthology series "The Chevy Mystery Show" but didn't formally start until 1968. It ran initially until 1978, but such was its appeal that it was revived in 1989 and ran sporadically until 2003.

Format

"Columbo" flipped the script—literally—on how murder mysteries were told. The show introduced the "howcatchem," a spin-off from the "whodunit," where the perpetrator is revealed at the beginning, and the suspense is in how they get caught. You'd think it'd spoil the surprise, but it only added to the thrill!

Star Performer

Peter Falk didn't just play Columbo; he was Columbo. It's hard to imagine anyone else in the role, isn't it? Falk was nominated for an Emmy Award for this role a whopping ten times, winning five.

Little-Known Facts

The Trench Coat: The coat was actually Peter Falk's own. It almost deserves a credit in the show!

Columbo's Car: That shabby Peugeot 403 convertible? Also picked by Falk. He wanted Columbo to drive something as unique as he was. It was common knowledge that Peugeot wasn't that happy about how Columbo took care of his 403, or lack thereof, as his car was always dirty, had a patched paint job and seemed to smoke regularly.

First Name: Columbo's first name is never revealed in the show, adding an air of mystique. However, eagle-eyed fans note that it's mentioned as "Frank" on his badge in some episodes.

Dog's Name: Columbo’s dog was aptly named “Dog.” A Basset Hound with no pedigree but tonnes of charm—much like Columbo himself.

Famous Guest Stars: The Star-Studded Universe of "Columbo" (The following list is not even all of them!)

1. Leonard Nimoy - Most famous for his role as Spock in "Star Trek."
2. William Shatner - Another "Star Trek" legend.
3. Johnny Cash - The Man in Black himself!
4. Robert Culp - Appeared in multiple episodes as different characters.
5. Jack Cassidy - Another recurring face, usually as the smug antagonist.
6. Ricardo Montalban - Known for "Fantasy Island," among other roles.
7. Martin Landau - Academy Award-winning actor.
8. Donald Pleasence - Known for "Halloween" and "The Great Escape."
9. Faye Dunaway - Oscar-winning actress.
10. Ruth Gordon - Academy Award-winning actress.
11. Ray Milland - An Oscar winner, appeared in "Dial M for Murder."
12. Vincent Price - The master of horror!
13. Patrick McGoohan - Also directed several episodes.
14. Leslie Nielsen - Known for his comedy, but played it straight in "Columbo."
15. Dick Van Dyke - A versatile actor and comedian.
16. Peter Falk - Of course, the irreplaceable Lieutenant himself!

Cultural Impact

The series has left an indelible mark on pop culture, inspiring everything from parodies to college courses dissecting its narrative style.

Why Watch?

Beyond the intricate plots, "Columbo" allows us a peek into the human psyche, revealing how overconfidence can be one's undoing. And who can resist that catchphrase, "Just one more thing," right before he catches the culprit?

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of "Columbo," where every episode serves a new lesson in crime and punishment—with a dash of good humour and suspense. After all, much like the lieutenant himself, once you start, you just can't leave a mystery unsolved!

More Little-Known Facts:

The Cigar: Columbo's cigar wasn't just a prop; it was a core element of his character. But regulations at the time limited how often he could be shown smoking it on screen.

Spousal Mystery: Columbo often mentions his wife but she's never shown. This led to speculation and even an ill-fated spin-off series, "Mrs. Columbo," which didn’t fare well and is generally disowned by the fan community.

Hidden Talents: Peter Falk was not just an actor but also an accomplished artist. Some of his sketches were even used as props in episodes of "Columbo."

Columbo's Ancestry: The detective occasionally mentioned his Italian background, a nod to Peter Falk's own family history.

Wardrobe Malfunctions: Peter Falk's glass eye led to a subtle but characteristic squint, and he’d occasionally put his shoes on the wrong feet to heighten Columbo's idiosyncratic image.

Different Directors: Over the years, the show featured a variety of directors, including a young Steven Spielberg, who directed an episode early in his career, dipping his toes into the waters of "Columbo" before diving into the ocean of Hollywood blockbusters! Spielberg directed the episode titled "Murder by the Book," which was the first regular episode of the series, following the two pilot episodes. It originally aired on September 15, 1971. The episode was written by Steven Bochco, another name who later gained fame in television. It's like a who's who of up-and-comers, isn't it?

Spielberg's touch is evident in the episode, with some pretty slick camera work and storytelling techniques that hinted at the great director he would become. If you haven't seen it, you may find it's a particularly riveting episode in a series full of gems. A little sprinkle of Spielberg magic, you might say!

Awards and Accolades:

• Golden Globe Glory: Aside from Emmys, Peter Falk bagged two Golden Globes for his role. The show itself also won the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Drama in 1973.
• Edgar Awards: The show was honoured with two Edgar Awards by the Mystery Writers of America for Best Episode in a TV Series.

More Episode Facts:

• Total Count: There were 69 episodes over 10 seasons, including the pilot. This doesn’t include the two pilots that predated the official start of the series.
• Run Time: Episodes usually ran for about 90 minutes (including commercials), making each feel like a mini-movie.
• Last Appearance: The final episode, "Columbo Likes the Nightlife," aired in January 2003. It involved a murder in the world of modern rave and club culture, showing that Columbo could adapt with the times.

Impact Abroad:

"Columbo" found a global audience and was particularly popular in countries like France and Japan, where the detective's analytical methods were likened to those of Zen masters. In France, he's known as "l'Inspecteur Columbo," (yes, that is how it's written: "l'Inspecteur Columbo." Quite snazzy, if you ask me!) and the show has been a staple of French TV for years.

So, as you can see, Columbo isn't just a show; it's a phenomenon, a cultural puzzle waiting for you to put the pieces together. Fancy another episode, do you? Well, "just one more thing" — make it a double feature!

Cheers to more intriguing evenings with Lieutenant Columbo.