A Lack Of Conscience Was What Gave Her Away | Columbo

Season 1 "Ransom For a Dead Man" A brilliant tort attorney gets rid of her boring husband by faking his kidnapping and keeping the ransom. The FBI may be fooled, but not Columbo. Culmbo works with the suspect's daughter-in-law to unravel the killer's only weakness.
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[@jimzafiriou7808]

Lee Grant is currently 98yo, and she was still acting as recently as 3 years ago, what a legend! RIP Peter Falk, another legend.

[@llarmstrong783]

Irony that she is alive and Columbo and Margaret's actress aren't

[@edpor68]

@@llarmstrong783 Sadly Margaret (Pattye Mattick ) passed away in 2003 at only 52...

[@llarmstrong783]

​@@edpor68I hate that.

[@bertjesklotepino]

what is there to hate? @@llarmstrong783

[@garyowen9044]

@@edpor68 cancer. When Columbo was on the MeTV network, I would watch and wiki/ IMDb the episode. I saw that the actress that played Margret had died young from cancer. So sad.

[@GlennDavey]

I did not appreciate Columbo when my folks were showing me the later series in the 90's as much as I do now watching the original series. I get it now. This was winking, (squinting) throwback TV, to not only gumshoe 50's detective stories but also a style of TV-show from that era, the dramatic anthology programs that later became known as the "Golden Age of Television" that Peter Falk had been apart of as a younger actor. Someone came up with the perfect vehicle for him to show off his talents. And the writing and acting is top notch. What a gem of a show, can't believe it took me this long.

[@bloqk16]

Your perspective about the Columbo series in the 90's is valid, as I recall a TV critic for the TV Guide Magazine, when reviewing the 90's series, said that it lacked a certain polish and panache when compared to the 1970's series.

[@joiedevie3901]

One of the best Columbo's of all time, which is quite an accomplishment since it was the first episode after the pilot. Brilliant casting at every level. But one of the most "unsung" elements in this story is the MUSIC!!! Billy Goldenberg composed the best leitmotif of any Columbo episode with a haunting melody that worked across an array of arrangements and set the moods from the murder to the funeral to the air flights to the inevitable arrest. I have not seen any episode of any series from that time where the music was as essential to the story telling as the script and the actors like in this episode! They also had a great cinematographer as shown by the eerie way Williams's eyes transition into the headlights of her car as she drives back from disposing of his body. Every aspect of this episode was top shelf.

[@RickDanner]

i love this episode - my late mom was cared for at home after a stroke left her paralyzed on one side and couldnt talk . The Drs said she would live 6 months she lived 13 years at home with love . ANd we watched every columbo episode 5xs !!!

[@newlife.vanessacalfan]

One thing that gets me thinking: If your father were killed by your stepmother whom you hate, woud you accept money as a bribe to cover the death of your father? No amount of money can ease your pain. Even considering she would end losing her due inheritance. It's just not like her. Margaret didn't act like someone who could be bought. She was rightfully angry. Even a sociopath like Mrs WIlliams could see that.

[@Sandridge-w3l]

We had a gentleman and his sons who helped with our haying when I grew up who had the uncanny ability to act so all completely innocent and would ask us questions about this or that or about somebody and would act like he knew nothing about any of it and would let us talk and talk until in some roundabout way he would let it be known that he knew far more about the subject or the individual than we did. And yet would never boast or brag in any way, and seemed to drink in everything we’d tell him. Peter Falk reminds me so much of this man, it’s eerie. They even look a little bit alike. Colombo could act so innocent and humble and all the while he knew everything!

[@shopins2002]

underrated ending. i always thought candidate for crime had the best ending but this isnt too far behind.

[@yes4me]

First time I heard about Culmbo. He looks like a cool guy

[@pachma405]

5:18 He paused to think about the suitcase full of money that he helped to dig up in Santa Rosita State Park.

[@nigelgunson1025]

Peter falk and Lee Grant were good friends. I'm sure they had a great time.

[@torridd]

"I have a heart. I do!" She actually doesn't.

[@hardren101]

Man was born to play this role.....Some of the episodes were a serious reach......very challenging to catch an attorney b/c they no the importance of "talking too much"....Then there was an episode with the deputy police commissioner who covers up his best friends murder n expected him to do the same....How dumb is a police commissioner to kill his wife n allow his BEST detective to be assigned the case?...Ya wld either kill her while Columbo is on vacation, his day off, or is already assigned to an important case....

[@rachelgarber1423]

Loved the clip, the great Lee Grant, I believe she was blacklisted in Hollywood for many years, and I forgot that mailboxes used to be red and blue

[@goosubucks90]

I love how the waitress doesn't seem the least bit phased by a briefcase full of cash. Ho hum...another day, another case full of money.

[@jkta97]

I think Columbo and Ted Lasso would be very good friends. They're both intelligent guys who are severely underestimated by the rest of society.

[@fireworxz]

A glass of Sherry and a root beer for a dollar and ten.. At an international airport.. 😀 Good old days..

[@FranzKafkaRockOpera]

I was going to be a smartass, but that's $7 adjusted for inflation, which is still cheap as all get out.

[@cluelessjoe5745]

Back then only classy people hang out at aiports. Flying was so expensive.

[@cluelessjoe5745]

Classy people and Columbo....

[@kelsohunt460]

I think this was the late 60s early 70s

[@rolandpalatino5934]

@@kelsohunt460 1971

[@chriswright3072]

I love the comic irony, of having a case full of money on the table, and he can't pay the $1.10 bill, this series was so well written.

[@jessicaburch7224]

I love it, it shows that even if he could take the easier route and use that, he wouldn't, He's a good man and wouldn't steal and misuse what is evidence in a court case.

[@kevint1160]

This is called integrity. Many ppl nowadays lack this.

[@Badchi]

@@kevint1160 the fact that some one would put an emphasis on this scene in the comments means that he/she thinks so as well

[@albertchehade9916]

😂 😃 😄 😅

[@adamabele785]

I agree. It looks very odd to have a bag of banknotes and he tells the waitress that he can not pay. And the waitress is very relaxed in this case. I wonder if he ever enjoyed the root beer.

[@universalassociates6857]

I like it when Columbo dumps the newspaper as they walk into the cafe. ‘I don’t need this prop anymore!’

[@pierrepinson2906]

PROP, i learn a new english word, thank you😊

[@YON_RO]

@@crisprtalk6963 I thought it was a sexual proposition

[@matthewcallan1708]

Hi

[@nipplecream3099]

@@pierrepinson2906 wholesome :)

[@michellemiller4909]

Fake news ,nothing is what it seems

[@2004mojo]

One of his best lines. "Did it ever occur to you that there are very few people who would take money to forget about a murder? "

[@EudesConhecido]

One tiny little detail in retrospect shows that: the girl is getting into the gate all the way, not hinting at all that it wasa setup, but the killer left earlier, she didn't watch her go all the way. The policemen were doing all their precautions, but the lady was so convinced, she wasn't even bothered that it might be some sort of entrapment, she left earlier. That's something that comes back harder when you hear Columbo saying that "she has no conscience".

[@2004mojo]

@@EudesConhecido True.

[@f1videowatcher939]

The main problem is that more often than you may think, people are desperate for money. This could have set that girl up for life. Even if the 1970's wasn't as bad as today, in terms of cash, far less people would turn on her than this show implies. Greed slightly hurts the concept of an 'absolute catch' of the murderer.

[@grf15]

@@f1videowatcher939 The girl will get the money, and the entire estate, when her step-mother is convicted of murder.

[@f1videowatcher939]

@@grf15 You could be right, or wrong. If the stepmother has no Will, or another benefactor, it is not guaranteed the estate goes to her. The show never says who the main benefactor is, for relevancy reasons. There could be a court battle due to the size of the estate. She is also a stepmother and not a direct family connection. These are all things that make me not want to be a fly on the wall, to listen to, when they would go through them.

[@busterchops]

A key thing in this scene is the fact that it is one of the few times Columbo seems to acknowledge his intelligence. After saying to him "you're very lucky lieutenant" she corrects herself and says "congratulations, you're very smart". His response of "so are you" shows that, despite his frequent claims of being lucky, or getting the answer from some mysterious relative, or just plain working harder than other (which he no doubt did), he knows he is, in fact, very intelligent.

[@Zambicus]

Him saying that he's just lucky, a dumb gumshoe etc. is usually part of his act to make the perps underestimate him. He very deliberately acts like a bumpkin to get people's guards down. It's during the final arrest that the pretense is dropped.

[@neerajchaudhary1821]

Wow, good point! I never noticed that bit before. You're right, he normally just downplays his own intelligence, skills, work ethic, etc.

[@purplefood1]

@@Zambicus even then he often barely let's slip that he's that clever. Dude uses humility as a weapon

[@jedi1343]

This was a pilot for the first series and officially not even episode 1 when you search! Perhaps they decided to make small changes to character. We love it either way!

[@m0L3ify]

His ruse is playing dumb. He knows he very much isn't and no longer had a reason to play the part. He got his perp.

[@EnglishAddict]

At 1:23 you can clearly see a large Santa Claus figure standing in a shop as the camera pans. This scene was clearly shot around Christmas. The interesting thing is that there were no actual Columbo episodes set during Christmas time. This might be the nearest we ever got to one.

[@naado]

Good spot!

[@drakekay6577]

Yea, I miss watching shows that don't create some silly xmas special. You'll note that there was never a dance musical in this show either.

[@wellesradio]

@@drakekay6577 You “miss” NOT seeing something that was far more common then than now? strange.

[@drakekay6577]

@@wellesradio :P Trolling a spelling mistake.. Lovely! :D I think its more common NOW, than it was in the past for sitcoms and tv shows to have an xmas special.

[@wellesradio]

@@drakekay6577 I didn’t notice any spelling mistake. I’m not petty like that. I was just pointing out the inconsistent logic of detesting a certain practice that was more prevalent then than now and somehow using it to justify nostalgia for that era. There are plenty of reasons to like something, but that one didn’t make sense.

[@CNRhKXtreme]

That ending says everything that needs to be said about Columbo. Standing with a giant briefcase of money, he still does it the honorable way. Columbo is never trying to take the shortcut. And that's why, at the end of the day, there is no shadow of a doubt.

[@mkassis713]

Absolutely!!! Have more respect for him after watching that scene, but if he tried to pay $1.25 with a $100 bill,it would be hard to get the change LOL . Better send the check to LAPD,and not touch the ransom money

[@CNRhKXtreme]

@@mkassis713 😹True, true.

[@TheNetwealth1]

I know, right?

[@TheNetwealth1]

@@mkassis713 Absolutely

[@PsychedelicChameleon]

Well in several of the later episodes, when he can't get enough real evidence, he uses fake evidence to trick the suspects or their alibi witnesses into confessing or giving away real evidence.

[@PhazonOmega]

That "Goodbye Leslie." Margaret knew it meant something different than it sounded. She was giddy, and all too happy to tell her step-mother "goodbye".

[@llarmstrong783]

To prison. She is there now. The actress is still alive, so maybe the character is too.

[@RobertOrgRobert]

“ you undercover “ ? “No ! I’m underpaid “ was a great line in one of the episodes .

[@aimeewithalm5244]

Candidate for Crime

[@michellemiller4909]

He was infact under paid in real life

[@oxcart4172]

Another great line was when someone offered to help him find something "well, 3 eyes are better than one"

[@Btobebone]

I've worked at a major airport for over 20 years, and have been flying since I was a child. seeing the airport in this video made me nostalgic and very sad. Airports used to be fun places to be, I remember showing up like 3 hours early for my flight just to browse around and enjoy myself before getting on a plane. Now days, even though I work there, I would rather drive for 2 days than get on a 4 hour flight.

[@miketype1each]

Was remarking to myself the other day of just how free the world used to be. We could do whatever we wanted, as long as we weren't lying, cheating, or stealing. I miss those days terribly.

[@charlesgantz5865]

@@miketype1each The one good thing about the new security measures was that you didn't have a wife and five kids taking up all the seats at the terminal waiting to wave daddy goodbye.

[@miketype1each]

@@charlesgantz5865 Why is that a good thing? I waved to my Aunt as she was heading off to Bethesda, MD for medical treatments. We were on the tarmac. I wonder if you know how free the world was just 30 years ago. I'll wager you don't, or have forgotten. It used to be wonderful to be alive.

[@slackthompson6984]

the patients are running the mental health facility

[@taekwondotime]

Well said.

[@johnurban7333]

I like where she thinks she’s outsmarted him so invites him for a drink which is what he wanted her to do the whole time. Always one step ahead of them.

[@macmcleod1188]

He really wanted that rootbeer.

[@cluelessjoe5745]

He should have let her off and gotten married with her. She has that "hot and cold" vibe that makes her completely irresistible. But then she would have gotten bored...and killed him.

[@mkassis713]

@@macmcleod1188 root beer LOL

[@pk-fi1ok]

she outsmarted him, he had to pay for those drinks

[@mkassis713]

@@pk-fi1ok she did,all right LOL

[@hendriksmedia]

The best Colombo movies are the ones wherein the opposing actor possesses the theatrical acumen to stand toe-to-toe with Falk’s giant talent. Lee Grant was one of those actors.

[@sscbkr48]

Very well said!

[@warrenbates2949]

Robert Conrad was another.

[@VicFlange]

And Robert Vaughn

[@RobXHEphotosPs37.29]

And Jack Cassidy.

[@hendriksmedia]

@@RobXHEphotosPs37.29 - Jack Cassidy may have been the best of them all. What a brilliant actor, and gone much too soon.

[@TheDoctor1225]

"You can't conceive of anybody being any different than what you are." That is such an incredibly true statement, both of those like this person and those who are NOT like them. It's just as hard to understand those who will look the other way, pretend they don't see, ignore what's going on and benefit from it as it is for the person who is doing it to understand why others aren't willing to do so.

[@poetcomic1]

She is a classic psychopath.

[@HoldenNY22]

Lee Grant played a very Smart, Upper Class Sociopath..

[@poetcomic1]

This is decades before all the studies of sociopath and psychopaths and very astute.

[@SallySallySallySally]

Yes, they have some really good dialog in these. Another example is in the episode, "Try and Catch Me," when Columbo is talking to "Abigail Mitchell" (Ruth Gordon) on the pier and Abigail is talking about the death of her niece (she suspects her niece's husband of murdering her and getting away with it.) _ABIGAIL: I've been watching the sailboats_ _COLUMBO: Oh. Beautiful thing._ _A: Not to me. Like the one Phyllis was drowned on._ _C: I looked into that, ma'am. She disappeared from the boat. But the police, they don't know for a fact that she died of drowning._ _A: I didn't know the police took all that interest. It was so "officially closed."_ _C: Well, there was nothing else they could do, ma'am._ _A: No. (irritated) Nope. Nothing else._ _C: That must have been very hard losing someone you love like that. I've been very lucky. I've lost my parents, that's the way of the world. But to lose someone that young, that's like being cheated. That's very hard._ That's some great writing there.

[@poetcomic1]

@@SallySallySallySally And she lets him know that if HE had been on her niece's case he would have solved it.

[@frankcolumbo9615]

The Lieutenant once told a Murderer “U planned one murder, I investigate murder Everyday for a living”

[@TheLeftRbabieskillers]

Good one

[@stellertonybeller1972]

he also told a Murderer that Homicide was his specialty lol

[@davidking4838]

Yes, they are all amateurs and he's a professional. I believe he said something to that affect once.

[@earth7451]

Peter Falk said in an interview that Columbo had big brains but he had to appear harmless in front of his adversaries. That made me think that that is a good advise. People tend let their guard down when they don't feel threaten.

[@grf15]

The line was in the pilot.

[@rustyshackelford3590]

What’s amazing about this is that this is exactly how Sauron was defeated. He had no conscience and couldn’t conceive the idea someone would destroy the one ring and give up that power.

[@rfletch62]

Like in B5. "What do you want?" To sacrifice myself, in the hope of saving billions of others from you. It never entered into the equation.

[@Ratchet2431]

Excellent comparison.

[@mikhailiagacesa3406]

"Absolute power does NOT corrupt absolutely. Absolute power attracts the corruptible." - Frank Herbert

[@Hegemol900]

No one did give up the power, so he was right about that. It was destroyed precisely bechause noone wanted to give up the ring.

[@Solitaire001]

Early after the reboot of Superman, Lex Luthor was flat out told via computer analysis that Superman was Clark Kent. He disregarded it and fired everyone involved because he couldn't accept that someone with the power of Superman would choose to live as an ordinary man.

[@marcjohnson4385]

The waitress looking at the briefcase full of money and Columbo left his wallet in his other pants asking if he could sign for it fantastic

[@sce2aux464]

Sharp waitress. She probably saw the two talking, a package comes by, the woman walks out escorted by two other men. I don't think she had to do a lot of figuring to connect the dots, and the badge sealed it.

[@georgehenderson7783]

I've tried telling waitresses I forgot my wallet and asking if I can sign for my meal. Nope! 😅

[@SallySallySallySally]

The "waitress scene" I'll always remember is in "The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case." Jamie Lee Curtis in one of her very first acting roles and she completely steals the scene!

[@rosario508]

Yet another Columbo clip I’m going to watch a million times for the rest of my life and never get sick of.

[@Argumemnon]

Buy the series on DVD. All 69 episodes in glorious 480p. But at least you have everything. Pretty cheap, too.

[@passqualecaiazza7728]

@@Argumemnon Yes, I have had them for years.

[@patrickjohnson5658]

I have some Columbo episodes on DVD and they look very sharp and crisp more like 720p even on a large 55 inch TV. I play them on a Blu-Ray player which also applies HD upscaling to regular DVD's.

[@TheNetwealth1]

@@patrickjohnson5658 Same here. The nicest gift my ex mother in law ever gave me was the Columbo series DVDs

[@chloetv1]

spot on

[@user-ei3dq2dw6i]

I still belive columbo was the best detective on the TV

[@cjdayne3033]

Absolutely. If someone close to me was murdered ( God forbid knock on wood ) and I could have anyone investigate to catch the person it would be Columbo hands down !

[@glenndoleberry8418]

I’m an Investigator & my cop buddies & I always debate the best tv show sleuths. He may be 2ned by Det. Bobby Gorin L&E criminal intent

[@joshbrobud8358]

@@glenndoleberry8418 My 2nd would be Monk.

[@drakekay6577]

@@glenndoleberry8418 Yes!!! Kingpin from the Daredevil series.. :D HE is freaking awesome!!!! I love his cadence in speech.

[@rage6382]

He is. Hands down

[@Laceykat66]

THIS is why there can never be a reboot of Columbo. SOme fictional characters lend themselves to new actors, but Peter Faulk IS Columbo.

[@kkarx]

TBH I would love to see reboot out of curiosity. Sean Connery was also the only James Bond until he was not.

[@robtatum5277]

Mark ruffalo would be a great columbo Just watch zodiac.

[@Muljinn]

Not with the current crop of incompetents currently writing in Hollywood. Colombo *requires* sharp, intelligent scripting to work. The yahoos cluttering the writing rooms today are so stupid they think a skin colour is the most interesting thing about a character, instead the least.

[@erickleefeld4883]

There’s a fan theory that you can watch “Poker Face,” and imagine that Natasha Lyonne’s character is Columbo’s granddaughter.

[@Solitaire001]

I think it might be possible to not reboot Columbo, but to instead introduce a new female detective who seems similar to Colombo but appears not be be related at all. The twist is that at the end of the first story it is revealed that she is Columbo's granddaughter. Due to how legendary her grandfather is (just the mention of his name makes people nervous) , she hides to her true identity so she can be considered an ordinary police detective. But she has the same sharp mind as him, and her own way of appearing to be the fool. The key would be to have a Creative Team on the same level as the one for Columbo.

[@mrwindsor9082]

This the REAL first appearance of Columbo. The feigned, sometimes not, absent mindedness and the total ruthlessness are on display. Lee Grant puts in a brilliant performance as the amoral killer. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@grf15]

Yes, the character changed quite a bit from the pilot. This was the start of Columbo developing into someone the audience would root for.

[@brianfuller7691]

Lets appreciate how talented both Lee Grant and Peter Falk are .

[@donaldstinnett5630]

Yes, let's.

[@mateuszmazurek7991]

Definitely.

[@Catwallager]

This episode is now 50 years old... Scary

[@EnlightenedRogue]

Even scarier, Lee Grant is 94!

[@Gera1713]

Age doesn't diminish it I watch the same episodes for sentimental reasons, the locations, the characters, and Peter Falk.

[@oldi184]

Incredible, that everything in this movie, every scene and prop is 50 years old now.

[@adamadam-tp6hh]

@@Gera1713 👍👍

[@IndyCrewInNYC]

The only thing scary is the extremely high level of acting and talent with this series. Always timeless.

[@shahzadajan9792]

That 'Ohhh' by Lee Grant when she realises that's she finally been caught by Columbo is so pitch perfect. The whole scene is so brilliant and satisfying with two worthy adversaries playing cat and mouse with such cut glass civility. Lee Grant and of course Peter Falk were perfectly matched as two fantastically talented actors.

[@stevekaczynski3793]

Decades earlier, Lee Grant had been blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Peter Falk had tried to join the CIA about the same time but he had joined some leftist trade union while in the merchant marine and this caused his application to be rejected. After that he became an actor.

[@jimzafiriou7808]

Lee Grant is still alive, aged 98yo.

[@mobus1603]

...and her "Get to the point! Common, get to the point!" just before that, which is the only time in the entire episode where she breaks, because she was cool as a cucumber with Columbo until that moment.

[@jorgecallico9177]

Columbo at the table wondering how he's gonna pay for the drinks and meanwhile he's sitting on a million dollars lol.

[@RoderickEtheria]

He can't pay with evidence.

[@rattusnorvegicus4380]

How dare you Trebore Mint, Columbo isn`t some scumbag embezzler ;)

[@FishKepr]

@@RoderickEtheria Yes, that’s the joke.

[@DarthAverage]

Not quite ... $25K in 1971 would be worth about $183,000 in 2022.

[@johnc2438]

​@@DarthAverage I get $175K. But who would quibble over $8,000? Give it a few more months! 😱

[@Themanwhocameback2]

What helps keep these episodes timeless: no dated mood music to cue us how we should feel. Here, plus two old pros from the New York theater.

[@greglapointe1311]

Peter Falk nailed that character, he was Columbo.

[@ianmangham4570]

@Maximillian Wylde Dirk is a great guy in reality and acting 😊 not the typical Hollywood hey look at me show off type,He's a stand up guy

[@tyrese3745]

@Maximillian Wylde And some 7-12 later, Benedict would play two great characters: Lt. Starbuck in "Battlestar Galactica" and, of course, the suave, smooth-talking con man Templeton "the Faceman" Peck in "The A-Team".

[@cadaverdog1424]

It’s true: nobody else even came close.

[@virago1776-h4g]

@Maximillian Wylde Thomas Mitchell was the first to play Columbo in the stage play Prescription Murder in 1962.

[@AHMAD-2324]

The role he was born to play.

[@anyviolet]

3:59 That tiny flash of utter dismay, after she shakes her head: "I know I'm done for" Perfect. Lee Grant did such a good job in every detail in this episode.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

4:16, you mean?

[@anyviolet]

@@ronmackinnon9374 No - that's not a tiny flash. Look closely at 3:59. Just for a second after it registers with her that that's "the" suitcase. Wonderfully done.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

@@anyviolet OK. It's just that in your first comment, you had said it was after she shakes her head, and there's no head shake there.

[@PhilMoskowitz]

The quick glance at the airplane as if to say- "I was so close".

[@llongdong]

The thing about Columbo, there was always a Twilight Zonish feeling to the best of the series. Was there really a "Mrs. Columbo"? Why did he always wear the raincoat, even in hot Southern California? Why, with his genius level mind, did he work as a $25k per year Detective? Was he even human? The best episodes really play up this Twilight Zone feel, this one included.

[@samuelross9884]

The creators wanted him to emerge from the ether and return to the ether. It was very deliberate.

[@TheGreatsagegoku]

Columbo is a wizard. His role is the same as Gandalf or Sherlock Holmes. Just as the other person said, appearing from and into the ether.

[@JediLadyMisty]

Seeing that Mrs Columbo and him went on a Cruise together in one episode and not only was he looking for her at one point but people were saying that she’s a lovely person there is a Mrs Columbo. But all we know is that there is a Mrs Columbo and that’s it. We don’t know what his family looks like except that there’s a male relative allegedly named George (Requiem for a Falling Star). He likes to talk about relatives but we don’t know if any of them actually exist. I think that he does have kids since he mentions them to people that he’s not investigating.

[@MrK623]

Early on we learn he makes a little more than $10,000 a year. But this was around 1971.

[@BrokenCurtain]

I'm pretty sure that he just loved his job and didn't mind the low pay. He also might have understated his salary. And the coat was part of his tactic when dealing with suspects.

[@anyviolet]

One of the best scenes in all the seasons. SUCH a satisfying ending.

[@Argumemnon]

And in the first episode after the pilot, too. Sets the tone of the series just right.

[@flyforce16]

This was actually the second pilot.

[@florestfj]

Ça suffit maintenant C.

[@llarmstrong783]

I didnt like the way Columbo got stuck with the bill

[@landonletterman831]

She buys a drink to toast her success in his face, and doesn't wanna finish it after she's realized she's lost. It's the little touches

[@fje6902]

When I first saw this episode, I was 12 years old, and I had a crush on Patricia Mattick, who played Margaret. There was something about her look that did it for me. She passed away in 2003, RIP.

[@samkohen4589]

She was only 52

[@RedSiegfried]

Those legs. :)

[@HELLH0WND]

She just had to do her little victory lap. The moment she saw him standing there she should have ran in the other direction.

[@matthewhelland9258]

The game was up the moment she paid that hush money. This woman could never have physically run from the law anyway, her little victory lap just saved time.

[@January.]

*should have run

[@williamfisher74]

Or flew to Brazil!

[@roderickbrown1640]

I never get tired of watching this episode after all these years! The psychological banter is so delicious.

[@markmerzweiler909]

This was before the days of narcissist and psychopath became popular. Just no conscience...says it all.

[@CusterFlux]

Two EXTREMELY talented actors making it work - the surprise is that Lee's even more talented than she's beautiful - she totally sells the whole charming sociopath thing - they made a great team on this episode, I wish she wrote more about it in her biography.

[@HoldenNY22]

I agree she play a very Hot looking, Intelligent, Sociiopath.

[@sonnythecuckoobird8645]

Lee Grant is Smoking Hot . Loved her in Shampoo .

[@erikramaekers63]

She's also a talented director, and i don't know many actors who won a golden globe for their first role in a motion picture.Detective Story 1951.

[@onesixfive]

just realized she is the widow from in the heat of the night. and she is indeed striking!

[@robynhyman6749]

I love Lee Grant in this episode. Really wish they had brought her back for another appearance. Great actress!!

[@pixelpastiche]

Imagine going through all of that and still being able to say "Forgive the charade about the briefcase..." respect like this is amazing.

[@spamspum928]

“It seemed like a nutty idea to everybody, I know it did to my wife.” Underrated line.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

I was just about to quote that myself. Columbo, always finding a way to bring up his wife!

[@MWorsa]

I love the look on all of the villains’ faces when they realize Columbo nailed them.

[@llarmstrong783]

Most actually congratulate Columbo

[@MWorsa]

@@llarmstrong783 They know they’ve been beaten.

[@williamfisher74]

Most of them dont seem that upset lol

[@TheNetwealth1]

This is my favorite episode for many reasons. First I had crush on the actress as a kid (I'm weird like that) but mainly on how Columbo used her arrogance against her. To be honest I didn't realize that Columbo was in the dark until the daughter met him and pushed the issue about her suspicions. Even though he had little details of evidence but nothing conclusive, the daughter was the push he needed to see the case through. My take away, "if you want something done right, don't do it yourself; its ok to get some help". Lastly, how scary is it that in 1971 a glass of root beer and sherry was $1.10. How much would that cost in 2021?

[@OldFartFilms]

Absolutely nothing wrong w/having a crush on the fabulous Lee Grant -- At any age! 😉

[@RTG1031]

Don't think Columbo was in the dark. He was suspicious from the beginning. Down to when he checked the locker at the airport

[@madelainepetrin1430]

1.10$ at the airport! Imagine how little in a bar.

[@nolanboles8492]

Considering the hyperinflation since 1971, that root beer would probably about $20 today.

[@juansantos-lq2kz]

@@OldFartFilms Not many like her these days :(

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Something to note about Columbo (I'm sure we've all subconsciously noted it; that's why we like him so much): all his subjects are rich, successful, and usually beautiful. They have it all. But he never, ever shows the least sign of resentment. He's truly happy and content with who he is and what he does. Though he uses them as props sometimes, all the talk about his wife and extended family is genuine. He has love in his life--something Sherlock Holmes didn't--and he often pities the less vicious of the murderers because in some way they did it because they didn't have what he has.

[@RTD553]

Very wise.

[@folkloreofbeing]

Holmes had plenty of love in his life, Watson, Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Billy were his closest allies and Mycroft in his laconic way too. We're given a picture of Holmes through Watson's lonely lens of hero worship and it colours who Holmes really is.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@folkloreofbeing He's highly respected, yes. But there's definitely a sense of loneliness and incompleteness about him. I think that's the fascination about him in contrast to Columbo. Columbo is basically a very hard working normal guy who achieves excellence by always doing his homework. But off work, he's as contented and average as can be. Holmes obviously works hard too, but it's his genius that we marvel at, and it isolates him from others. Aside from work he's tormented and unfulfilled. And I think that appeals to the misunderstood part of us

[@folkloreofbeing]

@@nicholasschroeder3678 You know, I listen to the Sherlock stories being narrated EVERY night, and this subject has been on my mind for a very long time. Even made it as a few sentences of script. I did write a long comment to show you why I thought your idea wasn't so, but it's now the first paragraph of the script, so thank you for being a muse!

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@folkloreofbeing Music to my ears🎻

[@jimkrb]

Lee Grant. What a classy actress. Oscar winner. See her turn in Plaza Suite opposite Walter Matthau, wonderful stuff.

[@michaelrudzick9038]

Lee Grant is such an excellent actress and I love this Columbo-film so much.

[@ianmangham4570]

Yes

[@Hammerton32]

Excellent. Her line readings, voice modulation, how at the table, her eyes show her arrogance, then shock, then defeat - it's a masterclass of acting, just using her face and voice.

[@davidking4838]

Yes, and she's so pretty - yet so cold.

[@Sbannmarie]

I’m fascinated now- what other movies has she been in?

[@RTD553]

You've got to call them 'actors' these days. God knows why - some feminist thing.

[@mrc6182]

I remember airports before they were armed encampments.

[@mkshffr4936]

I was thinking the same thing. Nostalgic.

[@GarretGrayCamera]

It was great to meet people at the gate. In one of the Airport films, the mother goes to the airport and ONTO the plane to give her son his wallet! I asked my dad if that was true and he said not only that, sometimes you could go on the plane with a ticketed passenger and have a drink before takeoff! It's pretty incredible how it gradually became more like treating people like cargo.

[@mvnorsel6354]

Now you feel guilty having done nothing wrong.

[@victoriajarvis2260]

They were clean, with sparkling decor, friendly and talented employees that were well uniformed and wonderfully groomed and polite; fine gift shops you could peruse while you waited for your plane: often buying beautiful things because there was no junk. Lovely gifts. Best of all, happy passengers and safe trips. It was a glorious time and these films are telling and showing you the "truth". don't believe the folks that say "It was never like that." It was America at it's finest.

[@mvnorsel6354]

@@victoriajarvis2260 Those were the days when passengers spoke to each other. These days people dont talk, even though you sit next to them for 8 hours.

[@bryanpartington3260]

My god Lee Grant was so beautiful with that flaming red hair. I first saw her in one of my all time favourite horror films "Damian, Omen 2". A really good actress and a deeply attractive woman.

[@MacakPodSIjemom]

Absolutely agree. She has a face I know I could hardly ever take my eyes off. But, weird thing is that last night I watched Airport '77 with her as one of leading roles, and now YT recommends me this video??? I didn't even know her name. Crazy, huh?

[@cherryrotella3714]

She was in IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT ... a great film

[@moodyguymick]

I first saw Lee in Peyton Place.

[@kibitznec700]

Yeah but she is tableña. Dont have nada por delante.

[@frankjoseph4273]

Lee Grant is gorgeous

[@universalassociates6857]

Ha! He’s got a briefcase loaded with money (evidence) but he can’t pay the buck and change bill!

[@nolanboles8492]

Not with a C-note. Waitress probably didn't have that kind of change on her.

[@jimbobeire]

@@nolanboles8492 Also, he wouldn't spend money that doesn't belong to him.

[@nolanboles8492]

@@jimbobeire Yeah, Columbia occasionally bent the procedural rules to solve a case, but he was too scrupulously honest to steal. This isn't the only time the writers put him under the temptation to do something stereotypically crooked, and he always did the right thing.

[@gedstrom]

That money was evidence in a murder case! Using ANY of it would taint the evidence! It must be checked into the legal evidence system EXACTLY as it was received or her lawyer could challenge it.

[@nolanboles8492]

@@gedstrom And Columbo was too much of a stickler for reports and processes to taint his own case like that.

[@paullynch928]

Fantastic acting as ever always polite well mannered in the way he addresses the criminal, that was funny sitting there with all that money and he was searching all his pockets for a Dollar his innocence and charm is very engaging 👍😁👌

[@macmcleod1188]

Yes, people don't appreciate how good *Columbo* is at acting.

[@christopherkraft1327]

"You're very lucky Lieutenant... No, you're very smart' Lieutenant Columbo gets em every time!!! 🙂

[@TheNetwealth1]

If you read my opening text to this series, I based my personality beginning in my early 20's like Columbo. At the end, I got my adversaries all the time because they under estimated me.

[@gfunk63901]

@@TheNetwealth1 it was almost always a wealthy person who thought because they earned more than lieutenant Colombo that they were smarter in every way. Only in real life do these people get away with all sorts of crimes and it's the poor people who pay the price. only on TV and in the movies do the criminals get what they deserve.

[@steveloafe]

He stands as she gets up - despite her being a killer he still shows manners.

[@Jagunco]

What got me was not that he didn't use the cash in the briefcase for the bill, but that he politely stood when the murder suspect was took off. Almost always polite to the last... and the briefcase bit was funny too

[@mynameisgladiator1933]

"Just one more thing..." - You know you're toast if he ever were to say that to you.

[@rxtsec1]

Lol right

[@rainers.2080]

Lee Grant was a beauty back in the day.

[@glowiever]

couple of plastic operations later though :(

[@wilhelmlll679]

The prettiest killer Columbo ever arrested.

[@martinfinn1550]

@@wilhelmlll679 I would have said Trish Van Devere in "Make Me A Perfect Murder" was the prettiest killer Columbo ever arrested but I suppose everybody is different.

[@wilhelmlll679]

@@martinfinn1550 that's right, some may say it was Faye Dunaway, Ruth Gordon or this guy from Cheers. 😃🤘best wishes

[@freedomring4813]

@@martinfinn1550 No way ,she has a forehead the size of the governor of Michigan.

[@loriannwhite8384]

Best insult Columbo has ever said, in the most polite way.

[@MrsJHarrington]

Columbo truly had class. Absolutely.

[@r0bw00d]

Columbo doesn't insult. When he compliments, he means it.

[@kenworthh9776]

Columbo is the master of the game cat and mouse. He enjoys toying with his prey until they hang themselves ✌

[@macmcleod1188]

@@r0bw00d I agree. I didn't take it as an insult any more than the Red Dragon quote: "Hannibal Lecter: Then, by implication, you think you're smarter than I am, since it was you who caught me. Will Graham: No, I know I'm not smarter than you. Hannibal Lecter: Then how did you catch me? Will Graham: You had... disadvantages. Hannibal Lecter: What disadvantages? Will Graham: You're insane." Columbo rarely got angry with suspects, often was courteous, and sometimes showed empathy for what drove them to murder.

[@loriannwhite8384]

@@r0bw00d Telling someone that they have no conscience is an insult, not a compliment.

[@electricbluecollar894]

"You're incapable of conceiving that only a few people would accept money to forget a murder."

[@Jaguar106-sl3ls]

How Leslie's expression changes when Columbo starts talking about the ransom! Fantastic acting! 👏

[@laedwards49]

Kind of ironic that this and Prescription Murder are my two favourite eps. Two of the most well-thought out murders by highly intellectual and arrogant people.

[@r0bw00d]

So where does the irony come into play?

[@laedwards49]

@@r0bw00d Oh. Iirc, prescription murder and ransom for a dead man were the first two (Falk starring) Columbo episodes.

[@r0bw00d]

@@laedwards49 I'm still scratching my head. You haven't introduced any irony.

[@laedwards49]

@@r0bw00d No point stressing about it my friend.

[@r0bw00d]

@@laedwards49 Asking for clarification isn't the same as being stressed. If you don't want to answer, then that's fine.

[@nicholascolameo4638]

Love Lee Grant. Amazing actress in everything she's done. Definitely one of the best Columbo episodes as well.

[@juerv1]

She was great in every part she played - AND she is still with us with 96!

[@markw3598]

I loved her in, In The Heat Of The Night!

[@odudi]

Yet another great ending from a great show. And 1 of the most hilarious endings. Here he is standing next to a loaded briefcase full of cash, cash in hand, yet he cant find a buck 10 for the drinks. On top of that he has to borrow a pen to sign for them... Lol classic.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

While the hard-working waitress just has to watch, knowing how she'll likely never be in such proximity to so much money again in her life.

[@FrankieCarter579]

Not having a conscience, can be very bad. For you.

[@ronleight9341]

Lee Grant is so good in this, definitely top 10 in guest star murderer!

[@MrMoggyman]

The on screen detective of all on screen detectives. The absolute best. How I miss Peter Falk as Columbo. Yes, we all knew that Columbo would get his man/woman. But the processes he used to corner and finally convict the murderer are legendary. 'Just one more thing......', that statement is legendary too. It could only come from the mouth of the greatest detective the screen has ever known. RIP Peter Falk. As good today as you ever were, and remembered.

[@ianmangham4570]

Love how Marg says GOODBYE Leslie 😄

[@tonyapjackson8375]

With a smirk

[@videosofpattyemattick6569]

Pattye, Pattye, Pattye 💐👩🏻‍🦰👓

[@videosofpattyemattick6569]

Pattye Mattick was awesome, gone so soon....😞

[@samkohen4589]

@@videosofpattyemattick6569 Only 52

[@videosofpattyemattick6569]

@@samkohen4589 1951-2003 😞💐

[@lynnelovesroses4485]

One of the best episodes ever. Great actress and mother of the wonderful Marty in Grease. Those two have great genes!

[@Kotih]

the most unbelievable moment is how fast those drinks were served

[@kidwboro75]

Almost as fast as the meals are served in Louie's restaurant in the Godfather.

[@juanmonge8]

Where did Colombo go with that briefcase? They just announced a flight to Honolulu.

[@OnnikMusic]

He went to buy a new car for himself!

[@SHARKTIC5]

Took the proof back to his Superior, I say.

[@zatoichison6420]

He is so good, very good !!! I also think his wife help him every time to solve all the puzzles.

[@nanny287]

I think I have seen every episode of “Columbo,” and this one is right up there with the best. My favorites are “Etude in Black,” with John Cassavetes , “Any Port in a Storm” with Donald Pleasance, and “Forgotten Lady” with Janet Leigh. I highly recommend these as must watch episodes. The series always had “A-list” guest stars. Bravo!!! RIP, Peter Falk.

[@sondragramse1770]

I love Lovely but Lethal, Swan Song ( johnny cash) and all the rest.

[@amina-pr8xt]

Lee Grant and Patricia Mattick were both wonderful here

[@s.b.ghazalli2658]

4 years later she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the movie Shampoo.

[@RJLNetwork]

Lee Grant was and still is such a hottie. She never gets old!

[@Romancefantasy]

I am watching the series now and so far this is my favorite episode. The killer was too clever for her own good but they usually are.

[@allangow4746]

Columbo is the greatest detective of all time. Sherlock Holmes comes a close second. When I watch these clips I realise how lucky we were to have this every week. Magnificent entertainment.

[@YoRon427]

Columbo was great but Sherlock Holmes is in a different class. He's a genius and the greatest literary detective of all time.

[@kenworthh9776]

@@YoRon427 Sherlock Holmes, Frank Columbo, and Adrian Monk. My top 3✌

[@brandonallen3289]

@@kenworthh9776 I was going to mention Monk but you beat me to it.

[@sugardaddy4714]

I like Columbo because he's more realistic. Not in the way of how police work is actually done (detectives never work by themselves for one), but by the fact that his sense of deduction is believable, through patience and letting contradictions in a suspect's story accumulate. Holmes is about as realistic as Superman.

[@riazhassan6570]

Holmes is nowhere near. However, he was the first of the ‘smart’ detectives in the world of fiction, so he has a place

[@johnlshilling1446]

Younger generations won't understand, but I remember when Police and LEOs waited to handcuff people until they were in a private setting. They used to allow -- everyone -- their dignity.., except in cases of extreme risk.

[@2ndHandHero]

Yeah but all the old cops I know have the same stories about getting sucker punched when they least expected it. Kinda why that mostly went away.

[@johnlshilling1446]

@@2ndHandHero Perhaps. I'm too far removed from the front lines. I was just taking a trip down memory lane. And.., I grew up in a rural area where everyone knew each other. I'm sure that my experience was different than what went on in the cities. The police of my youth were more like brothers correcting siblings. That might be why they showed more respect. And possibly why the average citizens also showed more respect. I honestly don't remember any talk of corrupt or bad cops anywhere near my community. Those types were always in some city or in the movies. Different times and places...

[@D.D.-ud9zt]

Most of the police were war veterans and the US was also a very different place. Even the criminals would often have dignity when they were checkmated.

[@jermainelong1843]

I wonder if the waitress was expecting the biggest tip ever😁

[@llarmstrong783]

Talk to Mr Pink

[@miffedmax6775]

I love that ending where the waitress is just staring at this briefcase full of money while Columbo fumbles around for $1.10

[@danish6192]

Is it just me or Mrs. Williams is breathtakingly beautiful !

[@gkent4418]

She sure is!

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

She's gorgeous.. But Margaret is hotter.

[@craigroberts6439]

As opposed to is probably “was” would work. Her name is Lee Grant. She’s somewhere around 94 years old now. Going out on a iamb here but I don’t think she looks like this anymore. Still might be a beautiful older woman. I agree though....she was gorgeous for sure.

[@danish6192]

@@craigroberts6439 talking about when she was in this clip - and she's just . . .

[@tutubeas10]

You're right, but she's also very attractive for she's well spoken and very articulate. A fine lady.

[@slimtimm1]

LG was SUCH A BEAUTY!!!

[@vercoda9997]

I’m not watching for Columbo - I’m just watching for a busy airport...

[@ianmangham4570]

Sad

[@universalassociates6857]

Yes, nostalgic, isn’t it!

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Lee Grant plays this perfectly. Love how Columbo says any different than WHAT you are. And it's fun watching him watch her gloat: he really doesn't like her, and he's really going to enjoy sticking this cat in the bag.

[@tonyapjackson8375]

I think he was afraid she'd eventually kill Margaret

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@@tonyapjackson8375 Could be, yeah.

[@BergheVonTrips1]

The best ending ever as far as I'm concerned.

[@juansantos-lq2kz]

I like the one with the Irish guy.

[@patrickjohnson5658]

@@juansantos-lq2kz You mean "The Conspirators" The 'Irish' actor in it was just putting on a fake Irish accent, he was actually from New Zealand.

[@TheNetwealth1]

@@patrickjohnson5658 I loved the Conspirators ending, and this was all before the world went digital. I can only imagine the work Columbo had to do to coordinate that bust.

[@rosario508]

Uh...sorry but the best Columbo ending of all time is Blueprint for Murder.

[@olasek7972]

This one is one of the best. My best endings are “A deadly state of mind”, “Negative reaction” and “Candidate for crime”.

[@SlideRulePirate]

"Did the criminal get away?". No "Yes",... no "No"...... just a smile.

[@williamblake7386]

i like her a lot. very charismatic.

[@rneal7445]

I just purchased the entire series, and actually watched this one tonight.