Columbo's Funniest Scene Ever? | Columbo

[@Dadmcbeardface]

I love how polite and composed he is with the sister. Wonderful acting from all involved.

[@mobus1603]

Colombo was never offended by those he sensed were good people. You always felt that Colombo was an exceptional judge of character.

[@purplefood1]

@@mobus1603 she's real enthusiastic that's for sure

[@daschundloverable]

@@purplefood1 but nun of it makes sense.

[@Doctrinnn]

-What's the actor's name? Who plays nun, I mean- Joyce Van Patten, as mentioned in comments below, thanks

[@ANCHOREDINCHRISTFOREVER]

She seems pretty polite and patient with him too.

[@mmmoroi]

"You mean you are working under cover." Arguably the funniest line in the entire series.

[@rockahbilly76]

I'd say, "Get a life," but I think it's way too late for that.

[@glynbrain1083]

"After 7 years, here's a better 'cover'. Hardly been used!"

[@mikemcgrath6150]

He was always. As an incompetent.

[@wojtek1582]

@@mikemcgrath6150 Exactly! I have expanded replies just to write the same comment, but I see you were first :)

[@KimberlyMitchell-jf7nv]

Explanations aren’t needed among friends

[@flibber123]

I really liked how it goes from a one joke setup, she thinks he's homeless, to commenting on his coat, to seeming to understand he's not homeless BUT she still thinks he looks homeless so he must be undercover. That a lot of comedy packed into a simple setup.

[@WintersWar]

she's never forced to apologize. great writing.

[@dragoncarver287]

Accepts that he's under cover? She thinks he is delusional but she's playing along. Well that's my take on it. lol

[@flibber123]

@@dragoncarver287 I think you're idea is funnier. I hadn't considered that she thought that. Your idea is that she's thinking there's no way TH(S guy is a detective, so it's more than just s joke about his beloved coat.

[@WintersWar]

My opinion is when he flashes his badge the nun is convinced he's an undercover detective at this point. Though there is room for your own interpretation.

[@dragoncarver287]

@@WintersWar I didn't see that he had. I agree though, if he HAD shown it to her, there would be no question. Just this instant though, if he was actually investigating, would he have been required to show it? Cheers.

[@peterj5083]

" I won't tell a soul about your disguise"........LOL

[@wildnfree101]

Columbo's disguise is so clever, he actually looks like columbo!

[@DonnielSeymour]

😆

[@David.L291]

Actually reminding of a cop that pretends to be nice just so you end up incriminating yourself so he can get you arrested lol

[@fernandofierro7958]

I really like his coat

[@thebat099]

So clever that he actually looks like Peter Falk

[@alritedave]

xD

[@eddierae8945]

Love the way Columbo walks in to this place, Weary and heavy laden. Classic

[@rxwhat33]

“An empty stomach is the devils playground” I laughed initially but then realized that it explains a lot when I’m hangry😂😂😂

[@jamesfloyd1864]

It's called "hangry".

[@jamiehamilton6887]

i suppose if i was starving to death i would break the law to get food and satan would enjoy that but its a very morbid brutal statement i never hear before

[@travelsouthafrica5048]

actually it's the other way around look up autophagy , they cure cancer with intermittent fasting now

[@michaelowens5394]

"Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired." - AA "You're not you when you're hungry." - Snickers

[@nmarbletoe8210]

I've eaten a hot pocket, I know of what she spaketh

[@alfredeneuman6966]

Joyce Van Patten was perfect in the role as a nun. Several times Peter Falk smiles and holds down laughter during her lines, making me wonder if they had to do a few takes.

[@ssnoc]

I’m sure they had to do it more than one - she was great here 😂

[@alfredeneuman6966]

@@ssnoc Later in "Negative Reaction," Larry Storch (F Troop) plays a driver education examiner. Columbo questions him as he drives his neglected 1959 Peugeot 403, and of course breaks every driving rule, making Storch nervous as a nun at a penguin shoot. Storch opts to walk the last ten blocks back to the DMV. Great humor throughout the episode.

[@Astrobrant2]

Yes, she was terrific.

[@Astrobrant2]

@@alfredeneuman6966 Another of my favorite scenes wasn't a knee-slapper like the driver education scene, but it was a real zinger. The suspect said something like, "I suppose you're here to harass me again." Humbly and apologetically, he replied, "Oh, no ma'am." Then, "I'm here to arrest you."

[@sundayaito4366]

Peter held down a laugh there but it was part of the script. Not discounting what you re saying tho.

[@Michael_Sinclair]

1:49 they both started to crack up but quickly composed themselves and carried on. I love that they kept this take in the episode.

[@manweller1]

Well spotted. I agree I'm glad they kept it

[@FigaroHey]

That's not how recorded TV shows are done. Her shots were probably done without him even being there.

[@Fridelain]

Tape is expensive

[@AndyMangele]

@@FigaroHey Well, they are both in the frame, aren't they?

[@IoEstasCedonta]

@@AndyMangele He is facing away from the camera, though...

[@richardh3761]

She wasn’t so charitable when she killed her brother in 'Old Fashioned Murder' 😳

[@jedi1343]

and worse framing her niece! 😮

[@lisawilliams2013]

I was thinking the same thing (Old Fashioned Murder is one of my faves, btw. Great performance by Van Patten).

[@sheltonterry6589]

LMBO

[@mareleo]

Omg, that's her, I watched all Columbo episodes several times and somehow missed this But then again I always laugh here and at the same time find it warm

[@twinkiememphis]

😂😂😂😂😂 right

[@gamefan1019]

I love the expression on Columbo’s face when the nun says “you’re working undercover!”

[@sarahj7507]

This scene is more definitively Columbo to me than any of his "just one more thing" moments. Wonderful characterization, wonderful acting, wonderful comedy with a big dose of humanity.

[@WatchingTrainsGoBy-PassingTime]

It's amazing really. In this scene we might be seeing the real Frank Columbo instead of the lt Columbo he shows us most of the time.

[@Astrobrant2]

@@WatchingTrainsGoBy-PassingTime One fun part about watching Columbo was trying to figure out what he was really like, compared to how he portrayed himself. For example, how he frequently fumbled around and searched for something in his pockets. You may notice that when he wasn't trying to portray himself as a dolt (the scene in this video was an example) he had no problem knowing what pocket something was in. But did he keep forgetting a pencil on purpose, or was he actually forgetful about things like that? I wondered through the whole series if he really had a wife. My wife and I used to discuss it. We didn't get adequate verification until the episode where they used his wife's car as a means to trap the killers. Yes, that could have been a ruse, too, but probably wasn't. Also notice how later in the series, some of his suspects caught on to his pretenses. Sometimes he would look embarrassed about getting caught.

[@NurmYokai]

@@Astrobrant2 In the episode "Troubled Waters" Columbo and his wife (never seen) were taking a cruise ship vacation. Columbo was on holiday, not working a case, and the ship's crew recognized Mrs. Columbo. THEN the murder happened ...

[@Astrobrant2]

@@NurmYokai Quite right. My wife and I missed that episode in the original series. I only discovered it a few years ago. It was indeed confirmation of her existence. IIRC, one of the crewmen gave him a message from her and told him where she was.

[@sockmonkey22]

@@NurmYokai Was that where he kept calling it a boat and the staff was saying it’s a ship not a boat.” ??🤣

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

The beauty of this scene is that there is no laughtrack.

[@originalhgc]

A scene with Vitto Scotti and Joyce Van Patten. What more could you as for? And Columbo's look of simultaneous bewilderment and bemusement is priceless.

[@vitocorleone8323]

What did he ask him to play what? 5:40

[@Bingbangboompowwham]

In another episode Scotti plays a haberdasher trying to sell Columbo a jacket

[@Alhazzred]

@@vitocorleone8323 cribbage

[@joefagan9335]

@@vitocorleone8323 you play cribbage?

[@luishumbertovega3900]

"...I won't tell a soul about your disguise..." 🤣 You've got to love that, Miss Van Patten, what an actress !!!

[@elijahvincent985]

This is one of the most wholesome scenes in Columbo that I've watched so far! This nun is so sweet and pure!

[@rufeilrahtieh7885]

Yes, times are changing ...

[@nowvoyagerNE]

and a clueless bad listener.

[@letolethe3344]

I find her that sort of good-doer whose aims are admirable but she comes off as patronizing and overbearing because she assumes all people need the exact same approach and same methods of help.

[@imcallingjapan2178]

"This nun is so sweet and pure!" That's what makes me suspicious. She's hiding something or she's running away from something in her past, maybe.

[@ShadyOakMinistries]

​@@letolethe3344Man walks into soup kitchen. She treats him like a man who walked into a soup kitchen. Shaming people for not being omniscient makes you the bad judge of human character.

[@jokerz7936]

My old man was the type to keep clothes until they were practically falling apart. Once he was sitting in his wheelchair on the sidewalk in downtown drinking a cup of coffee he just bought and some guy in a suit on lunch break walking by just tosses some loose change into his cup 🤣

[@wessew6185]

wonderful!

[@redghost3170]

Now that’s funny.

[@inlikeflynn7238]

Oh no! Haha.

[@David.L291]

That sounds real funny, amazing that could have been an act in coloumbo lol 😂

[@alentjanestetico3014]

@@David.L291 It sure was a scene in a Romcom starring Sandra Bullock

[@SallySallySallySally]

Vito Scotti was great. He was a prolific actor who appeared in 6 different Columbo episodes as well as hundreds of other TV and movie productions. Hilarious! The derelict sitting in the alley at the beginning of the clip was played by Mike Lally, another prolific actor with many hundreds of productions to his credit. In fact, he appeared in 25 different episodes of Columbo, all uncredited probably because he had few, if any, lines of dialog. For example, he was the tram operator in the episode "Short Fuse" and a club member in the episode " The Bye-Bye Sky High I.Q. Murder Case." His son played the role of the TV cameraman in the episode "Swan Song." The nun, of course, was Joyce Van Patton, who also played the role of the murderess "Ruth Lytton" in the episode, "Old Fashioned Murder" and was another prolific actor who is still with us as of this writing (2022 -- 88 years old.)

[@wanderer1955]

Several actors played different parts in Columbo. And not just Patrick Magoohan or Robert Culp, or Jack Cassidy.

[@Retromantic100]

Loved Scotti also in Cactus Flower with Mathau, Hawn and Bergman..Great

[@women65andover]

Love Vito Scotti.

[@spookym123]

Captain Fomento (The Flying Nun)!

[@kennethschmit8911]

You may or may not know this, speaking of Mike Lally, if you watch the episode "Now You See Him", you will see that Jack Cassidy refers to him by his real name, in the bar at the magic club. I read that they did this so that Lally would receive extra pay, since they referred to him by his real name.

[@apricotcookie4850]

Of all the scenes in all the Columbo episodes, this one is my all-time favorite. Several others stand out as well, but nothing tops this. Three amazing performances, beautifully written, funny and so endearing. Who wouldn't want to share a hearty bowl of stew with them?

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Also, where do you find a 7 min. scene in a TV show today anywhere...nowhere, that's where. Columbo is classic TV for a reason, all the right reasons.

[@gilliantracy7991]

Indeed!

[@jedironin380]

Not sure how "hearty" that stew was... ;) "Beef" being the prevailing theory. ROFL!

[@mareleo]

Yes, so endearing

[@petee074496648]

I love this scene as well also the one where he is filling his car with gas and is hurriedly checking how much he has he can spend !! both classics

[@Alun49]

I love Colombo. Still one f the best and most original detective shows of all time.

[@serz1885]

well have a look Agatha Christie's Poirot 1998

[@mmedeuxchevaux]

I love how spare it is. no manipulative or overbearing music to back up the acting. i love the sensibility of the early to mid 70s films and tv.

[@jimbo43ohara51]

Yes, everything today is so ' in your face' and over the top. No gizmos or computers in this place.

[@mattfoley6082]

So true! Too many shows would've added cutesy music to remind viewers that it's supposed to be funny. Much better to let the acting speak for itself.

[@gj8683]

Yes. Less is more when the writing and acting are so good that there's no need to distract the viewer with glitz and noise.

[@blockmasterscott]

For decades I’ve been laughing at this scene. Classic.

[@abdelkhaleksidhoum3999]

Me too

[@preving]

me too

[@D_Parks]

One of my favs!

[@flappospammo]

Yes it’s subtle but hilarious, superb actors

[@remessinger]

I've watched a lot of Columbo, but I don't ever recall this scene. I will now though.

[@stevenwilson9579]

Hilariously good clip. Always was and always will be my favourite detective.

[@lenafan492]

I like the fact that he doesn't turn his nose up at the food, and gets stuck in, showing that he has no airs or graces about him

[@kayhoover6530]

I've had my favourite winter coat for thirty years. Plan on keeping it thirty more, thank you very much.

[@mmbmbmbmb]

This scene is the ultimate 'keeper' to remember Peter Falk (as Columbo) by. An absolute treasure. Lovably hilarious . . . yet deeply moving. Thank you !

[@mitya]

This is really good and classy humor. Nothing vulgar or insulting, just puts a smile on your face. Such a warm scene really.

[@MartinKillips]

A brilliant scene. It pings from one amusing situation to another, seamlessly.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

'What is this, beef stew?' 'That is the prevailing theory.' 😄

[@gilbertzan]

5:02 "...You mean, you´re working undercover! oh! How clever you are lieutenant!" 😂

[@tilesetter1953]

Oh, I see, you're working under cover! 😂 Columbo's expression is priceless. 👍

[@geoffcohen613]

This scene should have won both of them an Oscar..

[@christopherkraft1327]

Joyce Van Patten is just wonderful as the helpful & caring nun!! And Vito Scotti is always fantastic!!! 👍👍🙂

[@mariacullati2371]

Imagine her having a little role like that and she turned it into gold...what a STAR

[@Tim_the_Enchanter]

It's difficult to pick favorites, but so much of what makes Columbo "classic" television exists in this short clip.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

This scene never grows old. To me, it seems as fresh as when this episode first aired on broadcast TV. (For you youngin's out there, TV shows used to be broadcast from what they called networks. The Columbo show's network was CBS.) One of the great things about this particular scene is that it advances an important plot point at the same time that it makes us laugh with Joyce Van Patten's hilarious performance. But a similar thing happens in this same episode "Negative Reaction," in the scene where Columbo meets with the driving instructor played by the great comic Larry Storch, who also turns in a hilarious performance. Another key plot point is presented at the same time that Larry makes us laugh.

[@carnalea2424]

Amazing that Columbo found the statement in his coat inside pocket so easiy. Usually it takes him ages pulling out endless scraps of paper before he finds the right one.

[@mattfoley6082]

I've watched this several times and it's always funny. I honestly don't know how Falk got through the scene without laughing at her, she is hilarious. The beauty of it is that even if you've never watched Columbo the scene is still funny on its own.

[@Foolishpleazure]

You know,I remember Columbo when they originally aired,as a small child,it wasn't until my late teens,that I started to really get into watching/appreciating them.It's really a shame he had Alzheimer's,and didn't even know who he was,or remember being Columbo,before he passed away :(

[@annap7678]

I heard he was an artist as well, a very accomplished watercolorist who sold quite a few of his works.

[@peroperic1044]

@@annap7678 He was a painter?

[@channahsorah]

@@annap7678 - Yes, he was quite an excellent artist (google it!). ... And he has a book or two (or more) out...

[@ianmangham4570]

@@peroperic1044 His collection can be viewed right here on you tube.

[@AlexanderOsias]

Oh, I hadn’t heard that… how sad for him.

[@marywegrzyn506]

I did see this episode not too long ago, it was a good one as his ALL his shows were/ are. I still watch this show every week, no matter how many times I have seen the Episodes. Columbo is a timeless Classic !! They don't make 'em like that anymore !!!!!

[@baronbrummbar8691]

yeah ... it is sad that the best detektive show that came out in the last decade was monk ..... it was ok ... but compared to columbo meeeeh

[@HooDie-Trench-GoTh2022]

" Oh so your working undercover , you know you even fooled me " she thinks he dressed like that as a down and out to fit in . Lol 🤣

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

"You fooled even me!" Because she is probably some clever investigater herself

[@Doctrinnn]

@@doncarlodivargas5497 like in USSR

[@markmaki4460]

I am impressed by how Falk so effectively emoted exactly when Columbo realized Sister's intentions with very subtle body language at around 1:45 - when the camera only showed him from the side. He was grinning with his body!

[@vnrjn8]

Just three fantastic actors killing it. Falk, Joyce Van Patten and Vito Scotti (Nazarin the baker in THE GODFATHER) all spinning gold at once

[@michelemarcolin2548]

Vito Scotti is so cool... so Italian! lol

[@EssensOrAccidens]

​@@michelemarcolin2548I thought he looked familiar! Thank you for the identification.

[@litlgrey]

It is indeed quite funny, but Columbo's deadpan scene with Larry Storch as a harried, perspiring driving instructor is the clear winner. And I love watching Vito Scotti.

[@rafanifischer3152]

"Where are the seat belts!"

[@litlgrey]

@@rafanifischer3152 Hee hee!!!! Yeah!

[@brakeduster]

What a legend was Peter Falk! I read that in the early 60's he had two Oscar nods for supporting roles. Pity he never landed a movie juicy enough for his unique talents to win an oscar but I don't think Hollywood would have the brains to create an oscar-worthy role for this unique and understated actor. Any TV awards he got were well earned!

[@davesmith6576]

The In-laws, with Peter Falk and Alan Arkin. Award worthy performances by both.

[@laurentburcet30160]

The entire scene brings me tears in my eyes. It's so moving !

[@callicordova4066]

I love this episode and this scene cracks me up every time. There is another funny scene in this episode. It's where Columbo drives to the junk yard (the murder scene) and a man outside looks at Columbo's car and tells him the junk yard is closed.

[@kenw.1112]

ONE THING FOR SURE .... THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER PERSON LIKE PETER FALK TO PLAY COLUMBO! PETER FALK PERFECTED THE ROLE AS COLUMBO AND WE LOVE COLUMBO!!!

[@pressureworks]

And to think they originally wanted Bing Crosby to play the role!!!

[@thomaslanguell7257]

"I've had this coat for 7 years." "You poor man" 😂

[@flappospammo]

😂

[@Hesgoneandwrittenitdown]

It's genius mate!

[@stempo1]

Love this scene, He is so good at being thoughtful and nice while being mistaken for a homeless man, All the actors are so good I love this show.

[@davefrench3608]

And the driving instructor scene. Brilliant episode.

[@zhongwa]

Whole scene was perfect. I even liked the old bum at the very beginning who told Columbo where the mission is. "That's all right," and he waves angrily at him. You should've given him a buck, Columbo. ;)

[@rw8733]

Columbo probably didn't have a buck.

[@ScottALanter]

This scene in the episode is hilarious. Another humorous scene in the same episode is when he drives into the junk yard only to be stopped by an officer who thinks Columbo is bringing his car to be junked. Then, after Columbo explains he's a lieutenant and was there to investigate a case, he tries to restart his car and it dies right in the junk yard.

[@mollielambert9501]

I remember this episode so funny 🤣 😂

[@andreathemisses1422]

😂🤣

[@redmoneylady2213]

I remember that one. 🤣🤣😂🤣😂

[@TeaParty1776]

He could have been a good addition to the hilarious Rockford Files episodes w/Tom Selleck's Lance White character who irritates the cynical Rockford with his naive idealism.

[@redmoneylady2213]

@@TeaParty1776 , you are a party. Funny stuff 🤣😂

[@FriendOfChrist]

This scene and the first scene with Wilson when Columbo falls down the hill are my two favorite scenes in all Columbo.

[@michaszostak2757]

First time i saw this scene on the hill, i didnt belive what i see xD that was... I dont know, so "fresh"?:) So natural, looked like funny, real short on instagram, not a movie with scenario xD I was even worried about Falk xD

[@FriendOfChrist]

@@michaszostak2757 - and he was so sweet about it afterwards. Loved how he treated Wilson.

[@Hesgoneandwrittenitdown]

What a scene, just incredible. So much going on in there. Genius

[@kdub1242]

Love that Vito Scotti. It's not much of an exaggeration to say that he was in _everything_

[@SCfanIam100]

I enjoyed seeing Vito Scotti in this clip . He played so many different characters on TV even a half blind Japanese soldier on "Gilligan's Island" once.

[@zovalentine7305]

Rest in powerful peace Peter Falk 🙏 16 September 1927 ~ 23 June 2011⚘

[@arthouston7361]

Knowing how that character was purposely written to be disheveled and distressed, it was a stroke of genius to write this scene, taking advantage of that aspect.

[@twittykins]

😀Another funny scene is where Columbo starts walking down a dusty hill, trips and rolls to the bottom. Credit goes to Peter Falk for performing that scene himself!

[@Astrobrant2]

Glad you uploaded this. I binge-watched the whole Columbo series recently, and yes, this might be my choice for funniest scene in the franchise. Columbo: "I've had this coat for seven years." Nun: "Oh, you poor man!" Homeless man: "Don't be ashamed." ... Columbo: "I'm from the police force, ma'am. My name is Lieutenant Columbo." Nun: "All are welcome here." ... Nun: Ohhhh, I see. You mean you're working undercover. Ohhhh, well, how clever you are, Lieutenant! You know, you fooled even me." Great writing! One of the things that makes this so fun is that it can be interpreted to mean that she didn't believe him and was just playing along with his "delusion". I'm imagining in her training, "You will encounter many people with mental problems. Don't challenge their delusions or lies. Just make them feel welcome, feed them, and clothe them. Counseling can come later."

[@jedironin380]

@Astrobrant2 Where did you find this series to watch? I'd like to see it again, too. It's been too long... :)

[@Astrobrant2]

@@jedironin380 It's on Peacock.

[@susie9893]

Wow, you binge watched the whole thing? That's impressive. I loved Columbo but I don't think I could binge watch it

[@Astrobrant2]

@@susie9893 It can be a little frustrating. Columbo has some annoying traits, so when watching lots of episodes in a short period of time those quirks can get tiresome. I think the one that bothered me the most was him holding that cigar almost constantly. Still, the good outweighed the bad.

[@lukacunningham342]

I feel sorry for Columbo, I get the feeling he just wants to say “I know I dress poorly, you don’t have to rub it in”

[@THX-kw2jh]

Columbo is one of my favorite shows, have seen every episode from 1971 - 1978 at least once. Even some of the 1989 - 2003 episodes.

[@EdHotin]

Oh! That coat, that coat, that coat. 😆😂

[@ElenaAshe]

This is my absolute favorite scene. I really like the guy who sits opposite Colombo. He plays many different roles excellently.

[@realPenrodPooch]

This is one of my favorite scenes in the whole series. It's wonderful.

[@onlyme219]

'I see you're working undercover' that made me giggle a lot :)

[@jamestiscareno4387]

I love Vitto Scotti. His portrayal of a Japanese soldier on Gilligan's Island was incredibly funny. Legendary.

[@billzettler9802]

Joyce Van Patten did a superb job, but she wasn't the only scene-stealing guest star in "Negative Reaction". Seeing as Larry Storch just passed on, maybe you could take the section of the show including him and show it. He plays a DMV driving tester.

[@johnnyreed8537]

So funny that Columbo looks so rumpled that the nun says to him" Don't worry. I won't tell a soul about your disguise"😂

[@irishtino1595]

I loved Peter Falk. I watched his show as a kid and saw several interviews with him. He went to college at Hamilton and Syracuse along with other places. I grew up in that area and he had only nice things to say about Central NY.

[@AndyMangele]

"That is the prevailing theory" - LOL Any Columbo scene with Vito Scotti in it is a good one!

[@ToastmasterHypnotist]

As a Monk fan, I somehow just recently discovered Columbo This indeed is hilarious!

[@susie9893]

Oh sweetie you'll be in heaven - heaps of episodes to work through (although somehow not enough). RIP Peter Falk

[@ToastmasterHypnotist]

@@susie9893 I'm looking forward to them. My newest hero!

[@FloraMBrown]

Jeanna, I recommend every single one of Columbo's seasons. He managed to create a unique, lovable, and humorous character that went beyond what the writers could have imagined.

[@yeltsin6817]

They are very similar. I watched both series.

[@nowvoyagerNE]

Perhaps you would also enjoy "Father Brown" on PBS (what we used to call educational tv). He's a British priest who, with the assistance of his cronies, is an brilliant armature detective, much to the chagrin of the local constabulary. It runs 45 minutes. i also adore the British show "Shakespeare and Hathaway -- Private Detectives'" and "Death in Paradise," a Brit/French collaboration apparently, but I consider it a British show. these are also on PBS and run 45 mins and 60 mins. What i love is that each show (with a rare exception when they may have a 2-parter) is a discrete / separate story, only with the same lovable main characters.

[@traditionsHome]

Sister to Colombo: "A man's worth is not judged by the size of his purse."

[@nodeal7337]

I've done a similar mistake like this Sister. There was two girls who where frequent guests in my bar. They both loved beer and I suspected they where a couple. I hadn't seen them in a few months and was not only happy to see them, but also the large grope of friends or colleagues they brought with them. I was also overjoyed to see that one of the girls was pregnant. I congratulated her and chased one of my regulars, out of his chair, as it was more comfortable for a pregnant girl. I then suggested in my best manners that perhaps it was not a good ide to drink beer while being pregnant. She went red in the face and they all started laughing. Never saw them again after that night.

[@piggypooo]

This happens so often it should be Rule 1 in the Handbook of Being A Man. Never ask or assume if a woman is pregnant! More times than not, she isnt🤣🤣🤣

[@googiegress]

My girlfriend has a story like this. She was at Disney, late in her pregnancy, and wanted to ride on Mission to Mars. It was a centrifuge ride that simulated the g-forces of an accelerating spacecraft, and a small group of riders would each play a crewmember on their own instrument consoles. Anyway, because of the forces involved in the ride, there was a sign with a rule that no pregnant women could ride, as a safety measure. The staffer on the ride's queue was staring her down. Obviously wanted to step up and deny her access. He stared and stared, and she noticed, but kept it cool. He called into his radio and another staffer came - more senior, older, and willing to say something. This new staffer walked up and stared her down. Finally my girlfriend shouted "I'M JUST FAT!" Mortified, they left her alone to enjoy the ride. So she got on and the ride put her into labor and she had to leave the park immediately to go to the hospital XD It calmed down and her pregnancy carried on as expected. But of course her family had to tease her about it!

[@FigaroHey]

The flip side of that mistake... I used to work in a foreign country where I was weak in the native language. Not a problem as we were supposed to do everything in English, but of course the natives of the country switched to their native language often. So I kept hearing something that seemed like people were mentioning a colleague was pregnant. We were rarely in the office at the same time and I had other things to do rather than remember to check out her belly. But from time to time I'd think, 'If she is pregnant, I should probably congratulate her.' Months passed, and I couldn't really remember how long it had been since I first thought I heard she was pregnant. Finally one Thursday afternoon I saw her sitting in the office, deliberately looked and yes, she was pregnant. Too pregnant to say, 'You're having a baby! Congratulations!' But having never said anything I thought I should acknowledge the blessed event ASAP. So I asked, 'When is your baby due?' She replied, 'Tuesday.' And that's actually the second time I've totally missed noticing a woman was pregnant almost to the point of delivery. And I'm a woman myself. I just don't notice people's bodies that much. I look at their faces,not their bellies.

[@Vickzq]

That's one of my favorite sequences... just hilarious.

[@mattikaki]

Oh how I love Columbo! I have all the episods on DVDs and have been watching them now three times. First time I saw Columbo when it was on TV here in Finland after first aired in States. Columbo was perhaps the most loved TV serie aired here. There are no violence and everything has been written so intelligently. The villains are arrested calmly and politely (usually) which makes these so fine. And yes, I thiks so too, this is the best of all these misunderstandings. Well, it wasn’t corrected at all because the Sister didn’t understand that Columbo wasn’t undercover. And that makes it more loving.

[@thisbabyboomer]

“Working undercover” LOL, I loved Colombo❤️

[@xizang3815]

I researched Peter Falk. He was one of the most interesting people in Hollywood. A biographical film should be made of him - it could be Academy Award winning material!

[@flappospammo]

Agree totally, he was a truly remarkable man

[@mik9007]

There are biographical films of him.

[@mark4347]

Just yesterday I saw Peter Falk in a 1962 Alfred Hitchcock television episode with Dina Merrill. He played very well as a wicked faith healer type.

[@rw8733]

Who could play him? Any suggestions 🤔

[@jjr1728]

@@rw8733 Tommy Wiseau

[@tamiz8895]

Love these old shows. So good.

[@douglascampbell3523]

With a name like Colombo, he should have instantly known the response to "Peace be with you".

[@jasonhurd4379]

'And don't worry! I won't tell a soul about your disguise!' 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mattfoley6082]

Yes! Joyce Van Patten absolutely killed it.

[@MrVistaBunny]

This is definitely one of the most humorous segments Peter ever did. I think it is JUST possible to interpret that the nun was "just playing along", when Columbo told her he was on a case. It's just as funny, either way you interpret the scene.

[@glennscott5587]

This is a funny scene, but in "The In-Laws" (1979) Peter Falk had an entire funny movie.

[@TeaParty1776]

@@glennscott5587 He tells a relative that a giant insect carried off a loved one. I still recall the bizarrely insistent tone of voice used by Falk.

[@quoisegames1937]

"An empty stomach is the devils playground" I'm sure she made that one up on the spot.

[@ronmackinnon9374]

I'm more familiar to hearing that saying in reference to 'idle hands.'

[@noctisocculta4820]

I don't know about the saying, but it is a real thing. One in five men and one in fourteen women don't know what they're feeling, they only know that they are feeling. I often forget to eat, and I've definitely noticed that when I've eaten I stay away from drugs and other negative behaviours.

[@chrispnw2547]

I Love Her!!!! She brings so much energy to the character and the moment. I sometimes mourn that type of high quality performance will not be seen again. The writing on this script and staging is excellent and I never tire of it. This scene is awash with excellent character actors.

[@darrenduncan1674]

I remember this episode well. Hilarious. Columbo was the best. Never missed an episode. Peter Falk was a fantastic actor. He cracked me up in the movie he did with Alan Arkin too, "The Inlaws".

[@jameshalleluyah8133]

Serpentine!

[@darrenduncan1674]

@@jameshalleluyah8133 There are no snakes in this film clip. Serpentine??

[@jameshalleluyah8133]

@@darrenduncan1674 In-Laws reference.

[@darrenduncan1674]

@@jameshalleluyah8133 OH, right! When ducking the bullets. I forgot. 🤣

[@TheBoatPirate]

one of the best of the best old time cop shows. love it!

[@sjoormen1]

this one is good but one with cops stopping him in his car was brilliant.

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

In the same episode I love the scene with the driving instructor that makes me laugh out loud every time!

[@JUANIBOTERO]

"Oh that coat that coat that coat" Iove it

[@0anant0]

This is my most fav Columbo joke setup -- I remember how hard I laughed when I first saw it! Golden!

[@AteshSeruhn]

"An empty stomach is the devil's playground." That's actually a great sentence. Edit: typo

[@bloodaonadeline8346]

it’s also very true

[@benttranberg2690]

I don't know what a tomach is, so I wouldn't know.

[@christosnikiforos4103]

Actually the opposite is true

[@Fridelain]

And idle hands His playthings.

[@AteshSeruhn]

@@benttranberg2690 oops 😅

[@stebstebanesier6205]

Sister Joyce Van Patten reminds so much of my mom that it brings tears of joy to my eyes every time I see this episode.

[@jdb10715]

Classic Columbo words while investigating - "Just one more thing." Those words are usually at critical moment when things dramatically change.

[@agnescapo4388]

This is outstanding! Just love it. I’ve seen all the episodes more than once. ❤

[@mc3067]

This one is a little too obvious, but anything that Vito Scotti is bound to be hilarious. Even this segment when he says he better get in touch with his barrister. I'd place his role as the tailor in the senator episode ("Candidate for Crime") as my favorite. But he's great in that extended scene as the funeral director trying to sell Columbo a plot in the Jonny Cash Episode. He and Monte Landis are both very funny in the Donald Pleasence "wine" episode as the maitre d and wine steward.

[@davef.2811]

Vito Scotti and Peter Falk. Boy, what a great pair!

[@jolenewitzel7919]

Always loved this scene. 😊

[@PR-fk5yb]

My italian father in law looks and talks like Columbo. He too would sit, not interrupt the nun and actually not only eat but also find that it tastes good... long live Agostino....🤣🤣🤣

[@midnightalley4586]

Im going to make it my mission to get a coat exactly like that

[@samagainaloneandin1464]

Which one is that sir??

[@mariapierce2707]

I enjoyed this thank you. I was just walking around Budapest and randomly came upon Columbos statue. Awesome 👌

[@garynixon9035]

My favorite Columbo scene Vitto Scotti is brilliant and Van Patten is hilarious !!!!!!