Busted | Columbo

From Season 5 Episode 3 "Identity Crisis" A top CIA operative commits murder the way only a brilliant spy can, never guessing he'll have to contend with a man like Lt. Columbo. In this Clip he finally gets caught by an intricate mistake.
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[@hiawathabray885]

It's almost shocking how well this show holds up. Most TV of that era is unwatchable. Columbo remains superb.

[@siddharthsen7035]

True. I tried watching some of the other stuff of that time.. quite boring

[@LykzLybra78]

Hands down one of my favorite tv shows.

[@dcinrb8538]

Mannix is also a good show to watch.

[@markhughes7927]

It is superb - Falk’s presence and timing are impeccable. I like Burke’s Law too from that era - the black and white ones not the colour ones - not the same for the sharpness but great for panache and humour and guest performances. Both make you feel incredibly ‘good inside’. On the English side so does ‘Danger Man’.

[@suzannemarker9896]

Rockford Files also still plays as smart and lots of fun.

[@beastmode00714]

You could make an entire series where Falk is Colombo and McGoohan is a completely different murderer every week.

[@deepspire]

McGoohan directed every Columbo episode he was in except the first.

[@Shadi2]

cast Falk as Wallace and McGoohan as King Edward

[@bertramattles1695]

Patrick McGoohan was a brilliant actor and could make each character he played look so complex and different. He had amazing subtleties in his delivery and he was a pleasure to watch. My favorite show with him was "The Prisoner".

[@georgebyron468]

These are all his Spy disguises, but ultimately he is Number 6 and Number 1.....in disguise. 😉

[@nspector]

Haha yes.

[@MaAlGon3]

I love how both actors are playing it so smugly. It's like the characters themselves are having a blast playing cat and mouse. The murderer isn't even upset to be caught, he was fascinated and riveted by Columbo.

[@mikelockey2857]

What is NOT conveyed - and deliberately so - is that the C.I.A. operative is not shown to be arrested. As back in those days, any U.S. governmental agent involved in ANY questionable ( implied ) activity/outcome would have been subjected for review by the featured U.S. agency for approval. Apparently the C.I.A. objected to any scene showing the guilty agent even suggestively placed under arrest.

[@24magiccarrot]

@@mikelockey2857 Very rarely are any of the Columbo suspects seen getting arrested. It's usually just the gotcha moment then fade to black.

[@nightowl5475]

@@mikelockey2857 You know what Mike, you’re right. Columbo caught him but he never got arrested. He was a CIA head officer. He admired Columbo’s sand and his assertiveness but he knew nothing was going to happen to him. He even told Columbo, if I were you, I would stop this investigation of yours. You can’t win. In other words, I’m part of the government, forget about this nonsense Columbo. Even his boss, the head director had to tell Columbo, knock it off. So, that’s the only case he didn’t really get his man. It must be nice to have those benefits, LoL!

[@glowiever]

@@nightowl5475 in another episode columbo told him that he must have the satisfaction. so I think a confirmed theory is sufficient to satiate him in this case.

[@oleggorky906]

If you’re a Columbo officionado like me, as I suspect that you are, you will probably know that McGoohan played the murderer no less than four times in different episodes of Columbo down through the years. Peter Falk and Patrick McGoohan were old friends. He also worked as a director and even wrote the script for one episode so he had considerable in put into the show for a large chunk of its duration. I miss the pair of them. Especially when they teamed up because undeniably, they were good together.

[@soberchimera61]

"You heard the chimessssss?" "Did you count themmmmm?"

[@bonnie_gail]

Lol so fun

[@bgail7669]

So excellent

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

"I am Number Two." "Who is Number One?" "That would be telling."

[@cushte4996]

Yes sir, There are eleven.

[@mitchellmelkin4078]

@@NoJusticeNoPeace , The Chimes of Big Ben. Yes, indeed.

[@DamonMacready]

The level of acting between the two is simply astounding!

[@bonnie_gail]

It’s the best, I watch it again and again- they should have done more episodes

[@carllange4297]

I'm not given to hyperbole but this may be the greatest scene I've ever seen in television history. It rivals any oscar-winning movie I can think of

[@mikeklein5184]

The fact that they were close friends may also have something to do with it.

[@djrychlak4443]

That's a great observation. The new Columbos are not as good. The acting talent makes a pronounced difference. Plus the productions were different. All high roller criminals...the camera shots are original and provocative like a well-crafted dramatic movie.

[@moclarke7776]

I absolutely agree, one of my favorite episodes. Including the discovery of America mural. Simply 👏🏿 this episode.

[@JamesWebbKilledTheBigBangStars]

It's sleek how Patrick's character when hearing about the Chinese decision played dumb, even though he immediately recognized his unforeseen mistake.

[@hongkongcantonese501]

Great observation! Another actor would have not yet seen his mistake. Patrick, the master strategist, knew he messed up and he knew that Columbo knew that he knew. But it seems he enjoys playing the cat and mouse until the bitter end. Great interplay between two great actors.

[@i.m.9918]

But…. is it not reasonable for the Patrick McGoohan character to say he simply heard ‘rumors’ of a potential Chinese pull out from the Olympics? Something that is entirely plausible in his trade? This would seemingly gut Colombo’s assertion of him knowing something that had not been formally announced. McGoohan could even say he ‘speculated’ … given the meta-politics. Is this ‘really’ a court-worthy revelation of guilt? ??

[@keith6706]

@@i.m.9918 As Columbo said, absolutely no one expected them to do that, so someone making a joking reference to it, even someone who had inside information, would be met by confusion on the part of his listeners who'd have no idea what he was going on about. There'd be no reason to include it in the speech unless people got the reference, and the only way they'd be able to get it is if they knew the Chinese were threatening it or had actually done it.

[@nicksmith978]

Like a bait n switch

[@jimjoe9945]

@@hongkongcantonese501 it's all scripted.

[@Teddy_Bass]

Love the way he takes the warrant out his pocket and just dropped it on the desk

[@zerodreaming]

Yeah that’s a great touch.

[@gmshadowtraders]

5:20 - Love this part. The way Columbo was so sure of his statement, "...Couldn't have been night"... made McGoohan realize the game was up, and he asked for the cigar. Outstanding performance.

[@similartracks]

@Frank Marzullo wasnt he a lawyer in a episode?

[@macrussell78]

He doesn't even seem bitter about it. When they're talking about the coat McGoohan comes clean with surprising amount of class.

[@Hamstray]

@Frank Marzullo presumably Columbo already informed his superior and he will face a federal court on espionage charges. A lawyer is not going to get him out of this one. he will probably get a real comfy suite cell though.

[@arjunratnadev]

I like how he says that line @ 1:12

[@DeltaStar777]

@@macrussell78He knows he will never be convicted

[@bbenjoe]

Peter Falk has a life sized statue as Columbo in Budapest, Hungary. Everyone knows his name here.

[@janicesullivan8942]

Really, that’s amazing!

[@mesmarriott127]

Yes, my husband and I saw it when we visited Budapest.

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Wow cool!

[@koen8185]

@Joseph Lomeo Sure , he's part Hungarian , actually , from Jewish Hungarian /Polish / Russian/Czechian descend , so his (grand) parents were from all over the place in East Europe . So maybe there are other Falk streets or statues there to be found , who knows....

[@pound7816]

In Budapest I also saw a bar called Columbo. Inside is a large portrait of the Lieutenant painted in the middle of a long wall.

[@WeaponsEducation]

"Columbo was like a puppy digging many holes in the yard, except they are land mines!" - Peter Falk

[@markmarderosian4025]

It's kinda' neat that these two became good friends in real life.

[@darinsingleton3553]

Perhaps they may have even grown up together. Both were born in NYC, just one year apart. I remember Susan Pleshette mentioning that she had known Falk since she was 14 yrs old.

[@samwisehuluberlu2210]

​@@darinsingleton3553the one girl from Dead Weight episode? I learned doing my usual wiki checking episode before watching it than she's died unhappily not so old, at age of 70, on 2008. Also, reading her biography, it seems she had ancestors from same region Peter Falk had (Hungary). Maybe they were even more than just some familiar neighboors from Brooklyn, but had also some relatives in common..i don't know about that. Thanks for the anecdote.

[@oleymorgan3635]

Peter Falk was without question one of the greatest actors of our time. It has been said, the secret to acting is, don't get caught acting. If there was ever a more believable actor then Mr. Falk I'd like to know who it is. This is a guy I can watch over and over again and discover a little something new in his subtle genius.

[@darlenemcnealy6306]

Absolutely agree... I binge watch when I can’t sleep... by the way... “just one more thing” RIP Mr. Peter Faulk.

[@cherieaustin6504]

It's so real. I wonder if he's real detective & stuff

[@nadarajah2468]

Peter falk is really brilliant and superb as lt colombo He is known as colombo through out the world No actor can get that kind of recognition Pure legend

[@oleymorgan3635]

Darlene, try and get some sleep. Just don't drink a glass of that liquid filth before bed time.

[@robertwheatley9153]

James Garner said the same thing --- to not get caught acting. Like Falk he was also a naturally gifted actor and made it look easy and effortless. Two of my favorites and both are irreplaceable. Sadly all the legends are gone and there are no new ones in the making..

[@wesleyhulse4656]

You can tell that both Falk and McGoohan were having the time of their lives with this scene

[@goldfing5898]

Yes, you can clearly see what pleasure it was for the two to create this episode and act in it. And that Patrick McGoohan loved the series, that's why he worked on it for several episodes.

[@TrumbullComic]

2:20 The sheer glee that McGoohan has when he says, "Steinmetz!"

[@dank8865]

The chemistry between these two actors is palpable. All these years later and even through a smartphone it touches me as a viewer. This quality entertainment was so lacking on tv In 70s. In fact, until recently, it continued. That's what made this show so outstanding - the interplay between Peter Falk and some of the guest villians and supporting players. One scene with Mary Wickes as a landlady immediately comes to mind. Awesome stuff and you really couldn't find it anywhere else. :)

[@ruivog]

You said it all.

[@tsarbomba1]

They were great friends in real life as well.

[@darlenemcnealy6306]

I think I’ve seen all the episodes RIP Peter Faulk 🙂

[@ezb3970]

I constantly watch Dale Kingston getting busted, this, and a few others. Especially the poisoned act he pulls on Helen Shaver. Acting was art and these were the masters.

[@quinnzykir]

I miss the camera work

[@banbrotam]

Love the scene where Columbo realise his home's been bugged - only for Brenner to gleefully chime "I knooo-oooow!"

[@zerodreaming]

I love the way he blows it off too. “I’m just glad my wife didn’t know about that.”

[@everwake2689]

"Did you count themmmm?" Love that delivery!

[@nadirkhan2250]

"You heard the chimmmmes?"

[@geoffsclassiccars]

eLLLeVen!

[@andrewfield5656]

Those chimes go to 11

[@MWorsa]

He tosses that warrant down like it’s a card game and he just raised 😂

[@Tristinfate]

One of the best pairings ever on Columbo, no wonder why they invited him back so many times. Wonderful, just wonderful.

[@growlkitty]

They were best budds in real life.

[@darinsingleton3553]

@@growlkitty And, they were both born in NYC, one year apart. I remember Susan Pleshette mentioning that she had known Falk since she was 14 yrs old. Smaller world back then.

[@RMR1]

I first saw Patrick McGoohan in 1985 on Broadway -- he was doing a play called "Pack of Lies" with Rosemary Harris. I was 18 years old and had no idea who he was. But I was riveted by his performance (in which he played, like in this episode, a spy.) He was a joy to watch -- just as he was in all of his TV and film roles, from "Columbo" and "Danger Man" to "Braveheart" and "A Time to Kill." One of the great underrated actors of the 20th century.

[@markmerzweiler909]

I was younger and more beautiful...the simplicity of that statement.

[@ghostownaproach]

McGoohan was great. Dawn's Early Light with the cannon at the boys military academy was another with him and a favorite episode too.

[@bonnie_gail]

Marvellous

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

Yes that was awesome.

[@lauragn4300]

The cider!

[@ranayfeaster1683]

What about t 1 where he was a Furneal owner. I remember Columbo saying “it’s your Furneal.” Classic

[@debbiegardner9723]

My favorite! Loved Mcgoohan acting.

[@johnlaslett5339]

What makes this show so brilliant is how it's presented. It's shown from the killers perspective. Columbo is a character in their story sometimes you won't see Columbo until midway through. The show is called Columbo yet the main character isn't him, it's the killer. That's how you write a brilliant howcatchem. Along with Peter Falk and celebrity murderers you have perfection.

[@Grummar]

It is a police procedural filmed like a horror flick from the perspective of the killer. It is just so brilliant.

[@AMARWITA]

2:22 Ah STEIMETZ ! Hahaha! I love Patrick McGoohan’s laugh .

[@artmallory970]

You should have heard McGoohans laugh after Columbo told him a joke in 'Agenda for Murder...' (1990's)

[@jimbobeire]

@@artmallory970 You call that a lining? :)

[@jean-baptistehinnebo1899]

The honesty of the last exchange, the change of tone, all of it... It's great acting.

[@ziggyik5583]

McGoohan and Falk - match made in heaven

[@5eurocups2005]

McGoohan was a special talent. He co-created, wrote and directed one of the greatest tv shows "The Prisoner"

[@alisonwunderland9900]

He was *ONE* of the writers and directors on the series, get it right...

[@katherineg9396]

I never thought I would see Number 6 on Columbo!

[@Dayvit78]

Oh that's where I recognize him from!

[@tonycarver2745]

spent many an hour trying to find that show to no avail.

[@pauldavies5611]

@Jake Stockton No, he didn’t.

[@rempseaheinamies9414]

Best police series ever. Especially the McGoohan episodes.

[@UndeadPasta]

One thing I always notice is that Columbo is never afraid to be alone with the people he knows are capable of murder. Even when they're losing their cool and becoming unpredictable he never flinches or shows any fear. A true badass who knows exactly the types of people he's dealing with and without their motives they are cowards

[@Dan-ct5zl]

Yes and he never carries his firearm

[@grf15]

He's never in danger. If the suspect kills him, they're going to jail for that crime. What's the point in killing a police officer?

[@stevenmcnabb9185]

6:00 This is so good! The fateful clue is revealed and McGoohan's character realizes it. Such a wonderful bit of acting by McGoohan, and I love how the camera lingers on him to get the full reaction. There's no need for background music or sound, just let the actor convey the moment.

[@lasvegasbill4711]

I recently watched the last episode of Columbo that Patrick McGoohan was in (and directed), called “Ashes to Ashes” from 1998, McGoohan legitimately looks exactly like “Steinmetz”.

[@mrsamsung8184]

YUP

[@tommargarites2811]

Heh I wonder if that was intentional.

[@dchegu]

Fun fact, in an earlier episode of the prisoner, McGoohan really did wear a flight suit n take off in a jet. Almost exactly like the picture.

[@rinsedpie]

@@dchegu i gotta see that one

[@those_eyes]

@@rinsedpie me too!

[@bernardbystone6958]

Peter falk plays the greatest homicide detective of them all.

[@lauragn4300]

He will forever be a G.O.A.T.💖

[@bababa3917]

Beautiful ending. Love the interaction between these two. And you can tell the age of this episode as they call the capital city of China, Peking.

[@diamondaxe4133]

Is Peking, Beijing now?

[@chloetv1]

@@diamondaxe4133 yes

[@susanwalsh3040]

@Angel Bulldog iì

[@duvidl58]

I think that Colombo is almost sorry that Brenner wasn't able to put the coat back on.

[@booqueefious2230]

@@diamondaxe4133 the crazy part is those are just 2 different ways of transliterating the Chinese name into English The actual city never changed its name, it's just "Beijing" is a more accurate transiteration to how its pronounced

[@mrsands1511]

I love these "busted" moments: the bad-guy runs out of excuses!

[@ItsAllLove4Real]

Yesssss😆

[@christopherrichardson2945]

Especially when the Killer and Colombo have a civilized discussion about the crime afterwards (which always felt like a proper denouement to the episode to me)

[@avalonjustin]

I love when he wipes the smug grin off their faces! Columbo was so much more clever than he let on; he used that to his advantage :) Humble and clever!

[@AmericaLexicon]

Avalon Justin sometimes it’s the first time they smile, when they realized when the game is up and this disheveled detective figured them out.

[@richardbaker3391]

England v west Indies to day

[@adamadam-tp6hh]

I like how Patrick finally concedes, you can hear the defeat in his voice...." What made you stay on it?"

[@barbaras2669]

Not defeat curiosity, so he knows where he slipped up. Mcgoohan's character was going to fight the charges. Colombo had no real proof of his presence at the murder scene. All Columbo had was perhaps that he lied about his where abouts. A good lawyer will get him off.

[@azumi-osaki]

McGoohan was really artistic.. the speeches, gestures, reasons in everything, transposing his personality in movies, even Alcatraz when we analyse him... 💕

[@chasermalloy7406]

He was Falk's best friend and he directed some Coumbo episodes.

[@alvinburrell]

When I watch modern TV crime I so miss this kind of acting, controlled & character driven.

[@JeghedderThomas]

The acting, the pacing and the whole arrangement of this scene is masterclass. They're both hamming it up in the most delightful manner - briliantly entertaining. I rewatch Columbo ever so often with equal joy as the first time, if not more.

[@davsaltego]

You can feel how much fun they were having with each other in this scene.

[@philpalmer8044]

I've watched all the Columbos over and over. The finest TV detective.

[@edge918]

Phil Palmer you are a man of impeccable taste dear sir...

[@PeepingTom-xy9di]

Have you watched the long running German detective series Derrick. Derrick was quite the opposite to Columbo.

[@LordZontar]

Patrick McGoohan was in four episodes, three of which he directed; winning a Best Actor Emmy for "By Dawn's Early Light" and Best Director for "Agenda For Murder". He was also an uncredited co-writer on three episodes and directed two others he didn't appear in.

[@tim_is_random]

Counting the chimes (of Big Ben) was also a plot point in an episode of The Prisoner

[@c_b5060]

@@seang2700 You many be thinking of Patrick Macnee who didn't want to carry a gun in The Avengers, a British espionage television series, created in 1961, that ran for 161 episodes until 1969.

[@HeronCoyote1234]

I loved “By Dawn’s Early Light”.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

The look on McGoohan's face when he realizes that his quip about China pulling out of the Olympics blew his alibi. 😆 At that point, he knew the game was up. He just wanted to hear (and for us to hear) Columbo confirm what he already knew. That laugh wasn't directed at Columbo; he was laughing at himself for his own foolishness.

[@Omnicient.]

Maybe you can explain this to me: 'they may pull out of the Olympics...' but he said 'may' he didn't say they have.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

It's understood that China did pull out of the Olympics. That's the only reason he mentioned it.

[@AshleyPomeroy]

I think he's using "may" in the "they may well have done so" sense rather than the "they may or may not do so" sense.

[@kronos1794]

The writers for this show are amazing, making up so many mysteries of consistent quality is just amazing.

[@KilliK69]

not in the later episodes, see my post above.

[@3ormore778]

@@KilliK69 its not there

[@kurtb8474]

I think McGoohan enjoyed making the Columbo episodes.

[@Malrottian]

6:00 He won't admit it, but that's the moment he knows his goose is cooked. Excellent acting.

[@javiergilvidal1558]

His will to put up a fight was mysteriously gone. After all, Columbo`s "evidence" is a phrase in which the bandit says: "(the Chinese) may pull out of the Olympics, but not of soy beans!" He says "may pull", not "may have pulled". He could always argue that the rumour was in the air that they MIGHT pull out in the near future, even if it had not happened yet. That would leave Columbo completely naked! In fact, I'm sure his lawyer would say so in the courtroom; as usual, Columbo is aided by the not-so-clever murderers, always ready to dig their own graves!

[@dandydasyt4766]

@@javiergilvidal1558 while his adversary was a spy, he's still human, no matter how smart. Hind sight is 20/20, and you can't really think as straight as when you are actually in the moment, which just so happen to be perfect for Columbo's runtime

[@goldfing5898]

Yes, his face and expression and look at this moment are priceless.

[@jllore1917]

Love these two together! Classic pairing as were Falk with Jack Cassidy and Robert Culp. Patrick McGoohan was excellent as a villain and director.

[@matthewrammig]

Yes! These were my three favorite of the entire series

[@nicholasdavidlinnear3011]

@@matthewrammig YES

[@manjackson2772]

McGoohan also directed Last Salute to the Commodore and Murder with Too Many Notes, both real stinkers. In MwTMN's case, he also ruined the script and probably crushed the dreams of the screenwriter who submitted it

[@ctmdarkonestm]

Peter Falk talking through things is pure ASMR

[@tubey84]

There'll never be a detective show quite like this. What a legend Lieutenant Frank Columbo is.

[@joeblowjohnny2297]

True story over 20 years ago ! 1st time I watch Columbo by accident on television. I knew I was intrigue by his talen and his show ! I went purchase all his season on dvd . I still watch all his videos over and over ! His collection was like a magnet calling out to me . He still is my favorite detective show today..... for me !

[@markdrake2715]

I could watch Columbo all day. Superb acting and very well written.

[@actioncom2748]

Is it wrong that I think watching Patrick McGoohan acting a little flip is mesmerizing?

[@pauldavies5611]

Not really.

[@proggerjohn]

ActionCom It would be wrong if you didn't. ;-)

[@jameretief8327]

He does that all through his series “The Prisoner”. He was known for upstaging other actors and chewing up the scenery. You also see it in the movie Ice Station Zebra.

[@None-zc5vg]

@@jameretief8327 ...JUST GET ME THERE! (pounds table with fist)

[@jameretief8327]

@@None-zc5vg added bonus: he was a hated director on The Prisoner set and would get verbally and sometimes physically abusive with the actors and crew

[@R33C3.]

His voice is so cool.

[@ekaf3544]

A little like Bane from Batman...

[@a.n570]

Peter Falk and Patrick McGoohan... these two had such a good energy, RIP. Absolutely one of the best episode in the show!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

The battle of wits swirled with cigar smoke! To see these two together happened sooo many times yet, never ceases charm and amaze you.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Patrick McGoohan was brilliant but of course the Lieutenant was more brilliant!! Thanks for sharing another great clip! 😷

[@flappospammo]

two legends + an excellent script = 1 incredible episode

[@ikaikamaleko8370]

I like how Columbo took out the warrant and kind of chucks it at him on the desk.😄

[@asecretone]

How they say "remove the coat" almost in sync. They must have had a blast making the episode

[@hwoods01]

Patrick McGoohan was absolutely brilliant in this scene. His voice, delivery, demeanor - cant be bestest.

[@jimp1646]

There are so many awesome episodes of Columbo. But there is something extra special about this one.

[@joshuakilroy7599]

I love these short segments. They get right to the good stuff! One of my favorite shows.

[@timturner5206]

God, I love McGoohan. This is my favorite scene with him. Every vocal tic, every gesture, every facial expression is magical. I never thought I'd see someone portray arrogance so perfectly just by lighting a cigar, but this is it. And of course, he absolute bemusement at knowing that this disheveled little man has bested him. "Would you like to hear something funny?" [genuinely delighted]__"I'd LOVE to." This 8:41segment is an acting masterclass.

[@tomcloss9764]

This is a great episode but my favorite is still "By Dawn's Early Light"😊.

[@DeltaStar777]

And he is one of few villains that calls Columbo mister instead of his rank, he probably was a major or ltcol in the aircorce and now as a high ranking operative in CIA he felt superior underestimating Columbo. Absolutely brilliant played by both. This is gold standard, no loud music, no car chasing, no shooting just pure brilliant acting 👏👏👏

[@somegirl558]

This guy terryfies me. He is a brilliant actor. He played at least three different characters I remember and none I could recognize until some point... What a mask.

[@richardheinz]

The acting in this scene is so good it's frightening.

[@Sameoldfitup]

“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?”― Tennessee Williams

[@zandyrockz]

The line "What made you stay on it" makes me feel like McGoohan improvised it on the spot. It's such a sophisticated line.

[@louwrentius]

It’s so amazing how much fun both actors are having, so funny, but most of all - so well done, Patrick McGoohans voice is so striking, amazing

[@onemorething123]

There's so much I love about 'Columbo'. One thing that sticks out is that he can't be intimidated. If I remember correctly, even the Director of the CIA tried to get him to back off in this episode. Nope. Not Columbo. As far as the acting, they played it perfectly, trying to outwit each other at every turn.

[@kenherrera2819]

Patrick McGoohan played the bad guy in several episodes. This is my second favorite, my favorite is "By Dawn's Early Light" filmed at the Citadel. I attended a military academy and the episode was simply brilliant in the way it depicted life there and McGoohan as Col. Rumford was spot-on in his depiction of a devoted military man and educator (he won an Emmy for that performance!). McGoohan played in 4 Columbo episodes but also worked on the show as a writer, director and producer of several episodes. In fact, he directed this particular episode and filled it with references to "The Prisoner" where he played "Number 6", the role for which he is perhaps best remembered.

[@Blackmagecat]

These are awesome! I absolutely adore how thorough Columbo is in everything. So cool!

[@SandyofCthulhu]

Two of my favorite actors both able to project intelligence well

[@iannewcombe1340]

Colombo videos are great to watch in any era. Patrick McGoohan likewise. Another great actor.

[@Shoobee63]

What I really enjoy about this scene, and colombo's character, is sometimes Columbo confronts the killer, and he talks almost apologetically because the killer is certainly not as smart as him. But on this occasion, he's dealing with someone who is very intelligent and very devious, so Colombo is very very careful in what he is saying, with almost a deadly calmness and precision. Terrific! Work by Peter Falk, who by the way was good friends with Patrick McGoohan off screen

[@chancellorkarla6884]

You could tell these two were always having fun. I think they were having a little too much fun in 'Ashes to Ashes' but that can be forgiven because they are the magical two of the show.

[@Nitehawkrr]

They just don’t make them like this no.more , no soap operas compares in the slightest , this is class

[@richardclarke376]

McGoohan - what an amazing class act, both in front of the camera and elsewhere

[@RADIUMGLASS]

"please don't give me a lesson in geography" 😂😅😄🤣🍺

[@ashcross]

There is little today in TV that is as sublime as that dialogue and those performances.

[@DeltaStar777]

This could be the best part of all episodes, just soo good!!

[@jkorshak]

Have to appreciate not just Patrick McGoohan who was always outstanding, but all the high end television and motion picture talent making those great guest villain performances.

[@FedericoMissio]

Super dialogues and acting... that memorable quality!

[@aliali-ce3yf]

I could listen to these two voices all day. The writing, the charisma. Its all you need. And I love that its silent in the background. No music.

[@raysutton2310]

Peter Falk & Patrick McGoohan, a couple of class acts!

[@fredferd965]

This damned show is ADDICTIVE!!!!!

[@prorespluscom]

Utterly hypnotic. Every single episode.

[@randyedwards7049]

Big Pat was cool as the other side of the pillow

[@billkendrick1]

🤣

[@paulburchell1762]

The change of character Patrick does in all his appearances is a masterclass in acting...

[@mjremy2605]

Sherlock Holmes: The game is afoot! Columbo: The game is up.

[@nevientadross8129]

I was little, but I remember the announcement of the Chinese pulling out of The Olympics. I love how it was used in this episode. Brilliant

[@williamssharon3908]

This is one of my favorite episodes.

[@jermfra4005]

Gonna watch this episode now. Im glad I have each season of columbo

[@mjremy2605]

What strikes you about this picture? "I was younger and more beautiful then!" Amen! 🤣🤣🤣

[@captainhaire]

I feel so much improv here. So much chemistry.

[@UltimateBargains]

The truly great actors know how to leave a little bit of themselves in every character, so their audience can connect to a part of the real person who brings life to the character.

[@user-ve8yc8fe1g]

"I have a warrant for that too." "You have a warrant for everything" ...😂

[@TheMaineSurveyor]

In this episode, Patrick often says, "I'll be seeing you," in a seeming callback to his show "The Prisoner." One wonders if both The Prisoner and Columbo take place in the same universe. The possibilities are mind-blowing.

[@randyedwards7049]

He went down sooo smooth!! Brilliant

[@javiergilvidal1558]

Not so smooth; Brenner's will to put up a fight was mysteriously gone in a second. After all, Columbo`s "evidence" is a phrase in which the bandit says: "(the Chinese) may pull out of the Olympics, but not of soy beans!" He says "may pull", not "may have pulled". Brenner could always argue that the rumour was in the air that they MIGHT pull out in the near future, even if it had not happened yet. That would leave Columbo completely naked! In fact, I'm sure Brenner's lawyer would say so in the courtroom; as usual, Columbo is aided by the not-so-clever murderers, always ready to dig their own graves!

[@mumblesbadly7708]

The writing of this episode is excellent. Perfect to let Patrick McGoohen chew up the scenery! ☺️

[@georgegates526]

Patric Mcgoohan. A great actor he was. The banter was great with Columbo.

[@orionstar7015]

The acting between the two is Superb.

[@avalonjustin]

Love this episode.