Prescription: Murder (1968 TV movie) review | The Columbo Episode Guide

The one that started it all. No music for this video because I couldn't be arsed and don't honestly know if I want to keep up with the background music - it's the hardest part of the edit.
Link to Watch It for Days' video: • Video
I own nothing.
#Columbo #PrescriptionMurder #PeterFalk #GeneBarry #EpisodeGuide #Review

[@columbopodcast]

Love this. Good work. It's so interesting to see such a different take on the character.

[@RegginaldRiglet]

Spot on

[@kellyanastasia2752]

That long scene in Dr. Flemming's office with Columbo asking if Flemming would take him on as a patient is just epic. Maybe the best scene in any Columbo episode. Really catches the essence of what makes the series so great, which is always that relationship and interplay between Columbo and the villian.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

It's really interesting how this is solidly 60s, and then in the Lee Grant pilot, we're definitely in the 70s.

[@marilynwillett804]

Not solidly '60's. Columbo originally aired in 1971, but there was a pilot episode in '68.

[@keithmadden9260]

I loved Columbos agressivness in this one

[@Twerpjuice]

It’s so fun to see, even if they decided to tone it down

[@michaelfontanelli2450]

(01:58) Enter the great Peter Falk in his signature role for the next 35 years, holding his iconic raincoat and wearing Hushpuppies! This was the world’s first TV glimpse of Lt. Columbo, and television would never be the same again.

[@rxtsec1]

Gene Barry was the unquestioned standout of this amazing episode. My favorite part is when Columbo ask him how to catch someone like him & he says "You Don't"

[@jorgecallico9177]

I actually watched this premier episode as a thirteen year old boy back in 1968. At the time I enjoyed this feature so much I began to wish that Columbo would become a regular series. One of my few requests that came true.

[@bronzeshield6382]

What's quality is at the end Flemming says "I overestimated you" to Columbo, which is the instant he underestimates Columbo and falls straight into his trap. So freaking good.

[@RocKnight11]

It's fascinating how young Columbo looked. He looked 10 - 15 years younger. For the series, I'm guessing the writers wanted Columbo to always be friendly and likeable to the killer at all times. Presumably that is why we don't see him blow up on suspects like we see here.

[@pikemeredith5604]

He was so good looking in this episode. He was just 40.

[@Puddin_Tame]

In case you don't already know. A month ago someone uploaded the ultra-rare "Enough Rope" starring Bert Freed as Columbo. It's on a KZbin account called Joe Andolina with the title " Classic TV Show Columbo" I just discovered it today. It may not be up much longer.

[@schlockhorror5533]

Yes I just heard about that myself... Fascinating! Great to finally be able to see it after all these years.

[@beatlesfansam]

This episode ranks highly for me. I thought that Gene Barry was one of the best villains, up there with Jack Cassidy and Robert Culp (and I liked what you said about him having elements of both those actors). I enjoyed your discussion of this episode and am looking forward to checking out your reviews of other episodes.

[@operasinger2126]

Powerhouse acting by the three main stars of this episode! Wow.

[@johnurban7333]

Nice of you to mention Watch it for Days. I enjoy hers and yours Columbo videos. Your both very good. I’m an avid Columbo fan and have seen all the episodes numerous times.

[@radar0412]

I just saw Prescription Murder yesterday. I have to agree that the scene where Gene Berry psycho analyzes Columbo is the best scene in not just this episode, but is the best scene in the entire Columbo Franchise history.

[@christianpatriot125]

The first time I saw this I thought the girl impersonating the drowned mistress was in fact the recovered wife, not dead after all. I thought it a brilliant twist.

[@jimmikulsky4810]

I believe the fake Joan is actually an undercover cop.

[@nopointinmedoingthis.forno4447]

Same here as well

[@phdtobe]

Gene Berry was excellent in the original 1950s “The War of the Worlds” movie.

[@bornyesterday21]

Yes .. That is an excellent movie.

[@thomassaehler9038]

And Burkes Law and Bat Masterson on TV

[@Oppeldeldoc1]

There's an ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR episode written by Levinson and Link called "Dear Uncle George." It has Gene Barry as a man who murders his wife, and it has a sort of eccentric detective. So it's a lot like Prescription: Murder.

[@RADIUMGLASS]

Gene Barry was a sharp dresser.

[@nimmichagger165]

People just dressed better then. Classic tailoring.

[@hi-xf7cj]

Bat Masterson.

[@captscarlet17]

I love Sunday afternoons, they replay Columbo films for 4-5 hours and I’ve seen every single one at least 5-6 times.💕😊😊😊😊📺

[@captscarlet17]

@Woody Meggs oh yes 👍🏾

[@noeleenburns2874]

Me too when I’m off Sunday

[@James-nl6fu]

In my opinion, the first was absolutely the best. Despite the many other brilliantly acted and conceived episodes❤️It's like watching a master 🎩 magician at work using misdirection to confound, confuse and amaze you

[@marlenejenkins5534]

Absolutely loved the launch series - and Gene Berry - what a vilain. I wished you would have played that whole Berry psychoanalysis of Columbo - it was his profile = spot on- which led that character into each episode. Berry explains Columbo to him - and from that moment on we knew him.

[@marlenejenkins5534]

@Angie H. Thanks Angie - I actually appreciate knowing any spelling errors - especially if it someone's name. I always liked Gene Barry on the screen and he was perfect for the 1st episode of Columbo.

[@emeraldmaiden63]

The thing that bothered me about this episode was that Dr. Fleming never checked to see if his wife was actually dead! Psychiatrists are also MDs, ffs.

[@NewEnergyMusic]

Great job creating this video! Your humor adds so much to it! Columbo has been one of my all-time favorite series. When I get to the other side I want to thank Peter Falk personally!

[@AngelofHell1311]

It's still my favorite Columbo story, even though Peter Falk didn't like it that much.

[@lauraalleguen6685]

Yes A B it's my favourite as well 🙂

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Is a really good one. Along with Spock, maybe the meanest of the killers.

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@Woody Meggs Abby might be the only one who you could argue was justified in killing. Cash had a nice demeanor, but what he did--boning an underage girl and then killing her and his wife off--wasn't nice at all. He played very effectively as a lovable rogue, though I didn't buy his confession of a tormented conscience in the car. He had enough class, however, and shame maybe, to put a good face on it when he was caught. My favorite gotcha ending is the matador Montoya. Fascinating that he did something so cowardly and dishonorable to preserve his reputation for courage and honor. Montalban is pitch perfect, and him glaring at Columbo, then lowering his eyes and handling him the sword--that's great stuff like out of Greek tragedy. I do so love that show

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

@Angie H. Abigail...forgot the last name. The mystery writer played by Ruth Gordon.

[@nevientadross8129]

The best show ever. I love how Columbo was hiding in the bedroom waiting to see his reaction. Intentionally genius

[@davewanamaker3690]

Peter Falk is great in this one-no matter that he plays it more straight and cold. I like his acting either way.

[@stephenholmes1036]

Gene Barry was superb in this, Im surprised he wasnt used again?

[@dare2share207]

When you said, at around 8:32, "God, I fucking love Columbo", I almost spit my soda out all over my pc! OMG

[@mortalclown3812]

Great video and props for recommending another channel - mighty gracious of you, sir. :-)

[@davewanamaker3690]

Thanks for the commentary. Loved it. You really made me understand how great the writing and the acting was.

[@susanb2015]

This was a Movie of the Week when it first aired. Not a pilot for a series. They decided to make it a series for Peter Falk and made the series Movies of the Week instead of a weekly series because Falk did not want a weekly series.

[@asteverino8569]

Love your narration! My second episode of yours. I’ve seen all Columbo episodes some many times. You mirror my feelings and humor many times. (Don’t tell anyone) Thanks for your in depth critique. Yes, this prototype is different than the series. Columbo has a better cut suit too. I don’t like Gene Berry so much, but he and his voice were perfect for this episode.

[@josephinekassongo4368]

I always thought Gene Barry could have been amazing as Bond after Connery. It could have been such a smooth transition 😊. But I think he wasn't British, wasn't he? Anyway, one of my top Columbo vilains! What a cool charisma, he had. But very easy to dislike in this fantastic episode. I was rooting for the Lt. to trap him with class, and oh boy he did! Superb episode. The music, the plot, the decor, the suspense. And great analysis of course. I like your humor 😊.

[@kevinb2844]

Loved your synopsis of this episode! Incredible!

[@owenwildish331]

I've always enjoyed Columbo since my childhood, however, I managed to watch this TV Movie for the first time, last night and I loved it.

[@frankcolumbo9615]

Unfortunate Gene Barry didn’t return as a regular villain on the TV series

[@davewanamaker3690]

Maybe he could have made a great James Bond after Connery left? What do you think? He's pretty dashing and suave.

[@ringkunmori]

How could he return? He's arrested.

[@jimmikulsky4810]

@@ringkunmori He could play a different character, like Jack Cassidy and Robert Culp.

[@acmdv]

The house they use at the end is a really famous house called "The Stahl House".

[@RegginaldRiglet]

I love these video essays. Amazing

[@bobuncle8704]

This was the first episode I watched when I picked up my box set. It really troubled me how Colombo hounded the girlfriend. I like your reviews, and have watched them all. Quite enjoyable. I also like “Watch.it.for.Days” as well. As you say, more details, and character histories. I also like her sarcastic wit and observations. Two of my favourite channels.

[@elseworlds5]

I always think of this as a snapshot of Columbo earlier in his career … already brilliant but not yet with the more laid-back attitude he’d adopt in later cases, and where his focusing on the job in hand could lead him to hound a suspect to the point where, near the end, it seems he’s pushed a person to suicide … although it finally turns out not to have been the case!

[@alvindimes4729]

I remember this from all those years ago, great movie.

[@ParodyWhitney]

Loved everything about this. Super well done!! 👏🏻

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

These reviews are spot on!

[@ProjectLighthouse122]

Congrats on 600 subs my friend

[@redringofdeathgamer]

"God I f**king love Columbo!" Lol

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

whats with the F word? sounds junior high. you're speaking to God?

[@amandajstar]

Everyone points out the 'tirade' against Joan, as if it's over the top -- but I always find it totally effective. He does what he needs to do in the circumstances. I also have no 'problem' with Columbo ageing and/or maturing as the series progresses. That does not, however, mean that what a character did when younger was the wrong thing to do. It might indicate a change of approach, but there are many ways to catch one's prey....

[@jordanhell45]

I just started the show for the first time and started with this. Just finished this movie right now so good timing on this upload :P

[@ezraforrest6936]

pro trick : you can watch series at Flixzone. Been using them for watching lots of of movies recently.

[@brentleydaxton5478]

@Ezra Forrest Yup, been watching on Flixzone for years myself :D

[@TheOriginalDJMrVee]

Good, enjoyable assessment.

[@raminrasouli191]

Thank you very much for your commentary Schlock Horror. I have never seen the whole pilot movie to Colombo only pieces of it. If you can, please upload the whole movie. Thanks.

[@ariesroc]

The original teleplay "Enough Rope" has been posted under Classic TV Show Columbo. Very interesting artifact for the character.

[@jackgeraghty7531]

*Mrs Columbo* To my late, great husband's fandom: thank you. Through the years, I've enjoyed reading your tributes; some make me cry, many make me laugh, all bring me joy. I fondly referred to your Lt Columbo as "Loo" and "F (Frank & Falk)." The time has come that I can disclose this fact: I was the mastermind behind solving each case. That was our pillow talk. Loo was the public face; I was the wo-man behind the man. As much as each of you may be intimately familiar with F's body of work, I embody it. Thank you for allowing me to join your elite, Columbo clan. I remain F's treasure chest of memories, and will answer your Qs to the best of my ability. Yours, Mrs C (ps: This is my social media debut. For you - and you only - do I delicately venture into the online meet/meat market. Be gentle.)

[@davidg-ig8vj]

Great episode commentary!

[@phdtobe]

Uhhh, Peter Falk pronounced his surname with the “L” silent. Meaning, “Falk” should rhyme with “walk”, “talk”, and “stalk”, with the “al” pronounced the same as the “aw” in “saw”, “paw”, and “flaw”.

[@pachma405]

I like the early Columbo. This is my favorite episode. One star of the show that didn't get a mention was the Stahl House.

[@justanotherdrunk]

yep its a great tv movie episode especially the ending and thanks for your review

[@m4026]

Thankyou for this...have never seen it! Pure gold

[@mkassis713]

Not one of my favorites,but this is a great Columbo episode.

[@ellahorses5436]

Great video on such a fantastic episode

[@Jude_OutHere]

I love the pilot, and Columbo's ruthlessness in this, but why was there a tape outline around the 'body' when she wasn't actually dead? Did the police used to tape around a live person?

[@DariusSarrafi]

Katherine Justice was one of the hottest Columbo girls!

[@david_sdiego]

Great pilot episode with an extra young Columbo. Strange that it took 3 more years to start the series - same as with All in The Family.

[@pinball1970]

I'm watching these as often as I am watching Columbo. I am thinking of starting a YT channel rating Columbo critique channels. Yours will do well I think.

[@robertdoyle687]

Best of The Best

[@MOGGS1942]

My favourite Columbo episode. Gene Barry, what a bonus to see him.

[@bdoo60]

Great writing….great acting …Columbo or the Rockford files which was the best?

[@fahimabemberry9756]

I like the one with the husband from Green Acres😂😂😂. He said, "You need to go somewhere else and fish because your not going to get anything here"

[@lukacunningham342]

An episode of Murder, She Wrote also guest starred Gene Barry, who also had William Windom as a main character

[@keithmadden9260]

A friend in deed is my favorite episode

[@robertwheatley2471]

Good choice.. mine as well.

[@gemmaphillips7733]

I love Columbo , this is my absolute favourite episode 🌹💜

[@boogie89man]

Thanks for sharing 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@nicholasschroeder3678]

Isn't the secretary the same actress as the waitress in Five Easy Pieces?

[@MrEab2010]

the first Columbo episode is the best. Best Falk performance, best villain (right up there with Jeremy Irons' Claus von Bulow in Reversal of Fortune), best mood setting, best script, etc., etc. Best example of the warped side to money and power at a time when it first started to be seriously questioned by society.

[@jazzbassmc8043]

Yes, this is one of my favorite Columbo movie!

[@WiecznieNieNasycony]

50 years ago, much better movies than what they are make today

[@bob4analog]

1:08 this is so Hitchcock!

[@albertchehade9916]

wow...colombo looks 12 years old in this..... 😁 😂 😃 😄 😅

[@live_monkey2485]

Notice how he said, "If I killed my wife..." instead of, 'If I *had* killed my wife... Without getting into linguistics here, all I can say is that his choice of words reveal the truth.

[@VonWenk]

An interesting review, except, considering this was three years before Columbo was a series and it was an adaptation of a play that had previously been adapted for TV, in no way does it qualify as an "episode." And my favorite bit of dialogue from a Columbo is probably Bart Koeppel as he's moving to the next hole: "You're not even interrupting my game, Lieutenant." One thing I also found interesting about Prescription: Murder on DVD is that I could see Gene Barry's shadow on the backdrop standing in for the night sky outside his and Nina Foch's apartment.

[@SanJoseCAJeff]

Nice work!

[@jeffreyb8770]

When this MOW aired, Americans were fighting tooth-and-nail in Vietnam.

[@buckbuck9225]

Nice.very nice work.

[@nealm8709]

The pool scene is shot at the same location as Adam-12 I feel like a fool, Malloy.

[@HotRetroFire]

There are some episodes where he's kinda sly and cocky again, but maybe that's just me viewing something more magical. He does get aggressive in S9E2 Columbo Cries Wolf. It's honestly got some similar plot tools.

[@hotdogstratus6533]

I dont think I've ever seen Peter's real eye deviate so far from the plastic one before 😂 he must'vee mastered that later on

[@hotdogstratus6533]

Also Peter looks hot as shit

[@sharklady5756]

Imo, the best Columbo episode EVER. As the series went on, he became a caricature of himself. The hardened Columbo was a better detective.

[@nigelgunson1025]

Loved this movie. The long scene between columbo and the suspect being the highlight.

[@ronnyraygunz8718]

Holy shit dude! That zombie cut scenes gonna give me nightmares!

[@JermainePerry-qu2et]

The villain is smooth planning professional senseless calm selfish successful experienced looking willing to killed for his self and money motivated plus he has deep beautiful voice

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I never saw this one, but you seem to be on top of that.

[@hi-xf7cj]

This was a full length movie. The Colombo series followed .

[@mchaelallen]

You forgot to mention the fact that this first episode was based on a play performed years earlier.

[@jackgeraghty7531]

*Mrs Columbo* My husband in a nutshell: view the doctor's psycho-analysis of the Loo and the law of compensation. Dr Freud couldn't have done a better job. The toad peeping out from under a toadstool to opine. Ergo, that's why F felt the need to incorporate motifs: tan trenchcoat (neutral, blend in shade); same ol' tan suit/similar tie (as if his closet only boasted one suit); beat-up, on its last leg, tiny wheels (small car for a small man); and ubiquitous cigar (a security blanket, and the only alpha male prop he had in his repertoire). Both the coat + cigar were crutches: tangible, sensory items to steady him; constant companions to hold hands with when entering and maintaining unknown territory and all eyes were upon him. And, finally, innately - his hair. I called it "the mop" and "the bush" - the only non-law of compensation characteristic that F boasted. The one thing in his life that superficially set him above his peers. F was proud of that fur and often refused to trim it. We all know that hair does not make a man; a man makes the man. Set aside all life crutches including superficial emphases on outer appearances, and the Loo had his one pride and joy: the floppy, overgrown bird nest on his head.

[@joiedevie3901]

This was a great movie. And Columbo was a much better grounded persona than his rumpled, idiosyncratic caricature into which he quickly evolved. Also, the game of psychological chess he played with the murderer was more direct than the circuitous and tiresome exchanges he had in later episodes with his targets.

[@pandithammultilingualcompu1552]

Awesome 🎉🎉🎉

[@jamesfeeney3016]

Columbo my fav show of all time!!!

[@ladamyre1]

A lot of people think this made-for-TV movie was the pilot for the series. I agree with you that this was one of, if not the best Columbo film, and that Gene Barry was one of the best villains of all. However I have trouble associating an actor, ANY ACTOR, with "greatness". I may say. "The great actor Lawrence Olivier.", but I will never say ,"The great Lawrence Olivier", because I didn't know him and for all I know he may have been a horse's ass with a good PR firm watching out for his image. Greatness is something I associate with making it a better world, and after you die people saying, "He made it a better world for all of us." Moses, Jesus, Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., even Nikola Tesla and Henry Ford (in spite of his friendship and support of Hitler) are what I associate as great men. Gene Barry has already been forgotten by 99% of the population and in 100 years only the most nerdy of cinephiles will know his name. Did he make it a better world? Don't make me laugh.

[@fastguned]

I have never seen a little longer hair make a man look so different. To me Columbo looks younger with more hair

[@SL-vi4tk]

From this very first episode, Columbo uses already established stars, which may or may not have worked... and it worked beautifully

[@Makeyourselfbig]

In any detective show I have ever seen the "a burglar did it" has never worked.

[@gnolan4281]

Falk & Co. added a lot of touches as the series progressed. This "pilot" lacks one key element that was later very effectively employed; comic relief. Joyce Van Patten as the nun in the homelss shelter compliments the rumpled Columbo on his "disguise". Larry Storch plays to absolute perfection the fussy and irritable driving license examiner who refuses to continue to ride with Columbo. Donald Pleasence is irresisrable as the winery owner who explodes over a bottle of spoiled wine at the restaurant. He leaps up from the table leaving the waiters puckering and noisliy sipping it to see if they can tell it's spoiled. It is hilarious.

[@JermainePerry-qu2et]

The detective is everyday down to earth experience charming passionate planning patient professional unseen but larger the life person

[@terrortorn]

But Joan incriminated herself as a willing participant in murder, an accessory before the fact. She was cooperating in her own life sentence or worse.

[@jacktheripoff1888]

Started watching Barry in Burke's Law on KZbin from early 60's. Never had heard of it before. Not too bad. Interesting concept, millionaire working as head of police homicide dectectives getting chauffeured around on his Rolls. But I guess they decided on jumping on James Bond-mania and changed him to an international spy and the series tanked not too long after.