When Hugh Caldwell has yet another fight with his wife it ends in tragedy as he accidentally kills her in a struggle. His first call is to his friend and neighbour Mark Halperin, who also happens to be a senior policeman. Halperin advises covering it all up and helps Hugh set up an alibi in a bar, while he goes to his house and covers up the crime before "spotting" a man in the Caldwell property from his own bedroom window. The police find Mrs Caldwell dead and investigate the crime, believing it to be the work of a burglar who has been working in the area recently. Columbo doesn't totally accept this though because of a couple of small things that don't ring true and sets out to try and prove what he thinks he knows.
As with many TV film series (such as Perry Mason), if you like one or two of them then you'll pretty much like them all. This entry in the Columbo series pretty much follows the usual formula we know the killer and the "perfect" plan but then watch Columbo follow his hunch and gradually starts to pick holes in the story he is told before eventually finding enough to prove his suspicions. Saying this is not a spoiler it is simply what happens in all the films. With this strict adherence to formula it is usually down to several factors whether or not the Columbo film stands out or if it is just average. Here the "deed" of the title is a murder and the friend involved in the "deed" is none other that the Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Halperin. This sets up quite a good story early on that only has a few weaknesses specifically the steps that Halperin takes later in the film, they seem unlikely, too impulsive and risky for such a powerful man. It might have worked if he had been written as arrogant or cocky but he isn't, he is smart and scheming. Once you get past these though the film is strong mainly because it gets the cat'n'mouse stuff spot on.
The attempts at comedy fall flat, nor do they manage to add to the character of Columbo the broken car and the desire for a cheap watch strap aren't funny and don't add anything to the story. However what director Gazzara does do well is frame a shot and he gives the series a gritty feel of the streets at times that was a fresh addition. More than that though, he gives the cast plenty of close ups and nobody takes more advantage of that than Falk himself. He is Columbo through and through but the close ups put him under pressure to show a lot in little things on his face, and he does it well. We can see his doubts, his thought process and even see it in his eyes as he sets and then springs the trap. It is a fine performance and it is these shots, rather than the broken cheap goods he owns, that tell us about the character. Kiley is a good match for him and plays his character well a worthy accomplice who doesn't play with Columbo but does think he has played the player. The film is at its best when the two men are on screen together. The support cast are less able; Murphy and McGuire are OK but they are never more than passable and I kept wanting them to step aside for the main event.
Overall this is an enjoyable Columbo film that is built on a typically strong story. The actors rise to this and produce some good interplay and director Gazzara helps them out a great deal by directing with an actor's eye, dishing out close-ups and clever shots that add to the performances. A strong film in the generally strong series.
As with many TV film series (such as Perry Mason), if you like one or two of them then you'll pretty much like them all. This entry in the Columbo series pretty much follows the usual formula we know the killer and the "perfect" plan but then watch Columbo follow his hunch and gradually starts to pick holes in the story he is told before eventually finding enough to prove his suspicions. Saying this is not a spoiler it is simply what happens in all the films. With this strict adherence to formula it is usually down to several factors whether or not the Columbo film stands out or if it is just average. Here the "deed" of the title is a murder and the friend involved in the "deed" is none other that the Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Halperin. This sets up quite a good story early on that only has a few weaknesses specifically the steps that Halperin takes later in the film, they seem unlikely, too impulsive and risky for such a powerful man. It might have worked if he had been written as arrogant or cocky but he isn't, he is smart and scheming. Once you get past these though the film is strong mainly because it gets the cat'n'mouse stuff spot on.
The attempts at comedy fall flat, nor do they manage to add to the character of Columbo the broken car and the desire for a cheap watch strap aren't funny and don't add anything to the story. However what director Gazzara does do well is frame a shot and he gives the series a gritty feel of the streets at times that was a fresh addition. More than that though, he gives the cast plenty of close ups and nobody takes more advantage of that than Falk himself. He is Columbo through and through but the close ups put him under pressure to show a lot in little things on his face, and he does it well. We can see his doubts, his thought process and even see it in his eyes as he sets and then springs the trap. It is a fine performance and it is these shots, rather than the broken cheap goods he owns, that tell us about the character. Kiley is a good match for him and plays his character well a worthy accomplice who doesn't play with Columbo but does think he has played the player. The film is at its best when the two men are on screen together. The support cast are less able; Murphy and McGuire are OK but they are never more than passable and I kept wanting them to step aside for the main event.
Overall this is an enjoyable Columbo film that is built on a typically strong story. The actors rise to this and produce some good interplay and director Gazzara helps them out a great deal by directing with an actor's eye, dishing out close-ups and clever shots that add to the performances. A strong film in the generally strong series.