NBC, 1/18/74
Directed by Robert Butler
From its first regular series episode (directed by Steven Spielberg) and throughout its original run, Columbo frequently elevated the medium of television high above most network programming of the 1970s. Director Robert Butler’s superb entry here is no exception, from its artful split frames to cover parallel action to the sly interplay between a villainously preening Jack Cassidy and series stalwart, Peter Falk.
Screenwriter: Peter S. Fischer. Cinematographer: William Cronjager. Editor: Robert L. Kimble. Cast: Peter Falk, Jack Cassidy, Mickey Spillane, Mariette Hartley, James Aubuchon.
Digital betacam, color, 73 min.
Episode of Columbo courtesy of NBCUniversal.
