Let's watch Columbo: Ransom for A Dead Man!
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- Episode synopsis: (via IMDb) A brilliant tort attorney gets rid of her boring husband by faking his kidnapping and keeping the ransom. The FBI may be fooled, but not Columbo.
Guest Stars: Lee Grant, Harold Gould and Patricia Mattick.
Oddly enough, it's Peter Falk's birthday today! (Born September 16, 1927). Happy Birthday to him! Easily one of my favorite actors.
Like Prescription Murder, I find the second pilot, Ransom for A Dead Man, an EXCELLENT episode. Lee Grant is marvelous as the condescending and emotionally manipulative Leslie Williams, and she does a great job of playing up her insanity in the ruthless murder of her husband.
Once again, Peter's interpretation of Columbo here is very much the guy we know and love, but certainly not as eccentric as he is in say, season 4 of Columbo. What do you think of Ransom for A Dead Man?
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
3:29 - Reaction
45:54 - Thoughts/Shooting Columbo
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#Columbo #PeterFalk #ReactionVideos #1970s #1970stelevision
It's hard to narrow down, but I think this one has the best dialogue between Columbo and the killer, all the way to the very last lines between them. And Lee Grant is just about perfect in it.
Lee Grant showed her acting chops and took them all to school in this episode. The screenplay also allowed great interplay between all the characters. Falk really showed his talent for sharing the screen with each character whether it was consoling the victim's daughter or drawing the line with the federal investigator once the case changed from kidnapping to murder.
The bait to hook the murderess was inspired. Perhaps only "Suitable for Framing" had a better "gotcha"! The episode did require some serious suspense of disbelief with the actual murder where a bullet-ridden body lands on a pearl white rug leaving no blood, a woman Lee Grant's size manages to load a 6-ft-+ man's body into a car trunk by herself, and then schlep it to a beach precipice and kick it into the ocean like a bag of trash.
Except for that rather absurd sequence, GREAT EPISODE!
I was sixteen when this episode debuted. I'm glad a younger generation enjoys Columbo as much as I did and do.
Him telling her he can't have her accused on the "wrong" evidence, that had me. So she will know he will accuse her eventually.
Between the lost pen and the novelty lemon-soaps, this one really has a lot of humor. 🤣
I never picked up on it through several viewings prior but the names of the couple are Les & Paul, which has to be a deliberate nod to the guitar manufacturer.
~ More likely a nod to the iconic guitarist Les Paul himself ~
Excellent, a young Columbo fan 😁Columbo has everything and the humorous parts are pure Gold.
Remember, in the 1970's, Columbo was part of a rotating series of TV movie length [1 1/2 to 2 hours with commercials] dramas, 3 other shows. So we only got to see Columbo once a month, 6 to 7 episodes a year for 7 years. Other shows included some that were dumped after the first year, like Hec Ramsey. Others that stayed along time were MacMillan and Wife, and McCloud. I forget the other one. Peter Falk won four Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo in 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1990
Yes, the rotating series was called The Wheel, I think
The other show was "Banacek", starring George Peppard.
@@mullet75 And the name of THIS wheel in particular? The NBC Mystery Movie!
czcams.com/video/vbCg5ZFxgDM/video.htmlsi=xHTDhb3q62AxhDnN
@@mullet75
*think.
@@WhiteLantern
Yup; correct!
FUN FACTS: Richard Irving, the director, also directed the first Columbo pilot, who then later directed the first pilot movie for The Six Million Dollar Man series. The exceptional score is composed by Billy Goldenberg, who also scored several episodes of Rod Serling's Night Gallery. ❤
I would like to make a preemptive comment concerning "Death Lends a Hand". (Possible spoiler) Columbo is often accused of planting evidence (like Margaret does here), but the contact lens, unlike the keys, was never intended to be used in court. The contact lens acts in a similar way to when detectives lie to a suspect about a witness or accomplice confessing. It's supposed to elicit a reaction or confession that could be used against the criminal.
Gotta remember one thing... LeeGrant had suffered blacklisting for over a decade, unable to develop her career during the prime window for female actors to do so.
Yet, we find her here, not only in top acting form, but still quite beautiful as well. A truly great actor that was harmed by our govt and her industry.
Very true for Hollywood acting roles, but she was able to perform on stage.
This is one of my favourite Columbo episodes. Love Lee Grant's character - really excellent villian - and a great foe for Columbo.
6:30: You asked about tracking the call. Back then a local call that was direct dialed was not logged. People paid a specific amount for the local phone service so no such records were needed. Such records could be kept, but the phone Co. would charge for it. Mostly, people only bought that service for a short period to allow the police to identify abusive callers.
As soon as both parties to a local call hung up, the circuit was broken and no trace possible.
BTW: The "Keep them on the phone for three minutes!" thing was mostly a TV and movies device. True that the longer the call was connected the better change for a trace, as the phone system computerized in the '70s through '90s, call tracing got faster and faster.
This was a solid episode, they get even better. The 70's first run clearly had the best episodes with the best villains, the bests plots and the best writing. 90's second run was good but they dropped off somewhat. Nothing great lasts forever..
The 70's was a TV show filmed like a movie and 90's were movies filmed like a TV show.
Also I feel like the 1990s leaned more into the funny aspects of the calendar, almost too much.
I have the feeling she'd be willing to share more experiences with Columbo, but she'd also like him to go away.
Peter Falk being cast as Lt. Columbo made every single television episode of "Columbo" worth watching that's for sure and Melissa Thomas "Columbo" videos here on You Tube are worth viewing.
Peter Falk and Lee Grant had previously starred together on Broadway in the Neil Simon comedy THE PRISONER OF SECOND AVENUE.
Also I have to say I appreciate your reactions and commentary on Columbo, because it is fantastic and I also watched this show with my dad. My dad passed away last year and I think of him every time I watch Columbo. There was a bit my dad and I disagreed on but we both bonded over Columbo. Looking forward to rewatching the series with you!
Thank you very much! I'm glad to have you here watching the show with me!
these are a lot of fun. I'm glad columbo is geting a lot of love these days. hopefully you will watch some other detective shows out there that deserve some love (though not as much as columbo. lol)
I'm not exactly your target audience. I'm not new to Columbo. I'm old enough to remember when it was part of the NBC Mystery Movie. I have been watching another CZcams channel, 'Watch It For Days', that does deep dive reviews of Columbo, including lots of trivia like the killers' heights, makes and models of cars, identifying background actors, etc. The CZcams algorithm said, 'if you like that, maybe you'll like this', which is how I ended up here. I like reaction videos, especially if it's of a show I already like, and you do a pretty good job, so I subscribed. Looking forward to the next one.
My dad introduced me to this show when I was younger. I've loved Columbo's way of solving crime ever since. A couple years back, our family went out to california. My dad surprised us by taking us to the restaurant they shot that scene where he's playing pool and ordering chili. Was really cool to see it. We drove by his house too while he was alive many years before that. RIP Peter. Thank you for reacting to this.
How cool! I think you're referring to Barney's Beanery. I was in California last year and I drove past it - it was so bizarre to see the location for myself. I definitely want to take a 'Columbo' trip and visit more filming locations for the series when I can.
@@meltyenjoys Yes, that place. It was a nice atmosphere. I don't remember if I liked the food or not. I was too distracted by the location itself. I'd love to visit several spots they shot at, see if any of them look the same.
6:23 Logging telephone calls didn't become a thing before fully computerized digital telephone exchanges. Old electro-mechanical exchanges were replaced with digital ones starting somewhere 1970s (depending on a phone company), before that it was possible to make calls and no one could track where a call came from afterwards.
Wait until you get to chicks like Beth from "Lady in Waiting"; she is the very definition of "fuck that bitch".
Also, I heard that Lee Grant and Peter Falk worked together on some film and TV before this, so their chemistry was pretty natural here because they knew each other beforehand.
If you want my opinion, I think Seasons 1-4 are really great stuff, especially the next couple episodes you're about to see [assuming you're doing them in order], "Murder by the Book" [This one is directed by Steven Spielberg!!], and "Death Lends a Hand", the first episodes of 2 actors who would go on to play Columbo villains 2 more times after this: Jack "The Hack" Cassidy [you'll know why I gave him this title when you see the next episode], and ol' Robert "Bobby" Culp.
After playing the villain on Columbo 3 times, Robert Culp made 2 more "Columbo" appearances, first in the Mrs. Columbo pilot film, "Word Games", and then in a Columbo revival era episode, "Columbo Goes to College", playing the father of one of the killers.
Cassidy didn't get that kind of ending though; shortly after his final Columbo appearance in 1976, he was relaxing in his house, dropped some cigar ashes on the floor, and before long, his house went up in flames and he died. Terrible ending for such a great actor. 😔
They're BOTH great actors, I have a feeling you'll like their episodes. Not sure how you'll feel about Patrick McGoohan's episodes tho [mainly the ones he directed]...
I am glad to have found your channel. I have recently watched all of the Columbo series with my subscription to Peacock. This was one of my mother's favorite shows, and I can see why she loved it so much. I have loved Peter Falk in everything I have seen him in. One of my special favorites is The Princess Bride. Watching this episode with you, made me realize that I never watched this one since it's not part of any season. I went back and watched it today, and got all the nuances I missed from your shortened version. It is now one of my favorite episodes.
Great reaction! I have to buy the book now.
Thanks so much! Definitely check out the book - it’s very insightful!
That was funny. If you wait for the opening credits you'll see who it is.😜 I was a young teen during the 70's so I loved all the actors during that time period. If you haven't seen it before, check out the movie Murder, Inc from 1960. It's Peter Falk's debut. He plays a hitman believe it or not. And of course who could forget him as the zany cab driver in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World.
I like this!
Thanks for checking out my channel! 😄
@@meltyenjoys looking forward to watching more Columbo with you
You think that assistant outfit was wild? Wait for "Lady in Waiting"! Some seriously early 70's duds. Hats included. Beware the redhead in the purple micro-mini!
I'm suprised they haven't done a rerun of these episodes like they have with Miss Marple, Poirot etc. Couple of little changes and a new Columbo. It would be great. I love this episode.
I can't imagine anyone else as Columbo.
Like the recent Poirot remakes: if they cannot improve on the original, they shouldn't bother (with Poirot, David Suchet is irreplacable).
@@danwells9525 Well yes
Typical BBC they are now doing a Poirot who is black. Ridiculous and I am in no way racist but come on.....
@@danwells9525 I think the difference is that Falk's portrayal of Columbo augments strong stories, to a level which cannot be approached. However I find the Christie stories lack vitality without a strong lead to carry (and uplift) them. Suchet does that, like the way Bogart lifted the Chandler and Hammett material in his films.
Yes, this is Up there with my favourites , i saw you laughing at him not liking flying, You should See the episode smoke and Mirrors, and (i think) Murder in Malibu, He Gets a Bit dizzy in those episodes as well, and he also gets sea sick, as seen in the Episode Dead Weight, when Eddie Albert takes him out in the boat, when he gets back, he walks off the boat he feels sick and faint and looks a funny colour lol.
My thoughts on the episode:
*Lee Grant is chilling at times here as the look on her face when she shoots her characters husband is so cold and deadly
* what's interesting about the episode's story is the murderer constructs a false kidnapping and ransom to cover up her killing. It's deliberate complication at work.
* The script has Columbo asking probing questions of Grant's character but he's not trying to trip.her up - just gather information .
*I'm surprised that Columbo didn't find out about and make a point about Grant's character saying "Give me a moment " when she heard of her husbands death .Oh well.
Its a strange feeling watching someone one watch a class show like Columbo with a Clown Wars poster behind. Worst thing to happen to SW since the Prequels. Either way. Cool episode.
PS: Dean Hargrove, the screenwriter of this episode, produced the second, third, & forurth seasons of Columbo & later produced the 1980s & 1990s Perry Mason TV movies. ❤
Apparently, the reason all the mannerisms were there from the beginning was because that was all Peter Falk. He'd ask for things not in the script like pencils or the time to get a genuine reaction from his co-star before they went into the dialogue.
Prescription Murder wasn’t a pilot, it was a made for TV movie , nevertheless good job 👌
HELLO, MELISSA MY NAME
IS CHARLES MY WIFE NAME
IS NANCY
WE LIKE COLUMBO
I HAVE A FAVORITE COLUMBO
THE MOST DANGEROUS MATCH
THAT'S MY FAVORITE COLUMBO
I LIKE YOUR SHOW
I LIKE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT
COLUMBO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
MORE COLUMBO !
Love how Columbo undressed that condescending detective.
Definitely talked him down in the politest way. Love him.
When you get to the episode co-starring Johnny Cash, Columbo makes a great comment about his fear of flying. You will love it.
Right around the same time Lee Grant appeared on Rowan and Martin's Laugh In, a popular way out crazy comedy show. Harold Gould, unbeknownst to you, was a fine character actor for TV and movies. He had a prominent role a few years later in "The Sting." [She says "the what?"]
Nice way to present this,I presume you are limited in how you can show the episode ,well done
23:00 columbo was always on the cutting edge of technology (even if at one time that would have been a FAX machine!).
Nice to see you agree with me, that the incident that ends with Margaret slapping Columbo was staged by them to convince Leslie they were not conspiring together to get her...
What's to agree to? He spells it out at the airport.
I never liked the Margaret character either. I think she is just creepy
4:34 LOOK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL
You looking up Lee Grant instead of waiting for it to come on the screen, as it came on the screen. :)
I agree that Margaret is annoying but also in portraying a teenager in this situation, I think the actress did a pretty good job.
Though made only a few years apart the photographic style of Prescription: Murder and Ransom for a Dead Man is jarringly contrastive. Indeed, the visual decor of "Prescription" turned out to a be a one-off, never to be repeated.
"Lady lawyer", that would be considered a 'sexist' term if used in at least certain situations today.
Until next video, be well~ 📺👍
Most of the scenes that seem unnecessary are for a deeper sense of the psychological cat and mouse . A feeling out and sizing up .
Absolutely!
We'll see AI remake columbo before columbo takes on AI.
Columbo dowsnt need silly editing
This is a very silly episode. You have to believe in at least six impossible things to fully enjoy it.
Although she comes close I don't think Margaret crosses the line into spoiled brat. Compared to Mrs. Williams Margaret comes across as a saint.
Oh, I think she's definitely a spoiled brat. Her feelings of entitlement, while understandable on a visceral level to viewers, is totally in keeping with the series' theme of being subversive to conservative norms, particularly to the rich and powerful. Even the primary living victim of the crime is not spared some amount of disdain. It's beautifully unconventional.
@@Hexon66 Spoiled brats are concerned primarily with themselves, whereas her primary concern was justice for her father. If she were a true spoiled brat Margaret could have simply bought her off.
It would be really cool if we could actually watch it with you instead of the text over the film……..?