Abigail Mitchell, a bestselling crime author, locks her treacherous nephew in a walk-in safe and makes it look like an accident. Lieutenant Columbo however is unconvinced.
This must be the only Columbo story where Columbo is taller than the killer ! Gordon is an absolute charm as the murderous Abigail, a little girl in an old lady's body, gently satirising Falk's mannerisms and feigning ignorance. This in turn prompts one of Falk's finest turns in his classic role - he is equally charming and funny and there is a wonderful life-affirming speech he gives to a ladies lunch-group, which is just unmissable. On top of this is a first-rate thriller script by Gene Thompson and Paul Tuckahoe; I love the Edgar Allan Poe-esquire idea of the victim locked in a darkened safe, running out of air, trying desperately to leave some hidden clue to point to the killer, and the brilliant ironic denouement which leads to Abigail's downfall. Easily one of the best Columbo murder mysteries, with a delightful pair of leading performances.
This must be the only Columbo story where Columbo is taller than the killer ! Gordon is an absolute charm as the murderous Abigail, a little girl in an old lady's body, gently satirising Falk's mannerisms and feigning ignorance. This in turn prompts one of Falk's finest turns in his classic role - he is equally charming and funny and there is a wonderful life-affirming speech he gives to a ladies lunch-group, which is just unmissable. On top of this is a first-rate thriller script by Gene Thompson and Paul Tuckahoe; I love the Edgar Allan Poe-esquire idea of the victim locked in a darkened safe, running out of air, trying desperately to leave some hidden clue to point to the killer, and the brilliant ironic denouement which leads to Abigail's downfall. Easily one of the best Columbo murder mysteries, with a delightful pair of leading performances.