The very first episode of Columbo, as most viewers recognize it, is “Murder by the Book,” which aired on September 15, 1971, as part of the NBC Mystery Movie series. However, the true origin of the rumpled detective lies in earlier television appearances, specifically two pilot episodes. This article delves into the convoluted history of Columbo’s genesis, clearing up the confusion surrounding its earliest iterations and exploring the unique characteristics that defined the series from the very beginning.
The Murky Waters of Columbo’s Beginnings
Before Peter Falk donned the iconic raincoat and launched into his famous “Just one more thing…”, Columbo existed in a different form. Understanding the timeline is crucial to accurately answering the question of what truly constitutes the “first episode.”
The Pilot Episodes: Planting the Seed
The character of Columbo originated in a 1960 short story, “May I Come In,” written by Richard Levinson and William Link. This led to a stage play, “Prescription: Murder,” starring Thomas Mitchell as Columbo. From there, the character transitioned to television.
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“Prescription: Murder” (1968): This is technically the first televised appearance of Columbo. Richard Levinson and William Link adapted their play, and NBC aired this television movie on February 20, 1968. However, Peter Falk wasn’t the first actor to portray the detective. Veteran character actor Bert Freed was originally cast, but he was deemed unsuitable. Eventually, Peter Falk was chosen, and he played Columbo opposite Gene Barry as the impeccably dressed psychiatrist, Dr. Ray Fleming, who commits murder.
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“Ransom for a Dead Man” (1971): This television movie, which aired on March 1, 1971, features Lee Grant as the wealthy and cunning Leslie Williams who murders her husband. While technically the second televised Columbo appearance featuring Peter Falk, it was produced before “Murder by the Book” and served as another crucial pilot to test the viability of a series.
“Murder by the Book”: Launching the Series
While “Prescription: Murder” and “Ransom for a Dead Man” paved the way, “Murder by the Book” officially launched Columbo as a regular installment of the NBC Mystery Movie. Directed by a young Steven Spielberg, this episode features Jack Cassidy as the arrogant and calculating Ken Franklin, a mystery writer who murders his writing partner. “Murder by the Book” established many of the hallmarks of the Columbo series: the seemingly bumbling detective’s disarming demeanor, his relentless questioning, the meticulously crafted crime, and the eventual exposure of the killer’s meticulously planned deception. Its success cemented Columbo’s place in television history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Columbo’s Origins
This section will delve deeper into specific aspects of Columbo’s early days, addressing common questions and providing detailed answers.
FAQ 1: Why is “Murder by the Book” considered the “first” episode, even though earlier ones existed?
“Murder by the Book” is generally recognized as the first episode because it marked the beginning of Columbo as a regular series. The earlier television movies, while featuring Peter Falk as Columbo, were primarily designed as pilots to gauge audience interest. They were precursors, not part of an ongoing season. “Murder by the Book” confirmed the series’ potential, leading to its continued production.
FAQ 2: What makes “Prescription: Murder” significant?
“Prescription: Murder” is significant because it’s the first time Columbo appears on television. It established the character’s core traits and the inverted detective story format that would become a hallmark of the series. It also served as a proof of concept, demonstrating that Columbo’s unique approach could translate to a visual medium.
FAQ 3: How did Peter Falk land the role of Columbo?
Peter Falk wasn’t the first choice for the role. Several actors were considered, including Bing Crosby. Falk impressed the creators, Levinson and Link, with his understanding of the character’s nuances and his ability to portray Columbo’s disarming yet intelligent demeanor. Falk’s inherent talent for portraying an apparently disorganized yet undeniably astute detective ultimately secured him the part.
FAQ 4: What are the key differences between the pilot episodes and the later series episodes?
The pilot episodes, particularly “Prescription: Murder,” have a slightly different tone than the later series episodes. The pacing is a bit faster, and Columbo is arguably less eccentric. Later episodes further refined Columbo’s character, emphasizing his rumpled appearance, his seemingly endless stream of questions, and his connection to the working class. They also amplified the cat-and-mouse dynamic between Columbo and the murderer.
FAQ 5: Who created the character of Columbo?
The character of Columbo was created by Richard Levinson and William Link. They initially conceived of him in their short story, “May I Come In,” and further developed him in their stage play, “Prescription: Murder.”
FAQ 6: Why did Steven Spielberg direct “Murder by the Book”?
Steven Spielberg, at the time, was a relatively unknown director making a name for himself in television. He was hired to direct “Murder by the Book” because of his talent and his ability to create suspense. The episode provided Spielberg with an opportunity to showcase his directing skills, and its success helped launch his career. It’s a fascinating piece of television history, seeing the budding talent of one of cinema’s greatest directors at work.
FAQ 7: What is the “inverted detective story” format, and how does it apply to Columbo?
The “inverted detective story” format, also known as a “howcatchem,” reveals the identity of the murderer and the details of the crime at the beginning of the episode. The focus then shifts to the detective’s investigation and how they piece together the evidence to catch the killer. Columbo is a prime example of this format. The audience knows who committed the murder, adding suspense as they watch Columbo slowly unravel the perpetrator’s carefully constructed facade.
FAQ 8: What are the defining characteristics of Columbo’s personality?
Columbo’s defining characteristics include his seemingly bumbling demeanor, his rumpled appearance, his relentless questioning (often punctuated by “Just one more thing…”), his old Peugeot car, his love of chili, his cigar smoking, and his constant references to his wife. However, beneath the disarming exterior lies a brilliant and perceptive detective. He’s underestimated by the wealthy and privileged killers, which is precisely what allows him to catch them.
FAQ 9: How did the NBC Mystery Movie contribute to Columbo’s success?
The NBC Mystery Movie provided Columbo with a consistent platform and a dedicated audience. The anthology series, which also featured McCloud and McMillan & Wife, allowed Columbo to air regularly without the pressure of producing a new episode every week. This format gave the show the flexibility to focus on quality over quantity, contributing to its enduring popularity.
FAQ 10: Was Peter Falk’s portrayal of Columbo always consistent across all seasons?
While the core characteristics of Columbo remained consistent throughout the series, there were subtle variations in Peter Falk’s portrayal. In later seasons, Columbo sometimes became slightly more assertive and less overtly apologetic. However, the fundamental traits that made him so beloved – his sharp intellect hidden beneath a disarming facade – remained constant.
FAQ 11: Why is Columbo still popular today?
Columbo remains popular for several reasons. The inverted detective story format provides a unique and engaging viewing experience. Peter Falk’s performance is iconic and captivating. The series features clever writing, intricate plots, and memorable guest stars. Moreover, the show’s timeless themes of justice, perseverance, and the triumph of the underdog resonate with audiences across generations.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch the earliest Columbo episodes?
The earliest Columbo episodes, including “Prescription: Murder,” “Ransom for a Dead Man,” and “Murder by the Book,” are available on various streaming services and DVD box sets. Availability may vary depending on your region, so it’s best to check local listings and online retailers. Owning physical copies ensures you can always access these pivotal episodes that laid the foundation for a legendary television series.