Der Tote in der Heizdecke

I have always been a great fan of Columbo, especially of the pre-1989 episodes. Of the latter day episodes(1989 all the way up to 2003) It's All in the Game is one of the best, Ashes to Ashes and A Bird in the Hand I love just as much, and Agenda for Murder and Death Hits the Jackpot are equally worthy. It looks great, with beautiful locations and fashions and stylish photography. The music is moody and fitting, the writing is classy and sophisticated and while I initially found the story on the convoluted side I can now think of few latter-day Columbo episodes that had a story as clever and compelling as this one. But it is not a Columbo without Columbo himself, the guest villain and the rapport between them, and not only due the rapport scenes sizzle with tension and class but Peter Falk and Faye Dunnaway are both brilliant. All in all, one of the finest of the later episodes and worthy of the pre-1989 episodes. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Omg. Finally a guest star worthy of playing a Columbo villain. Fay Dunaway brings an intensity to her role usually reserved for only the very best villains on vintage Columbo. Here the villain is very likable. Fay Dunaway brings class and her great acting chops to the role. Fabulous edge of your seat drama. The story wastes no time getting right to it which is sometimes a problem with the later columbo movies. Too much filler. Here not a minute is wasted !! Fabulous chemistry between Fay and Peter Falk. Columbo really feels for her and knows he has to do what he must, but reluctantly. Superb.

Best moment : Fay buys a tie for Columbo and plants one on him. A kiss that is.

Faye Dunaway is the guest star of this marvelous Columbo, who seems to be entering into a flirtation with a beautiful socialite. This is a little off the beaten track for our sloppy detective friend as the lady even attempts to spiff him up with a new tie.

The socialite has, with a partner, murdered her gigolo lover and attempted to cover up the true time of the killing, thereby providing an alibi for herself. She's very clever. So, of course, is Columbo. The Dunaway character is depending on Columbo's attraction to her to get away scott-free.

This is a clever script with a marvelous performance by Dunaway, Claudia Christian, and the man himself, Peter Falk.

Out of the many "Columbo" TV episodes and movies, this one ranks among the best. Dunaway (who took home an Emmy for this) is sensational as a wealthy woman involved in the killing of her gambling, slimy younger boyfriend. She and Peter Falk play a game of cat and mouse with him constantly trying to get to the truth and her distracting him with offhand romantic comments and gestures. The chemistry between these very different actors is extraordinary. It sounds impossible that the queen of glamour would have any rapport with this rumpled, cross-eyed detective, but their relationship is fascinating. Falk's blushing at the interest from Dunaway is very charming and her adoration of him softens her sometimes severe edges. The convoluted story keeps viewers guessing as well, but the fun is in watching the stars bounce off each other. She is a monument to make-up and hairspray while he barely runs a comb through his hair, but they are a delight. WATCH THIS!

This has got to be one of the best written Columbo episodes. Not that it's more clever than others (but it's not stupid either) but it's just more layered. Because of this, this Columbo movie entry can also be seen as one that doesn't stick necessarily purely just to the usual formula.

It's a surprising thing that this episode was written by Peter Falk himself. Amazing since he had never written a screenplay in his life before (at least not one that got turned into a movie) and it as of yet is also the last and only one he ever penned down. I guess starring in so many Columbo movies makes you an expert on police thrillers and Peter Falk one day decided to write down some of his own ideas. The result is a more personal Columbo movie, in which we get to see a more personal side (do we?) of the Lieutenant when he apparently falls for the charms of a young(er) beautiful woman, who however also happens to be the suspect in a murder case.

It's perhaps also a movie that moves along a bit slower than the usual Columbo movie entry. This is because the movie also focuses more on its characters, instead of just purely its murder plot. Still the movie itself also features some nice twists and other clever detective movie aspects. The lover of this genre will surely enjoy this movie even if that one isn't familiar with 'Columbo'.

Another nice thing about this movie is that is stars Faye Dunaway, who of course is a big star, especially back in those days. She plays a good role. We as the viewers knows what she is doing and that she is manipulating but yet we still care for- and appreciate the character, which is really thanks to Dunaway's performance. It's great to see her in the sequences together with Peter Falk. There was some good movie chemistry there.

A better- and slightly different than usual Columbo movie.

8/10

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