Columbo investigates the murder of a Los Angeles woman who failed to arrive at a scheduled meeting in London. Columbo says he's investigating the disappearance as a favor to his old friend, Detective Chief Superintendent Durk of Scotland Yard, a character from S.O.S. Scotland Yard (1972).
First time a Columbo (1971) episode features a song from popular music - "She Drives Me Crazy" by Fine Young Cannibals.
In the scene where the Mayor, Columbo, et al., hide in a bathroom to evade reporters, a man steps out of a stall, interrupting the mayor, and steps through the group on his way out. The man is James Garner's older brother, Jack Garner.
At 32 minutes the scene with the models was first seen in the prelude, but this time the film was flipped. Instead of panning left to right, this time the panning is right to left, and the final model's drink moves from her left cheek to her right.
During the investigation of Dian Hunter's disappearance, Brantley and Tina are shown lying in bed reading gossip newspapers. Brantley is holding "Midnight Tattler," which, in addition to "Lieutenant Columbo close to solving case of missing publisher," has these headlines: "Drain killer cholesterol from body instantly"; "Inside: names of thousands who owe millions"; and "9 reasons we can guarantee to end foot pain... forever!"
Another newspaper on the bed is called "Info" and contains these headlines: "Bride & groom take porno videos of honeymoon & send them to guests"; "Girl, 6, gives birth to quints"; "50-year-old dad elopes with son's girlfriend, 15"; and "I murdered my mother because I loved her."
Another newspaper on the bed is called "Info" and contains these headlines: "Bride & groom take porno videos of honeymoon & send them to guests"; "Girl, 6, gives birth to quints"; "50-year-old dad elopes with son's girlfriend, 15"; and "I murdered my mother because I loved her."