Sulle tracce dell'assassino

This is a particularly enjoyable series entry because it is extremely well-written. David Rasche's character is particularly well-written and well-acted. He is never over the top, clumsy, or obvious. The clues that got Columbo on his trail were perfect -- subtle (i did not catch them, I must confess) but available and fair.

Shera Danese (Falk's real-life wife) is also extremely true to her character and is a joy to watch. She's been in about six or seven Columbo movies now, and she keeps delivering more on-target performances. And, some clever twists make Barry Corbin's character one of the best on a Columbo episode ever. I hope he shows up on a future Columbo.

I liked watching this Columbo movie. It follows the usual formula but has a story with some twists to it, in which 2 lovers are trying to frame the wife's husband for a murder in order to get the husband out of the way. The man and murderer also happens to work for the police as a forensics expert and therefore starts to work directly with Lt. Columbo on the case. At first he really seriously doesn't suspect him (which is almost un-Columbo like) and it isn't until halve way through that the good old lieutenant starts to figure out the truth.

It's a nice concept, that is also rather well written, though the movie gets a bit weaker as the movie progresses and it starts to drag a bit with its concept. Also the seemingly 'perfect' plan seems actually more and more stupendous and not thought out well enough. It has too many holes and clues in it for Lt. Columbo to figure that something fishy is going on here. So even though it's well written and original within its usual framework, it just isn't the most watertight script, plot-wise.

What also mostly makes this movie such a fine and fun Columbo movie to watch is its nice comedy. There some real fine and subtle comedy within this movie, which made me enjoy this movie even more than the usual average Columbo movie entry.

It was the last movie Vincent McEveety directed for the Columbo series. He directed a total of 7 Columbo movies in the '90's. All of them are special Columbo movie entries in their own way and they are each original. I think this is why he got asked so many times back to direct another Columbo movie. No, not all of his Columbo movies work out but at least you can always say that it's different than usual, which already is a big thing for a Columbo movie. Fore lets face it, in essence every Columbo movie is of course the same.

The cast was also good. Normally the later Columbo movies don't have a too good or impressive cast but in this movie all actors do a good job. Even though the movie doesn't feature the biggest names in the business this really doesn't harm this Columbo entry in the way it had harmed some of the other later Columbo movies. Even Shera Danese is good in this one. Danese at the time (and still is) married to Peter Falk, which had landed her some roles in more than a few Columbo movies. Normally she isn't much good but in this movie she plays her role simply well.

A Columbo movie I simply enjoyed watching, despite its plot flaws and problems.

7/10

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Real life Mrs. Peter Falk, Shera Danese is one of two people who plot a killing, the other is her lover David Rasche. Danese is married to tycoon Barry Corbin who is a real loudmouth boor. But he's got her by the pre-nup, she gets not enough to continue the style of living she was accustomed to.

But if Corbin gets murdered she's looked at right away as a suspect. What to do, but murder someone that Corbin has a motive to kill. The poor schnook they pick on is someone who is suing Corbin and who Corbin had a public quarrel with.

That would be Raye Birk, middle-aged bachelor who lives a quiet conservative lifestyle. Rasche murders him and together evidence is planted implicating Corbin.

Truthfully I don't think many would have missed Corbin. But Birk is an innocent soul and these two are as coldblooded a pair that Columbo ever encountered.

It's as usual little details with Columbo that don't quite fit. He's up against something he's never faced before with one of the killers which I won't reveal. But it all hinges on Danese and Rasche keeping their relationship secret. And it's little things that give them away.

Columbo always spots these details, but in this one he's almost Monk like in his anal retentiveness.

One of the best of the newer batch.

This Columbo-episode must be one of the best ever. The plot is simple: Mrs. Cathleen Calvert (played by Shera Danese, Peter Falk's real-time wife!) has a rich husband, Clifford (played by Barry Corbin), but she has also a lover, Patrick Kinsley (played by David Rasche). To get rid of her husband, Cathleen figures out a great plan: they make him responsible for a murder. All evidence leads Columbo to him. Will Clifford ever be free or was the plan perfect? Watch the movie to figure it out!

I loved the plot: it was interesting. It was fun to watch Barry Corbin as Clifford, his character was funny. Shera Danese again in a Columbo-movie, but this is good: she can act, whatever character is needed. Peter Falk as Columbo is perfect as always.

I can recommend this movie for everybody looking for a good mystery.

Overall this is a pretty good Columbo, in my opinion, though it does have some glaring weaknesses.

Barry Corbin is very good as the loud husband who gets framed by Shera Danese. Danese turns in her usual performance; she's lovely and interesting but seems to play essentially the same character in every episode.

The criminologist "bad guy" does a pretty sloppy job for a supposed expert -- that may be the biggest plot weakness; it's hard to believe he was that dumb. A long way from CSI.

The other weakness is the ending - the twist is good enough, I suppose, but the scene in which he reveals it is contrived and overplayed.

All in all, a good story. If they'd redone the ending and let the villain be a little more clever it would have been a great one. As it is, it's just good.

-B-