Columbo - "Murder by the Book" (1971)

Season One
7 episodes
September 15th 1971 to February 9th 1972

Information from: The Columbo Phile by Mark Dawidziak

"Murder by the Book" (1971)
Season:
1, Episode - 1

Director: Steven Spielberg

Written by: Steven Bochco

Produced by: Richard Levinson and William Link

Originally aired: September 15, 1971

Run Time: 79 (mins)

Cast:
Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Jack Cassidy as Ken Franklin, writer
Martin Milner as James Ferris, writer
Rosemary Forsyth as Joanna Ferris
Barbara Colby as Lilly La Sanka
Lynnette Mettey as Gloria Jr.
Bernie Kuby as Mike Tacker
Hoke Howell as Sergeant
Marcia Wallace as Woman
Haven Earle Haley as Second Reporter

Plot:

America loves the Mrs. Melville mystery novels penned by the bestselling team of Franklin
and Ferris. What America doesn't know is that James Ferris does all the writing while gregarious Ken Franklin does
all the talking ( as in talk shows, personal appearances, books signings ). They have both become rich, but Jim wants
to try serious writing on his own. The decision enrages the untalented Ken, who depends on Mrs. Melville to maintain
his high style of living. Rather than risk exposure and poverty, Ken resolves to kill his partner and collect on the
insurance policy they have on each other.

For More Indepth Information

Click here if you wish to know additional information.

Columbo - "Death Lends a Hand" (1971)

"Death Lends a Hand" (1971)
Season:
1, Episode - 2

Director: Bernard Kowalski

Written by: Richard Levinson, William Link

Produced by: Richard Levinson and William Link

Originally aired: October 6, 1971

Run Time: 90 (mins)

Cast:

Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Robert Culp as Investigator Brimmer
Ray Milland as Authur Kennicut
Patricia Crowley as Mrs. Lenore Kennicut
Brett Halsey as Ken Archer
Eric James as Denning
Don Keefer as Medical Examiner
Len Wayland as Captain of Detectives
Lieux Dressler as Ceil Gentry
Barbara Baldavin as Brimmer's Secretary

Plot:

Communications czar Arthur Kennicut has hired high priced private investigator Brimmer
to determine if his wife is having an affair. She has been, but Brimmer falsifies the report. He tells Kennicut
that his wife has a clean bill of health. Brimmer lets Mrs. Kennicut hear the whole confrontation on an intercom.
In exchange for his continued protection, the investigator wants her to be "a good listener". In other words,
he hopes to balck mail her into being a pipeline of information about her politically powerful husband.
He suggests she think it over.

For More Indepth Information

Click here if you wish to know how Columbo catches the murderer.

"Dead Weight" (1971)
Season:
1, Episode - 3

Director: Jack Smight

Written by: John T. Dugan

Produced by: Everett Chambers

Originally aired: October 27, 1971

Run Time: 90 (mins)

Cast:

Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Eddie Albert as Major General Martin Hollister
Suzanne Pleshette as Helen Stewart
Kate Reid as Mrs. Walters
John Kerr as Colonel Rodger Dutton
Val Avery as Harry Barnes
Timothy Carey as Bert
Clete Roberts as TV Newsman
Ron Castro as Officer Sanchez
Glen Vernon as First Officer
Jimmy Pelham as Second Officer
Jim Halferty as First Marine Cadet

Plot:

While sailing off a marina with her ever-critical mother, insecure Helen Stewart
believes that she has seen a man in a bathrobe shoot a man in a uniform. The police are skeptical because the
window and the house Helen points out belongs to retired marine general Martin Hollister, a beloved war hero.

Columbo - "Suitable for Framing" (1971)

"Suitable for Framing" (1971)
Season:
1, Episode - 4

Director: Hy Averback

Written by: Jackson Gillis

Produced by: Richard Levinson and William Link

Originally aired: November 17, 1971

Run Time: 76 (mins)

Cast:

Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Ross Martin as Dale Kingston
Don Ameche as Frank Simpson
Kim Hunter as Edna Matthews
Rosanna Huffman as Tracy O'Connor
Vic Tayback as Sam Franklin
Joan Shawlee as Mitilda
Barney Phillips as Captain Tyler
Mary Wickes as Landlady
Sanadra Gould as Matron
Curt Conway as Evans
Claude Johnson as Policeman
Dennis Rucker as Parking Boy ( Joe )

Plot:

Multimillionaire and greedy art collector Randy Matthew's has decided to alter his will.
His nephew, powerful art critic Dale Kinston, will not receive the vast Matthew's collection of priceless paintings.
Before the changes can become common knowledge, Dale shoots his uncle and makes it look like the work of art thieves
who broke into the Matthew's mansion.

For More Indepth Information

Click here if you wish to know how Columbo catches the murderer.

Columbo - " Lady in Waiting" (1971)

"Lady in Waiting" (1971)
Season:
1, Episode - 5

Director: Norman Lloyd

Written by: Steven Bochco, Barney Slater (from a story by Barney Slater and Ted Leighton)

Produced by: Everett Chambers

Originally aired: December 15, 1971

Run Time: (mins)

Cast:

Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Susan Clark as Beth Chadwick
Richard Anderson as Bryce Chadwick
Leslie Nielsen as Peter Hamilton
Jessie Royce Landis as Mrs. Chadwick
Joel Fluellen as Charles
Richard Bull as Second Detective
Garry Walberg as First Detective
Barbara Rhoades as Hostess
Jon Lormer as Hearing Officer
Frank Baxter as Fred
Susan Barrister as Waitress

Plot:

Family corporation chairman Bryce Chadwick has forbidden his mousy younger sister, Beth, to
marry dynamic and ambitious company lawyer Peter Hamilton. Bryce believes that Peter is nothing but a fortune hunter.
There's nothing in Peter's background or character to justify this accusation. In fact, Bryce agrees that the cooperation
attorney is honest and dedicated. Bryce just can't accept the notion that someone might be interested in Beth for reasons
aside from her money. Since Beth refuses to cut the affair off, he has taken matters in to his own hands.

Bryce has sent a letter to peter. It contains an ultimatum: leave Beth alone or submit your resignation. Bryce is certain
that his strategy will force Peter to reveal his true colours. The letter is the last straw for Beth, who was dominated
by her father and now similary kept under thumb by her brother.

Columbo - "Short Fuse" (1972)

"Short Fuse" (1972)
Season:
1, Episode - 6

Director: Edward M Abroms

Written by: Tine Pine, Jackson Gillis (from a story by Lester and Tina Pine and Jackson Gillis)

Produced by: Edward M. Abroms

Originally aired: January 19, 1972

Run Time: 90 (mins)

Cast:
Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Roddy McDowall as Rodger Stanford
Ida Lupino as Doris Buckner
James Gregory as David Buckner
William Windom as Everett Logan
Anne Francis as Betty Bishop
Steve Gravers as Sergeant
Lawrence Cook as Murphy
Rosalind Miles as Nancy

Plot:

Boyish but brilliant research scientist Roger Stanford is upset by developments at the Stanford
Chemical plant, a business started by his late father. His uncle, corporation head David "D.L." Buckner, wants to
force Roger out and sell the company.
To ensure Roger's cooperation, D.L. has had his nephew investigated. Spying has uncovered some embarrassing strain
on the irresponsible Rogers record: gambling, drugs, car theft. It would be a shame if D.L.'s wife Roger's doting
aunt Doris, would see the report. Doris, like Roger and company attorney Everett Logan, opposes the selling of
Stanford Chemicals. D.L. will suppress his findings if Roger uses his influence to change his aunt's mind.
Rather than submit to blackmail, Roger uses his scientific genius to plot his uncle's murder.

Columbo - "Blueprint for Murder" (1972)

"Blueprint for Murder" (1972)
Season:
1, Episode - 7

Director: Peter Falk

Written by: Steven Bochco (from a story by William Kelley and Ted Leighton)

Produced by: Richard Levinson and William Link

Originally aired: Februrary 9, 1972

Run Time: 90 (mins)

Cast:

Peter Falk as LT. Columbo

Patrick O'Neal as Elliot Markham
Forrest Tucker as Beau Williamson
Janis Paige as Goldie Williamson
Pamela Austin as Jennifer Williamson
Bettye Ackerman as Miss Sherman
John Fielder as Dr. Moss
John Finnegan as Carl
Nick Dennis as Guard
Robert Gibbons as Clerk
Cliff Carnell as Officer Wilson
Jimmy Joyce as Workman

Plot:

Flamboyant Texas tycoon Beau Williamson returns from a long trip abroad to learn that
brilliant architect Elliot Markham has persuaded his wife, young Jennifer Williams, to fund a revolutionary
multi-million-dollar office complex: Williamson City. Beau is not touched ( except in his wallet ) by the honor.
He knows a hustler when he sees one.
A charming sophisticated, Elliot is using the naive Jennifer to get at Beau's money. In rage, Beau storms
into Elliot's office and smashes the scale model of Williamson City. He then drives out of the construction
site and confronts the architect. The devious architect sees a way out. Elliot goes out to Beau's horse farm
and hides in the industrialists car. When Beau gets into the car, thinking he is alone, Elliot forces him at
gun point into a nearby stable. A shot is heard.

Return to Pilots

	`"Murder by the Book" (1971)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 1`
`Director:`	`Steven Spielberg`
`Written by:`	`Steven Bochco`
`Produced by:`	`Richard Levinson and William Link`
`Originally aired:`	`September 15, 1971`
`Run Time:`	`79 (mins)`
`Cast:`	`Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Jack Cassidy as Ken Franklin, writer Martin Milner as James Ferris, writer Rosemary Forsyth as Joanna Ferris Barbara Colby as Lilly La Sanka Lynnette Mettey as Gloria Jr. Bernie Kuby as Mike Tacker Hoke Howell as Sergeant Marcia Wallace as Woman Haven Earle Haley as Second Reporter`
`Plot:`	America loves the Mrs. Melville mystery novels penned by the bestselling team of Franklin and Ferris. What America doesn't know is that James Ferris does all the writing while gregarious Ken Franklin does all the talking ( as in talk shows, personal appearances, books signings ). They have both become rich, but Jim wants to try serious writing on his own. The decision enrages the untalented Ken, who depends on Mrs. Melville to maintain his high style of living. Rather than risk exposure and poverty, Ken resolves to kill his partner and collect on the insurance policy they have on each other.

	`"Death Lends a Hand" (1971)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 2`
`Director:`	`Bernard Kowalski`
`Written by:`	`Richard Levinson, William Link`
`Produced by:`	`Richard Levinson and William Link`
`Originally aired:`	`October 6, 1971`
`Run Time:`	`90 (mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Robert Culp as Investigator Brimmer Ray Milland as Authur Kennicut Patricia Crowley as Mrs. Lenore Kennicut Brett Halsey as Ken Archer Eric James as Denning Don Keefer as Medical Examiner Len Wayland as Captain of Detectives Lieux Dressler as Ceil Gentry Barbara Baldavin as Brimmer's Secretary
`Plot:`	Communications czar Arthur Kennicut has hired high priced private investigator Brimmer to determine if his wife is having an affair. She has been, but Brimmer falsifies the report. He tells Kennicut that his wife has a clean bill of health. Brimmer lets Mrs. Kennicut hear the whole confrontation on an intercom. In exchange for his continued protection, the investigator wants her to be "a good listener". In other words, he hopes to balck mail her into being a pipeline of information about her politically powerful husband. He suggests she think it over.

	`"Dead Weight" (1971)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 3`
`Director:`	`Jack Smight`
`Written by:`	`John T. Dugan`
`Produced by:`	`Everett Chambers`
`Originally aired:`	`October 27, 1971`
`Run Time:`	`90 (mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Eddie Albert as Major General Martin Hollister Suzanne Pleshette as Helen Stewart Kate Reid as Mrs. Walters John Kerr as Colonel Rodger Dutton Val Avery as Harry Barnes Timothy Carey as Bert Clete Roberts as TV Newsman Ron Castro as Officer Sanchez Glen Vernon as First Officer Jimmy Pelham as Second Officer Jim Halferty as First Marine Cadet
`Plot:`	`While sailing off a marina with her ever-critical mother, insecure Helen Stewart believes that she has seen a man in a bathrobe shoot a man in a uniform. The police are skeptical because the window and the house Helen points out belongs to retired marine general Martin Hollister, a beloved war hero.`

	`"Suitable for Framing" (1971)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 4`
`Director:`	`Hy Averback`
`Written by:`	`Jackson Gillis`
`Produced by:`	`Richard Levinson and William Link`
`Originally aired:`	`November 17, 1971`
`Run Time:`	`76 (mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Ross Martin as Dale Kingston Don Ameche as Frank Simpson Kim Hunter as Edna Matthews Rosanna Huffman as Tracy O'Connor Vic Tayback as Sam Franklin Joan Shawlee as Mitilda Barney Phillips as Captain Tyler Mary Wickes as Landlady Sanadra Gould as Matron Curt Conway as Evans Claude Johnson as Policeman Dennis Rucker as Parking Boy ( Joe )
`Plot:`	`Multimillionaire and greedy art collector Randy Matthew's has decided to alter his will. His nephew, powerful art critic Dale Kinston, will not receive the vast Matthew's collection of priceless paintings. Before the changes can become common knowledge, Dale shoots his uncle and makes it look like the work of art thieves who broke into the Matthew's mansion.`

	`"Lady in Waiting" (1971)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 5`
`Director:`	`Norman Lloyd`
`Written by:`	`Steven Bochco, Barney Slater (from a story by Barney Slater and Ted Leighton)`
`Produced by:`	`Everett Chambers`
`Originally aired:`	`December 15, 1971`
`Run Time:`	`(mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Susan Clark as Beth Chadwick Richard Anderson as Bryce Chadwick Leslie Nielsen as Peter Hamilton Jessie Royce Landis as Mrs. Chadwick Joel Fluellen as Charles Richard Bull as Second Detective Garry Walberg as First Detective Barbara Rhoades as Hostess Jon Lormer as Hearing Officer Frank Baxter as Fred Susan Barrister as Waitress
`Plot:`	Family corporation chairman Bryce Chadwick has forbidden his mousy younger sister, Beth, to marry dynamic and ambitious company lawyer Peter Hamilton. Bryce believes that Peter is nothing but a fortune hunter. There's nothing in Peter's background or character to justify this accusation. In fact, Bryce agrees that the cooperation attorney is honest and dedicated. Bryce just can't accept the notion that someone might be interested in Beth for reasons aside from her money. Since Beth refuses to cut the affair off, he has taken matters in to his own hands. Bryce has sent a letter to peter. It contains an ultimatum: leave Beth alone or submit your resignation. Bryce is certain that his strategy will force Peter to reveal his true colours. The letter is the last straw for Beth, who was dominated by her father and now similary kept under thumb by her brother.

	`"Short Fuse" (1972)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 6`
`Director:`	`Edward M Abroms`
`Written by:`	`Tine Pine, Jackson Gillis (from a story by Lester and Tina Pine and Jackson Gillis)`
`Produced by:`	`Edward M. Abroms`
`Originally aired:`	`January 19, 1972`
`Run Time:`	`90 (mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Roddy McDowall as Rodger Stanford Ida Lupino as Doris Buckner James Gregory as David Buckner William Windom as Everett Logan Anne Francis as Betty Bishop Steve Gravers as Sergeant Lawrence Cook as Murphy Rosalind Miles as Nancy
`Plot:`	Boyish but brilliant research scientist Roger Stanford is upset by developments at the Stanford Chemical plant, a business started by his late father. His uncle, corporation head David "D.L." Buckner, wants to force Roger out and sell the company. To ensure Roger's cooperation, D.L. has had his nephew investigated. Spying has uncovered some embarrassing strain on the irresponsible Rogers record: gambling, drugs, car theft. It would be a shame if D.L.'s wife Roger's doting aunt Doris, would see the report. Doris, like Roger and company attorney Everett Logan, opposes the selling of Stanford Chemicals. D.L. will suppress his findings if Roger uses his influence to change his aunt's mind. Rather than submit to blackmail, Roger uses his scientific genius to plot his uncle's murder.

	`"Blueprint for Murder" (1972)`
`Season:`	`1, Episode - 7`
`Director:`	`Peter Falk`
`Written by:`	`Steven Bochco (from a story by William Kelley and Ted Leighton)`
`Produced by:`	`Richard Levinson and William Link`
`Originally aired:`	`Februrary 9, 1972`
`Run Time:`	`90 (mins)`
`Cast:`	Peter Falk as LT. Columbo Patrick O'Neal as Elliot Markham Forrest Tucker as Beau Williamson Janis Paige as Goldie Williamson Pamela Austin as Jennifer Williamson Bettye Ackerman as Miss Sherman John Fielder as Dr. Moss John Finnegan as Carl Nick Dennis as Guard Robert Gibbons as Clerk Cliff Carnell as Officer Wilson Jimmy Joyce as Workman
`Plot:`	Flamboyant Texas tycoon Beau Williamson returns from a long trip abroad to learn that brilliant architect Elliot Markham has persuaded his wife, young Jennifer Williams, to fund a revolutionary multi-million-dollar office complex: Williamson City. Beau is not touched ( except in his wallet ) by the honor. He knows a hustler when he sees one. A charming sophisticated, Elliot is using the naive Jennifer to get at Beau's money. In rage, Beau storms into Elliot's office and smashes the scale model of Williamson City. He then drives out of the construction site and confronts the architect. The devious architect sees a way out. Elliot goes out to Beau's horse farm and hides in the industrialists car. When Beau gets into the car, thinking he is alone, Elliot forces him at gun point into a nearby stable. A shot is heard.