MovieChat Forums > Prescription: Murder (1968) Discussion > First and Best of All Columbo Villains

First and Best of All Columbo Villains

posted 8 years ago by grstmc
3 replies | jump to latest

Not really a Gene Barry fan, but I give credit where it's due. With all of the many villains (and villainesses) that have matched wits with Lt. Columbo, none have surpassed the original cool, confident, calculating Dr. Fleming, although some have come very close.

Ironically, this first Columbo has one of the weakest endings. I guess you can't have everything.

Wouldn't be surprised if Barry was cast because he was also excellent in an hour long ep of Alfred Hitchcock, playing a guy who kills his wife under far different circumstances, and does his best to get away with it.

[–] Wuchak (8855) 6 years ago

It helps that Dr. Flemming (Barry) is a psychiatrist because he accurately psychoanalyses the expert sleuth and by the end we feel we know and understand the Lieutenant, which lays a strong foundation for the forthcoming series.

"Prescription: Murder" is easily one of the best Columbo episodes ever (which are actually TV movies). The script, cast and acting are of top caliber, which makes the story gripping despite the fact that it’s all drama and no violence beyond the initial murder.

[–] greenbudgie (2356) 2 years ago

I reckon Gene Barry was at his best when playing villains. 'Dear Uncle George' was the Alfred Hitchcock episode he was in.

[–] [email protected] (6247) 2 years ago

One of the best Columbos ever! It's one that I rewatch periodically. However, I never saw it when it first aired when I was a child.

I laugh now when I watch it and think how it would've explained a LOT if I'd seen it back then. The evil and cunning Dr. Flemming does a nice summation of Columbo's character as in, "You're very intelligent but you hide it." He goes on to say how the wily lieutenant disarms people by seeming confused.

That would've helped my Columbo viewing immensely when I was a kid! Every episode would make me wonder how the detective could be SO clueless and then get so smart at the end!

I love this one for the late sixties style, the music, clothes, cars,etc. Great episode.