The two-timing president of an electronics firm uses his expertise in electronic gadgetry to bump off his mother-in-law who has had enough of his wasteful and philandering ways.
A very well-devised Columbo story; Oskar Werner plays a confident, cold-blooded murderer which is fully evident in his excellent portrayal.
The set-up for the murder is fascinating: the script never complicates the story and is clever in using various elements of the electronic gadgetry (not all involved in the murder) to yield Columbo's clues. This is extremely ironic given that the murderer is certain that the hi-tech, modernised equipment in his house will allow him to commit the perfect murder.
The pacing of this adventure is well-judged, the performances are efficient and the conclusion is very thoughtfully executed - the murderer's wife is on hand to confirm that what she can see on the taped version of the murder is the clinching piece of evidence.
Highly recommended - if you haven't seen a Columbo adventure before, this will highlight what you've been missing and it is very representative of the quality of the series as a whole.
A very well-devised Columbo story; Oskar Werner plays a confident, cold-blooded murderer which is fully evident in his excellent portrayal.
The set-up for the murder is fascinating: the script never complicates the story and is clever in using various elements of the electronic gadgetry (not all involved in the murder) to yield Columbo's clues. This is extremely ironic given that the murderer is certain that the hi-tech, modernised equipment in his house will allow him to commit the perfect murder.
The pacing of this adventure is well-judged, the performances are efficient and the conclusion is very thoughtfully executed - the murderer's wife is on hand to confirm that what she can see on the taped version of the murder is the clinching piece of evidence.
Highly recommended - if you haven't seen a Columbo adventure before, this will highlight what you've been missing and it is very representative of the quality of the series as a whole.