Shooting Columbo

The Lives and Deaths of TV's Rumpled Detective

By: David Koenig

Narrated by: Randy Skretvedt

Columbo was arguably the most popular and most unique television mystery series ever - even though, within two minutes of the titles, the audience already knew the murderer’s identity. The show captivated tens of millions of viewers for 69 adventures produced over 35 years. Yet if star Peter Falk had gotten his way, it would have run far longer.

Columbo was never formally canceled, just subtly killed off. Twice. Who was to blame? The temperamental lead who would rather work in movies? The budget-conscious studio, exhausted with the star’s demands? Or was it the meddling television studios, searching for a younger, hipper replacement?

Discover the solution in Shooting Columbo: The Lives and Deaths of TV’s Rumpled Detective. Author David Koenig takes you behind the scenes to witness the creation and making of every case, from the pilot Prescription: Murder (and its earlier incarnations on The Chevy Mystery Show and on stage) to the final special, Columbo Likes the Nightlife.

You’ll discover the origins of the Lieutenant’s unseen wife, the lethargic Dog, the wrinkled raincoat, the wheezing 1959 Peugeot, and “Just one more thing....” The narrative draws on scores of exclusive interviews with the show’s writers, producers, directors and other creative personnel, as well as previously unpublished studio records, including scripts, memos, production reports, casting sheets, and business diaries. They will transport you to the harried story conferences, the heated confrontations, and take...after take...after take...of filming.

The “shooting” of Columbo was filled with backstage intrigue and larger-than-life personalities who, through it all, created unforgettable classic television.

©2021 David Koenig (P)2021 David Koenig

Glad I was only watching Columbo

Columbo was a terrific series. Amazing to see how many episodes we got based on how hard it must have been to work with Falk. Interesting book that makes me glad I was only a viewer and not involved with production of the show.

Great overall read.

It was a great read overall. However, I would like to have learned more about how the extras -were chosen .

As comfortable as an old pair of $16 shoes

Anyone who loves Columbo will enjoy this book. But, you shouldn't expect too much information that you don't already know. If you've listened to the Columbo podcasts with the Scottish guys, it's similar to that. Essentially a synopsis of each episode, with a few behind the scenes tidbits added in (but thankfully lacking the prudish perspective of the 70s of the podcasters). There are a lot of details about production conflicts and casting ideas, which are moderately interesting. Though I doubt anyone can be sure just how likely it was that the high-priced choices would have actually guest starred, or how far along planning got to set an episode in Japan. I would say that it was great good fortune to have snagged Ruth Gordon for Try and Catch Me, rather than Bette Davis. Conversely, Angela Lansbury might have brought more of a sociopathic edge to the depiction of Grace Wheeler in Forgotten Lady, than Janet Leigh, And as with the program, the book loses steam for me after Chapter 14 and the wrap of The Conspirators. The later episodes hold little or no interest for me, and neither did the backstage intrigues.

A good listen

This is a great drive listen. If you’re a fan of columbo or falk go ahead and open your ear

True to Columbo

Enjoyed this book. It did get redundant at times, but that is just long running TV shows in general. Still, a good listen!

Terrific

If you are interested in television history you will love this Audible. Koenig and Skretvedt are a wonderful team and their work is exceptional.

It wasn't just one more thing..it was much more.

I enjoyed the book. Thank you for capturing some of these stories and putting them into a narrative.

The behind the curtains events

The book starts off a little bit more on the side of the authors less so about Colombo. However, really quickly after first or the second chapter the book picks up the pace and the focus is on Peter Falk’s character. Laughed multiple times. I still haven’t finished it.

Mixed Bag

Interesting, but rather than enhance my love of the show the way some podcasts have, it made me feel put off by Falk and annoyed when I watch the show. So many things I have complained about during viewings turned out to be Falk’s input. Makes me wonder how much better and consistent the show would have been if Falk would have just shut up and done his job.