I haven't seen a Vito post in a very long time in the forum so I thought I'd start one. I liked him in ALL the episodes he was in (maybe 6 or 7?). He played a perfect role as the bartender/owner of Vito's in Murder, a Self Portrait for instance.

He's a little "broad" when he's drunk (and maybe a little broad in a different way when he's sober), but mine would probably be Mr. Dolan in NEGATIVE REACTION.

The nominees are:

- Murder, a Self Portrait (1989) ... Vito
- Identity Crisis (1975) ... Salvatore De Fonte
- Negative Reaction (1974) ... Thomas Dolan
- Swan Song (1974) ... Mr. Grindell
- Candidate for Crime (1973) ... Chadwick
- Any Old Port in a Storm (1973) ... Maitre‘d

I think Thomas Dolan has to get my vote. But, short as it is, he’s very good in Any Old Port as well.

I think the easy call is Thomas Dolan in "Negative Reaction." He really had to morph into a character unlike any of the others. He was so convincing as a whino, and his conversation at the shelter with Columbo was classic. Columbo: So this is beef stew. Dolan: That is the prevailing theory. I also like when he says, "Should I contact my barrister? Pip, pip..."

It's more a matter of Peter than of Vito, but Columbo's reaction to the funeral director's conversation in Swan Song is great.