Check out the post " Actors who played COLUMBO"

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll take a look at that thread.

I thought there would have been more interest in this find but I gather that The Lt. Columbo Forum is sadly quieter these days. I had assumed that not many people would have seen it.

You're right, I for example watched all 69 columbo episodes, some several times, and never watched this earlier version of the first episode, guessing I should when I have some time.