What's your vote for the coolest thing said by a Columbo murderer? My choice wouldn't mean much out of context, but since we're all fans here, I assume you'll all remember the setup for this one...
"The time has come to explain Phase Three!" - Jarvis Goodland, The Greenhouse Jungle
All wonderful lines. I'm trying to remember if Maurice Evans actually said anything memorable--or if it's his performance that's so wonderful in his disgust for Columbo's--ub--untidiness.
Given my nickname, it's not surprising that my mind leaps to "Identity Crisis" and Patrick M's "You have the wrong room." I always crack up at how he keeps repeating it in the same tone to poor Columbo.
I always thought that Nora Chandler was the murderer who surrendered with the most class. She shows genuine admiration for Columbo's deductions and then takes a last sip of her drink and says, "Well! I'll get a coat, and we'll go."
She is particularly impressive when juxtaposed with Beth Chadwick, who has to be reminded by Columbo what a classy surrender would look like.
I really tried to stay objective on this one, but when David brought up the one line that I thought was the coolest line ever, I just couldn't help myself!...I just love the line David cited from Etude..........that last scene where Columbo shows the tape and then the film...and then Alex is obviously discredited by his wife.............and the jig is up!!......he shakes hands with Columbo and says...."Goodbye, Genius."
Not to be maudlin, but I am wondering if that is what Peter said to John when he died?