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An area where fans from all over can ask each other questions and voice their own ideas and opinions on anything Columbo.

This Forum is fondly dedicated in memory of  "cassavetes45"  (Carleen Zink),
Columbo's greatest fan and a great friend to us all.
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Murder, Smoke and Shadows

I always happened to like this episode, only now, after many viewings I find it a little less interesting. But still not bad!
- I like music score here again! This music in Columbo episodes is brilliant!
- is Alex the youngest killer ever in Columbo?
- it is said that killer and victim were the same age. For me it doesn't look like that
- quite cruel murder in this episode
- "it would have been very strange electrocution if the victim got up and turned his pockets out, and then took hisself to the beach and hit hisself in the face" <-- I love that line :)
- Columbo arrives to some place - to speak with secretary, he sees some other car, then he cleans part of his hood in the car. What was it all about?
- Columbo is searching the murder scene, but how could he know where it happened? I think he was quite lucky with that shoe heel
- the scene with the fence, "light and shadow" always annoyed me a little, and one time Columbo is on the left side and one time at right, I don't understand this scene
- Brady arranged all this actresses scene to misslead Lieutenant, but how could he know that Columbo will be in this restaurant at this time?
- why Mr. Marosco was angry at Alex ant told him his movie will never get made?
- "I must confess, I'm a corner-turner Lieutenant. Is there a panelty for that?" <-- I like that line too :)

Re: Murder, Smoke and Shadows

One of the better of the "new" episodes. This is not surprising, as it was directed by James Frawley, who also directed "Try and Catch Me" and "How to Dial a Murder", among his 6 appearances in the series. The music, by Patrick Williams, is also unique and top notch.

- Youngest Killer: Not sure about the age of Alex, but I think he's comparable in years (character-wise, not necessarily actor-wise) to Justin and Vanessa in "Columbo Likes the Nightlife" and Beth Chadwick in "Lady in Waiting". The youngest, however, were the college boys, Justin and Cooper, in "Columbo Goes to College".

- Knowing Scene of Crime: I think once Columbo found the ticket for the studio tour in Lenny's pocket and Alex's phone number on the book, he knew the murder took place on studio property. It certainly didn't happen on the beach.

- Cleaning the Car: One of his idiosyncrasies. He looks at the beautiful car and then his (which he's always proud of) and realizes, in his mind, that it needs a "little" cleaning up to look just as nice as the other car. Or maybe he's just being a smart aleck!

- Fence Scene: always liked this one. Shows Alex's ability to manipulate - a key element in his character's downfall. Also gives some valuable insight to how film actually works. ("Step away from the fence and you lose your light." - an acting no-no)

- Mr. Marosco: he's angry at Alex because he asked him for one simple favor - give him a picture by Easter - and Alex pooh-pooh's him. When Alex looks for some consideration, Marosco, who's had it with him by this time, tells him to go pound salt. Again, it's Alex's arrogant manipulating of people which proves his downfall. Marosco has been manipulated by him in the past and is finally tired of it.

- Restaurant: Yeah, that's a good point. How COULD he know when and where Columbo was going to be. And the fact that the girls had this entire conversation planned out. And the security guard was in on it and had to be there, too. (Do they normally have a security guard on duty at that restaurant? Wouldn't someone notice he wasn't a real security guard?)

Re: Murder, Smoke and Shadows

Yes that makes a sense! I never thought about a fact that fake security guy would be suspicious for all the other people! About murder scene probably you are also right. and you are totally right about Justin and Cooper, and Justin and Vanessa! I forgot about them. I'd say Beth Chadwick could be older

Re: Murder, Smoke and Shadows

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