Columbo Clothes and Laughs

This episode was directed by Bernard Kowalski, and written by Richard Levinson and William Link. Levinson and Link won Emmy awards for most Outstanding Writing for this.  The three best outfits in this episode are: 1) Brimmer’s green blazer:      Brimmer wears a dark green blazer with leather covered buttons and western curve piping seam on back. They are in Los Angeles in the early 70s and the slight western style is evident.       He pairs this with a peach with blue stripe oxford shirt, deep coral/brown slacks and a bright red tie. Somehow he pulls this off without looking too Christmas-y or clown-y.       (Brimmer is played by Robert Culp who also wears a green blazer while guest starring and murdering in two future Columbo episodes, be on the lookout, this is foreshadowing.)     2) Ken Archer’s golf outfit:     The adulterous golf pro sports a gold polyester rayon Munsingwear penguin polo shirt, khaki flare golf pants, and white and brown saddle shoe golf spikes.     This is one o

  Season 1, Episode 1 - "Columbo" Murder by the Book (TV Episode 1971) This episode was directed by a 24 year-old Steven Spielberg, and written by Steven Bochco, Richard Levinson, and William Link.  The three best outfits in this episode are: 1) Joanna Ferris’ purple and red ensemble:     She’s wearing a polyester/rayon turtleneck tunic with attached scarf, a long knit purple sweater vest, and matching purple poly pants She has accessorized with a long thin gold paperclip chain:     And she is wearing some gray suede leather buckle loafers with stacked wooden wedge heels.     She looks coordinated and comfy. This is an outfit that would make any Red Hat Lady squeal.       2) Ken Franklin’s unnamed theater date (Anitra Ford)’s magenta purple dress:       This is a long purple/magenta polyester maxi dress with plunging neckline, covered buttons and incredible fluffy giant ostrich feather boa sleeves.  3) Ken Franklin’s sportswear outfit:       Ken’s wearing Levi’s bootcut flare

  POLL: Columbo Season 1 Episode 1 - What is your favorite outfit?      Joanna Ferris’ red and purple ensemble       Theater guest’s purple boa dress     Ken Franklin’s sportswear     Lilly La Sanka's polka dot dress with butterfly cinch belt   Franklin’s poly pants with ankle buttons, double breasted blazer and maroon turtleneck   Coordinated perfectly with his interviewer’s ivory skirt suit, with bowler hat and tall boots      

Welcome to the Columbo Clothes and Laughs Blog!     This is a blog where we pick (approximately!) the three best outfits worn in each Columbo episode and discuss them. We also pick the funniest line/situation and discuss that. This is a vintage fashion blog, and just one more thing - a humor blog.  Note: this is not a Columbo recap blog, there are several excellent, comprehensive Columbo recap blogs and podcasts if you’re looking for episode-by-episode analysis. ( https://columbophile.com , https://columbopodcast.com/ ).   Columbo Clothes and Laughs is proudly sponsored by Steam Engine Partners, Skippy Haha Vintage , The Law Offices of Kevin Radey , and Peaceful Dicks.