Season 1, Episode 1 - "Columbo" Murder by the Book (1971)

 

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 517 denim jeans, blue Keds boat shoes sneakers, a preppy pastel light yellow windbreaker, white silk scarf, and a skipper’s hat. 



The funniest line in this episode is when Columbo is making an omelet for Joanna Ferris and says, “I’ll tell you what the secret is to a good omelet - no eggs, just milk.”

 

 



 

 Joanna Ferris can’t help but laugh even though her husband is missing:

 

 


 

 Bonus love for decor and architecture goes out to Mr. Franklin’s San Diego Beach House:

 


 

The wooden chalet on a cliff with a chain-held balcony is stunning inside and out. 



And Joanna Ferris’ kitchenware and decor: 

 

 


 

 

The light blue and green cabinets, wallpaper, and linoleum floor next to the bright red bowls and tea pot, along with the gold ashtray are a visual delight. 


In this episode, we learn something about Columbo’s ubiquitous, iconic raincoat: 

 

 


 

It is not lined.

 


 

 And he is a bit chilly.

VOTE: POLL - What is your favorite outfit? Columbo Season 1, Episode 1


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