Pilot 2: Columbo, Ransom for a Dead Man (1971)

 

Pilot 2, Columbo - Ransom for a Dead Man (1971)

 

 

This is the second Columbo pilot movie to feature Peter Falk, and was directed by Richard Irving. It was written by Dean Hargrove, Richard Levinson, and William Link. 

 

This is the last episode we are going to document, here we go! The three best outfits in this episode are: 

1. Leslie Williams's pilot outfit: 

Mrs. Williams is wearing a floral silk scarf on her head and amber aviator shades. 

Her long white coat is lined in bright red silk, and her pants and shoes are all white. She's like the Red Baron, but the White Baron. 

2. Nancy the secretary's gray and white citrus wedge skirt with a necktie: 

She's wearing an a-line miniskirt with the cutest print that resembles lemon slices, but in gray. 

Her matching blouse and wide white tie bring it all together. 

 

3. Leslie's lady lawyer sweater-dress with a cape outfit:

This is a maroon and beige textured knit, likely wool, long sweater with a cape. 

Objection sustained.

 

Bonus points for fashion go out to Margaret's knit pom-pom beret: 

 

 And Margaret's navy blue polo with gold contrast stitching and buttons: 

 

  

Extra bonus points for Leslie's orange drop waist sweater dress with cut out sleeves: 

Another bonus point awarded to Leslie's financial advisor's bold brown and orange suit combo: 

 

And finally a bonus point for Leslie's purple plunging neckline slinky maxi gown: 

Decor bonus point awarded to the granny square afghan quilt that Leslie naps under on the couch: 

The humor of this series is not quite nailed down yet in this pilot, but the funniest lines in this episode are when Columbo has a briefcase full of $25,000 and asks the waitress if he can sign for his root beer. 

Also when Leslie calls Margaret a "very sick girl," gets no response, and asks if she's "still listening?" And Margaret replies that it's difficult because she is "so sick."  Nice sarcasm.

 

There's another funny exchange when Leslie tells Columbo he's fumbling and stumbling and almost likeable in a "shabby sort of way." 

 Also, finally, when Columbo looks at the menu and does what he always does anyway - orders chili: 

 

THE END. LOVE.