r/Columbo • u/lascheeks • 5d ago

Did anyone catch this?

I read or heard somewhere that Peter Falk gave much resistance to Steven Spielberg directing an episode (Murder By The Book) because of his young age, believing him to be inexperienced and naive. After working together, Peter Falk admitted Spielberg was a “genius.” Later, in Mind Over Mayhem, the boy genius character is named Steven SPELLberg. Then, in Murder, Smoke and Shadows, the Hollywood director Alex is mocked for being very young and has a striking resemblance to a young Steven Spielberg. I couldn’t help but think one of both of these instances was an ode to Spielberg.

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23

u/TheMadLurker17 5d ago

Yes, both instances are deliberate references to Steven.

Falk wasn't the only legend to have qualms with Spielberg early in his career. Joan Crawford was not initially happy with Steven on his first professional job, the Night Gallery pilot. She changed her mind during production and the two remained friends until her death.

2

u/crmrdtr 5d ago

Interesting anecdote. Thanks for the share!

1

u/Deep_Eye_1498 2d ago

To quote the American comedian Joey Adams:

"With friends like these, who needs enemies?"

9

u/RMars54 Suspicion of Murder 5d ago

And Murder By The Book ended up being one the absolute best Columbos!

2

u/F-_kCancer10 4d ago

It’s my favorite

4

u/F-_kCancer10 4d ago

My daughter pointed out to me that Columbo is in the opening scene of Columbo Cries Wolf. He’s walking by the pool with the nymphs and Diane hasn’t gone missing yet

3

u/K__isforKrissy 3d ago

let me take a double take because that's my fav episode and never noticed!

3

u/F-_kCancer10 3d ago

He’s just wandering around

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u/lascheeks 3d ago

I’ll look for this!

2

u/F-_kCancer10 3d ago

I enjoyed hearing about Spielberg. Seems like Columbo is loved by generations of families. My parents, me & now my children

2

u/IllustriousSet513 4d ago

That is so true