Spoiler Alerts for Columbos are provided in the opening scenes of every Columbo. Not really mysteries, just great entertainment.
As other reviews have noted, the pacing of this episode is impressive. The realism on shipboard including the droning sound of the vessel maintains atmosphere throughout the episode. Columbo holding his balance in an interior passageway while the ship rolls (I think this is real) nails the mood. I have looked for Gazzara directing ever since.
Solving a crime (or a problem or a crisis) in forced confined (and real) environments offers challenges and rewards for the director and cinematographer (and the sound people), rewards for the viewer.
I thought the cast was strong. Robert Vaughan as the long-suffering villain was quite good (even though I'm not a fan of this acting style). OK, he was exceptional. Dean Stockwell was not so strong, but Columbo's are all about Columbo, so it doesn't matter.
As other reviews have noted, the pacing of this episode is impressive. The realism on shipboard including the droning sound of the vessel maintains atmosphere throughout the episode. Columbo holding his balance in an interior passageway while the ship rolls (I think this is real) nails the mood. I have looked for Gazzara directing ever since.
Solving a crime (or a problem or a crisis) in forced confined (and real) environments offers challenges and rewards for the director and cinematographer (and the sound people), rewards for the viewer.
I thought the cast was strong. Robert Vaughan as the long-suffering villain was quite good (even though I'm not a fan of this acting style). OK, he was exceptional. Dean Stockwell was not so strong, but Columbo's are all about Columbo, so it doesn't matter.