The best years of "Columbo" were the first go-round, and "Forgotten Lady" is one of the best of the best for several reasons. The show features some old-timers as guest stars, making it especially delightful: Janet Leigh, John Payne, and Sam Jaffe. All of them are excellent. The second reason is film footage of the young Leigh doing "Walkin' My Baby Back Home." The third reason is a strong script with an unexpected ending. In Columbo, of course, one knows who the murderer is immediately - the story comes in Columbo being able to prove it. This one seems to go along normal lines and then veers slightly off course.
Janet Leigh plays a former movie star with a wealthy, ill husband (Jaffe). She wants to do a musical and, when her husband will not financially support her endeavor, she gets rid of him.
This episode and others from the early years makes me wish that the latest Columbos were as good. Peter Falk came back with some excellent episodes in the early '90s; however, the last few, later in the decade, have been disappointing. "Forgotten Lady" is a fine example of "Columbo" in its glory.