Ransom for a Dead Man

A grieving widow, Mrs. Carlin, hires ace defense attorney Cliffie St. John to represent her in a murder case. She claims her husband is still alive and that she shot someone else. The twist: Cliffie is actually Lt. Columbo, working undercover, suspecting Mrs. Carlin of murdering her husband for his insurance money and then killing the victim to make it look like her husband was the murderer.

Ransom for a Dead Man is a popular early installment in the Columbo series, praised for its intricate plotting and a compelling performance by Lee Grant as the cunning antagonist. The film is noted for its unique approach, with the audience knowing the killer's identity early on, and the suspense building around Columbo's methodical investigation.

• Praised for Lee Grant's masterful portrayal of a brilliant and manipulative killer.

• The film is lauded for its clever premise, which flips the usual murder mystery formula.

• Columbo's investigation is noted as particularly engaging and suspenseful.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the intelligence of the script and the strong performances, especially from Lee Grant, making it a standout episode for fans of the series.

This was the second full-length Columbo "movie-mystery" episode, following 'Prescription: Murder', and it was the first to feature a female killer.