Columbo (TV Series) Columbo Cries Wolf (1990) User Reviews

One of the more successful Columbo experiments.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 7/10 · 1 October 2008]

Over the course of years the Columbo movies have tried out some different things, which differ from its usual successful formula. Most of those movies however did not worked out and weren't as remotely as good as the Columbo movies which sticked to the usual formula. However I see this movie as an exception. It picks a different story approach, which works out well and although this isn't really among the best Columbo movies it can still be seen as a successful 'experiment' to try and be different.

Because it's different it isn't more surprising though but the movie its different approach makes sure that there is more mystery to enjoy. In this case we don't see a murder being committed and all we know as that a woman disappeared somewhere on her way to the airport. But we don't know why or who is behind it all. With this approach this movie is obviously different from the usual Columbo movie entry. Due to this approach we get more inside Lt. Columbo's head and we see how he approaches and investigates the case.

The story and approach makes this a very entertaining movie to watch. Because of its approach the story also for some reason feels like it's a better and more cleverly written one compared to other Columbo movie entries, while it in fact perhaps isn't. I think that it is because of the fact that we ourselves also don't known what has happened and the movie for most part is a true mysterious thriller to us as well, just as it all is a big mystery for the main character Columbo.

One thing that didn't made me enjoy this movie was it's typical early '90's style. In terms of style the '90's was perhaps the worst decade for movies ever. The clothes, hair, make-up, the music...it's all so completely horrendous. But oh well, perhaps in 50 years from now people will start to appreciate this more and look back at it as the good old glorious '90's!

The movie features Ian Buchanan in one of his earliest roles. He began acting at a pretty late age and he now days is very well known all over the world for his role in the long running and successful soap-series "The Bold and the Beautiful", for which he has played in for 15 years, and still counting. He was good in this movie opposite Peter Falk and they had some good necessary chemistry together. Chemistry between the main suspect and the Lieutenant always had been an important key element of the series.

A different Columbo movie that actually works out.

7/10

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One of the better "newer" entries to the series...

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 6 March 2012]

To me, Columbo is one of the best detective series of all time, and one of my favourites ever. Columbo Cries Wolf is not among my absolute favourites of the series, but it is for me one of the better "newer" entries and one of the more successful change-in-formula episodes. Much better than for example Last Salute to the Commodore, another attempt to be different from the usual formula but fell flat, anyhow. Like with all Columbo episodes, Columbo Cries Wolf is beautifully shot, and the location(s) great. The fashions are nice to look at as well, and I liked the rock soundtrack at the start. The writing is smart and always maintains interest, and while I agree about the chauffeur business(the three or four times I've seen this episode, that has always bugged me also) the story(somewhat re-calling Prescription Murder at times) is well paced and makes the most of the formula used. It also has a very clever ending. Peter Falk as he always was is brilliant as Columbo, looking very lively and natural throughout. Ian Bucchanan is not my definition of a great performance, never quite as flamboyant as his character promised to be, but he is solid enough and works well with Falk. Deidre Hall is gorgeous and very convincing. Overall, a favourite it isn't, but I enjoy it very much. 9/10 Bethany Cox

One of the best of the latter-day Columbo's

[garrard · 9/10 · 17 July 2010]

From the opening credits playing the Fine Young Cannibal's hit "She Drives Me Crazy" and the glimpse of a Hugh-Hefner-like mansion, the viewer knows that he or she is in for something special. And that is no surprise, for "Columbo Cries Wolf" has a lot of surprises in store ahead.

The inspired casting of soap favorites Ian Buchanan and Diedre Hall are just two of the pluses in this episode, set in the cutthroat world of high fashion and glamor.

Though one of the plot devises is very similar to the first Falk-Columbo "Prescription: Murder," there is still enough that keeps this one fresh and memorable.

The final scene where Columbo solves the case is - pun intended - a "killer."

A uniquely entertaining Columbo story

[The Welsh Raging Bull · 30 December 2002]

I'm not a big fan of the "new" Columbo adventures, but this one simply has to be watched because the murder untypically occurs about a quarter of an hour from the end of the film.

On the negative side, Ian Buchanan's performance as the murderer is rather bland and I can't ignore the fact that the chauffeur does not check inside the limousine when he hears the gunshot.

Nevertheless, the whole thing keeps you guessing right up until the end and you really do start thinking that, for once, Columbo has got it wrong.

Columbo gets it wrong!

[Dawnfrancis · 10/10 · 5 January 2003]

Yes, Columbo gets it wrong or does he? This is an excellent Columbo story which adds a neat twist to the usual formula. Falk is lively throughout and by setting it in the glamour world, there are plenty of opportunities for comic moments. Very well paced and a treat to watch.

The Set-Up

[AaronCapenBanner · 9/10 · 4 March 2016]

Ian Buchanan stars as a smug, self-satisfied man named Sean Brantley who is co-owner of a successful men's magazine called "Bachelor's World", with him as the chief bachelor, though his partner Dian Hunter(played by Deidre Hall) owns majority stock, and wants to sell out to a wealthy British businessman who will shut Sean down, so an elaborate scheme is devised that makes it look like Dian was murdered and replaced before she arrives at the airport on her flight to London. Lt. Columbo(Peter Falk) is asked in on the case by old friend Chief Superintendent Durk(from earlier episode 'Dagger Of The Mind') and is convinced it's murder, but after the vast estate is turned upside down looking for her corpse, Brantley benefits from all the free publicity it provides, which of course is no accident... Outstanding episode is the best of the revived series, and a highlight of the entire series, with an ingenious, lively script that inverses the traditional formula on its head most effectively, leading to a perfect "Gotcha" ending. A delight from start to finish.

Very Entertaining!

[Sylviastel · 9/10 · 24 May 2006]

Soap stars Ian Buchanan from General Hospital and the always beautiful Deirdre Hall from Days of Our Lives are involved in a disappearance and possible murder of a publisher. Of course, this brings a slew of much needed publicity for a starving magazine. Gigi Rice has a role as well. It's a familiar story with Ian playing a British Hugh Hefner style younger man and his empire in financial ruins. His partner is played by the beautiful Deidre Hall (she hasn't aged in years) wants out of the business. Of course, the motive is about money. Columbo episodes try to use simple motives rather than complex and the crimes are always pretty simply done whether it is done with a gun. We are never truly left with a gruesome crime scene in Columbo episodes and that's a good thing because Columbo has always been light-hearted at heart and his interactions with the prime suspect is always fascinating. When he thinks he's wrong, he's not.

Great ending

[ntvnyr30 · 8/10 · 1 December 2001]

Kind of plodding at times, but I thought the ending was very unique.

I'm surprised that no one had commented yet, but I thought this Columbo was very entertaining. One of the better, newer Columbos. I wish Columbo had never gone off the air.

Surprising departure for Columbo

[zmartever · 7/10 · 15 March 2014]

This installment of '90s Columbo isn't half bad if you can overlook some corny dialogue and stilted acting delivered by soap opera actors (a very attractive Deidre Hall and a sufficiently oily Ian Buchanan) in bad clothing and repeated scenes of cheesy photo shoots designed as fillers for this 120 minute format. I really think that the newer shows would have benefited from a 90 minute format, tightening up the story lines. Peter Falk is still great and easily out-acts anybody he shares a scene with. Older of course but still wonderful. I just really miss big name guest stars as villains. I would love to have seen Elizabeth Taylor and other classic stars. These lesser known actors just don't bring the omph. A huge part of the fun of vintage Columbo were the big name villains. The menacing music also added to the atmosphere and tension where most of the music in the newer installments is just plain bad. All in all, this is certainly not the worst among the newer Columbos.It actually got better as it went along. The plot entertains and surprises....with a cool twist at the end.

Columbo Goes On A Shopping Spree

[DKosty123 · 9/10 · 6 July 2009]

Daryl Dukes direction shows up here in a Columbo which is more intense than many & that intensity comes from the director. This 1990 Columbo is one of the longer ones that goes for 2 hours but this length flows unlike some of the later ones where the longer format drags. The original series shows were made for 90 minute time slots. Sometimes they seem better because they are shorter.

The opening credits include the rock song "She Drives Me Crazy" by The Young Cannibals & sets the tone for this one.

While the guest cast here is not as famous as some of the shorter ones, it goes by with a story that is not standard Columbo fare. There is a disappearance but whether or not there is a murder and who did it are not given sway which is unusual for a Columbo case. There are some major twists along the way. Columbo is literally shopping for a crime in this show, unlike others in the series.

The curves of the women models and the opening rock soundtrack give this episode a different flavor than almost any other Columbo.

Comeuppance for Columbo at the Bunny Ranch?

[punishmentpark · 7/10 · 16 September 2015]

Could it be true? Will Columbo finally be outsmarted? By a smug playboy / gold-digger type, no less? Nah. But it was a fun twist on the old formula. Ian Buchanan plays the slick killer with style. The location of the 'Bunny Ranch', with all its fine female specimen and a wide variety of exotic animals, was great fun. There were some fine supporting roles (David 'The big Lebowski' Huddleston and Mark 'Pi' Margolis). The finale resembled an old Edgar Allen Poe story, if I'm not mistaken, but the kill and the uncovering of the body were more-than-usual harsh for a Columbo episode - something I can appreciate.

Maybe it makes no sense that this highly intelligent killer forgot to take off the bracelet gadget from his dead wife's wrist, or even that he let Columbo back on the property just like that, but alas... most Columbo episodes have a flaw or two or more, and if not, they're rather far-fetched. That's just how it is. Love it or leave it.

I'd almost forget: there's some fine '80s music here, such as the Fine Young Cannibals.

7 out of 10.

Good One, But Shows How The Show Was Getting Dated

[verbusen · 8/10 · 10 January 2010]

Columbo is best viewed when he's in the 1970's (or 60's), simply because today's technology for crime fighting (DNA evidence, the internet, wide spread cell phones), was not around yet. This episode is on the cusp of that time era, it's film standards and styles look really close to a present day TV show, in this one there are cordless phones, video cameras everywhere, and beepers (I bet 20 somethings have no idea what those are! LOL), so we are almost there in today's modern era. So when you watch this it's sooo close that you start to think it is now and you see how easy things are to solve if Columbo has the modern techniques available. (mainly DNA testing) That off of my chest, I did enjoy this episode and loved the way it unfolded. Lets face it, I'm sure I'm not the only one who grew up on Perry Mason and Columbo re-runs, to want a TV episode that is dark, where the killer gets away! This episode is good for that and in the end yes Columbo gets his killer but you know that ending was rushed and people like me can make believe that was a dream Columbo was having and the Playboy got away with one (ala OJ Simpson). I find the show frustrating to watch mainly because I grew up watching this show so I've gotten nit picky, I guess that's a testament to how great this show is as a series! Columbos attention to details (lets face it most are very convieient like they are in most murder mysteries), has driven me to a point where I nit pick the show because now I am paying to much attention! Without saying anymore negatives (why is Columbo in a missing persons case? on and on and on, search warrants, lawyers, etc etc), in the end it's cool to watch the ultra rich life styles, not many shows give you that now, it's nice escapist fare. 8 of 10.

Sex sells.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 18 February 2020]

"Columbo Cries Wolf" is an episode that involves a Playboy-like magazine and the disappearance of its publisher. Now this SHOULD mean that the police would investigate....their Missing Persons unit. However, being "Columbo", our favorite homicide detective was assigned the case. Like nearly every episode of this long-running series, there are plenty of red herrings and twists....and the less said about them here the better, as it would clearly spoil the suspense.

This episode is so clearly 1990 in style....with some outrageous fashions and music. But it's also a show clearly trying to bring sex into the show in order to boost ratings....with tons of beautiful women in various states of dress and undress.

So is it any good? Yes, though I didn't love this one. One reason was Ian Buchanan's accent...which seemed to come and go. At times, he sounded like a typical American and other times he sounded like the Scot he is. This is especially noticeable in a scene inside the limo with Columbo....and I am surprised the director didn't spot this and re-shoot the scene. Another was that where the body would ultimately be found and how was clearly telegraphed...too much so. Still, it is entertaining and worth seeing.

Convoluted story makes this Columbo hard to watch

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 13 October 2015]

COLUMBO CRIES WOLF is my least favourite Columbo to date. It's one of the more modern offerings that feels strained, thanks to efforts to distance it away from the usual set-up and layout of a typical Columbo movie. In this one, we don't actually see a murder at the beginning, just a disappearance, so this has the unusual aspect of watching the detective investigating a crime that he doesn't even know was committed.

It has potential, for sure, but that's wasted away in an increasingly convoluted narrative that becomes ridiculous by the climax. Falk does his best with the material, and there are a few funny and goofy moments (typically involving his embarrassment at being surrounded by nubile young women in their bathing suits) but it's a far cry from the classic episodes of the long-running series. The supporting cast are also very hammy, particularly the grinning Ian Buchanan, although it's fun to see familiar faces like Alan Scarfe (DOUBLE IMPACT) and Mark Margolis (REQUIEM FOR A DREAM).

Nice change of pace episode

[Wizard-8 · 19 February 2017]

It's pretty evident with this particular "Columbo" episode that there was a serious intent to change the formula around to bring in some freshness. For one thing, if I recall correctly, Columbo doesn't talk about his wife at any time here (though this may have been edited out of the episode for syndication purposes.) And the murder plot unfolds in a decidedly different fashion than usual, and on that note I will refrain from saying any more about the plot, only to say that towards the end there is a big twist that will probably surprise most viewers, even those who are serious "Columbo" fans. Though I do like the formula that was set by the original episodes, I did find somewhat different unfolding story to be a pleasant change of pace. And Peter Falk, as usual, is solid as our favorite detective. One of the better newer episodes, in my opinion.

"Columbo Cries Wolf" (1990)

[Wuchakk · 8/10 · 3 January 2019]

PLOT: The majority owner of a popular men's mag (Deidre Hall), the kind with layouts of alluring women, disappears when she travels to London. Columbo smells murder and zeroes-in on her womanizing partner (Ian Buchanan), as well as his latest model-trinket (Rebecca Staab).

COMMENTARY: Who cares if the two guest-stars are soap opera actors? This is one of the better latter-day installments. The plot follows the Columbo formula up until the last act and then pulls the rug out from under you.

I thought it was good up to that point with an interesting murder scenario that includes an element of the original Columbo movie "Prescription: Murder" (1968), but the unexpected twist takes it to the next level, even though it's pretty preposterous. Entertainment is the name of the game and this episode delivers.

It's perhaps the best showcase of beautiful women in the show's history, rivaled only by the outstanding "Now You See Him" (1976). Rebecca Staab is a highlight as Tina. You might remember her as Jerry Seinfeld's winsome redhead girlfriend in the episode "The Pledge Drive" (1994).

The movie runs 1 hour, 35 minutes.

GRADE: A-

A successful experiment with an increasingly stale formula

[jbirks106 · 8/10 · 9 July 2015]

Face it folks, "Columbo" by 1990 was in desperate need of a reboot, or at least some new ideas. Unfortunately, what may have seemed hip and cool at the time (Fine Young Cannibals wasn't all that even then) just sounds hopelessly dated today. But to show the brilliant Lt. Trenchcoat getting outwitted, in the most public and humiliating manner possible? Now that's entertainment!

Of course it wasn't going to be that simple, but credit the writers and producers for trying. And Peter Falk for going along with the gag. Just the sight of Columbo dumping his flute of champagne on the ground while his tormentor basks in victory was worth the scenes of airport footage and bulldozers.

Top Notch Columbo

[lbowdls · 10/10 · 23 February 2023]

Several people have stated how much they love this episode like I do, so I can't add that much. But I've got to. I thought I'd already reviewed this one but apparently not.

So now in my 10-12th showing like most Columbos I just have to state how great this episode is no matter how many times you watch and even though it's a 1990 episode.

This is classic Columbo even though it's a later episode and even though we don't see the murderer kill the person this time, we like Columbo presume he has. That's all I'll say as there are great twists without losing the usual heart of Columbo. In fact love the way we get more insight into how Columbo works and how his superiors react. This is a must see for Columbo fans and even those new to it.

Special mention of a great job by David Huddleston as the Mayor.

Probably the best Columbo film

[maddyjames-501-172593 · 8/10 · 7 September 2023]

I really enjoy this film. There's a great twist, and the villain does such a good job of pulling Columbo by the tail and tormenting him at every move. It's a bit more complex than most of the Columbo episodes, which generally follow the same formula and the same steps over and over. This one is a refreshing spin on the formula, and although it's somewhat predictable, it's still one of the few Columbo episodes that makes an effort to change things up and isn't afraid to make a fool out of Columbo. In addition to a more interesting script and villain, this also gives Peter Falk a bit more to play with- it's nice to see Columbo so frustrated and manipulated.

Really recommend this one, it's a lot of fun.

Totally daft but hugely enjoyable

[michael-kerrigan-526-124974 · 7/10 · 16 November 2018]

I love Columbo and have watched all of them multiple times. The later series when Columbo is even more crumpled is nowhere near as good as the early episodes, but this was one of the more enjoyable, if somewhat preposterous. How could the murderer, having gone through all the meticulous planning to create the perfect murder that never was, then make the most obvious of errors and leave her bracelet on? Still, it's Columbo and you have to forgive daft plotlines sometimes and just enjoy it for what it is. And I did. 7 out of ten

She drives me crazy

[safenoe · 8/10 · 18 March 2023]

I really enjoyed watching this 90s instalment of Columbo, and I knew we were in for a treat with She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young Cannibals, yes the Fine Young Cannibals!

The homage to Hefner and Guccione and also their mansions was on display, and the massive twist I'm sure would have inspired the writers of Inside No. 9 for sure. I would never have guessed the double cross in the murder, but Columbo delivers for sure.

I loved the 80ish and early 90s feel to this episode, without detracting from Columbo's 70s appeal and his smarts and gumshoe persistence to solving crimes without being talked down too.

Bit of a twist...

[edbcortina · 7/10 · 3 August 2021]

...from the standard Columbo plot. As not to spoil the episode for anyone I write about the story. The writing here is above average for a reboot episode. Besides Falk, who is great as usual, the acting is adequate. They just didn't get the great actors they got in the 70's. Another issue I have with the reboots are the sets. They're definitely better here than the usual reboot. Overall, an above average reboot episode that's worth checking out.

One of the better columbos

[cammys-28278 · 10/10 · 10 April 2022]

I found some of the earlier columbo stories quite boring but this episode along with the smoke and shadows one is quite good.along with the episode about the lottery winner whose uncle steals the ticket.

Great idea but.....

[eckesg1-800-663207 · 6/10 · 26 November 2014]

I hate when Columbo is made to look like a fool, when a killer outsmarts Columbo because that goes against the whole grain of the program. Columbo is the wolf in sheep's clothing. Now this did happen in the 70s a couple of times when Columbo was wrong, but it wasn't as big as this to the story. You felt at some point that Columbo was in danger of losing his job, which is bad. It injects drama, but it takes away from the show's format. To me, the show is like comfort food that shouldn't be messed with. You can tinker with it, but don't make the majority of the show about it.

That being said, it is an ingenious plot to commit a crime and Columbo shines again at the end. I didn't think the acting was that bad, just meh.

More of a Big Goof and not a Review

[gene-07202 · 3/10 · 2 February 2019]

Columbo confronts them after she returns alive. He then pours out the glass of champagne on the ground instead of drinking it. As he walks away, we see about a gallon of champagne on the ground from that itty bitty glass.