Any Old Port in a Storm (1973) Columbo- Deep Dive Review | Donald Pleasence, Gary Conway, Peter Falk 

☕Would you like to buy me a Coffee? www.buymeacoffee.com/WatchItForDays 🥣OR maybe a bowl of Chili? paypal.me/WatchItForDays 🍦OR become a Patron? patreon.com/WatchitforDays

"But I've been up to Missing Persons and there's no one there." That's a funny line.

Donald Pleasence, in addition to being a brilliant and compelling actor, was a conscientious objector at the beginning of WWII and, after he saw the threat posed by the Axis Powers, volunteered for military service in the middle of the second great war. He was shot down and captured. Interred by the Germans, he helped start a theater troupe in the prison camp to keep spirits high among his fellow POW’s. He was a genuinely honorable man of great talent. Also, his performance in this episode totally rocks!!! Thank you for covering it :)

The all time greatest Columbo episode for me. Donald Pleasance was a class act and one of the most truly human villains.

"The 69 cents a gallon Morino brothers?! They don't make good wine. They don't even make good mouth wash!" I love that line by Donald. 😅

This is my favorite Columbo episode of all time. Donald Pleasence is genius in this role. A lesser actor would come off as condescending, & cruel. Snobby. Detached. Pleasence makes him sincere, & genuine. Carsini is full of joy & vigor for the life he has worked hard to create, fueled by a passion for creating & experiencing through wine. He refuses pretense and is happy to see other accel -- the glee on his face when Columbo surprises him with wine expertise, shows a humble delight in others accomplishments -- Completely free of envy or arrogance or insecurity. Even when he is over spending for that bottle of 5000 dollar wine -- he is completely open & matter of fact about his reason. Not emotional, bitter or spiteful -- just a positive competitive spirit that is found in virtually all healthy men...in this case its found on the auction "field" instead of the sports field. Meanwhile Rick is superficial & selfish. Narcissistic & brutish. He cares about nothing but carnal pleasures of the moment. He treats women like objects meant to service his momentary desires, then disposes of them. He loves his car more than the women he is marrying....his 4th marriage. So when he threatens to destroy Adrians world, & his OWN familys heritage, for a few bucks that Rick will inevitably blow on trivialities -- I sympathize with Adrian's feelings. Its hard not to... I also think Adrian is an honest man. He exhibits characteristics that might be considered "autistic" in 2024, but is merely blunt & authentic. All of this to say -- Pleasence turns the written role of an up tight, pretentious, wine snoot, who murders his brother, into an endearing, likeable, forthright guy who likes nothing more than sharing his passion with people...and when he is backed into a corner, he protects that passion. Its a well written, superbly acted, competently directed episode, that showcases all the best parts of Columbo, as a show. Peter Falk is right in his Columbo prime. I relish every scene in this episode. It was Any Old Port in a Storm & Now You See Him that became the foundation for my love of Columbo. Your reviews makes them even better. Thank you for another exceptional video!

This makes rewatching Columbo even better.

Mistakes are human and make you feel relatable, Never give up! We need your content.

Yes this one of the best episodes of Columbo. Praise for Donald Pleasance he’s a great actor

Before I started watching your reviews, I noticed that you take a long time between reviews. But when I started watching them I quickly realized why it took so long between reviews. You are very detailed, and all the bits of information you come up with is astounding to me. I've been a Columbo fan way back when it started but this is the first time I've heard about all the behind the scenes info....and I love it... Keep up the tremendous work and I look forward to your next spectacular review....Cheers..

The queen of columbo returns. [We missed you🫂!]

One of my all time favourites

This is one of my favorite episodes. Donald Pleasence was an interesting killer. Again, I'm amazed at your deep dive research for each review. Thank you so much!

Congratulations on your new home Shonna! Hope it’s going well for you. Please enjoy this housewarming gift. Will watch the new episode tonight. It’s neck and neck with A Friend In Deed as my favorite (big Val Avery fan here). Cheers!

I love your commentary, Shonna. It does the show justice and is delivered with easy, warm humor. Thanks for taking the time.

"The 69 cents a gallon Marino Brothers!!!!" One of my favourite lines! There's Adrian, spending $5,000 on a single bottle of wine, and the Marino Brothers are just churning out oceans of cheap plonk. Yes, it would drive a cultivated man to the brink.

WooHOO another episode! Donald was essential for this episode. His nervousness is a wonderful quality in movies.

The epitome of good things come to those who wait!

Popped up on my feed and I felt a rush of genuine excitement!. I remember that this was my Dad's favorite episode back in the day (I'm old)

Just discovered your channel last week and have watched four episodes so far. Find you guilty of being delightful. As a boy in the 1970's Columbo taught me my most valuable life lesson. NEVER TALK TO THE COPS. My two favorite episodes guest star Dick Van Dyke (season 4) and Johnny Cash (season 3). Look forward to you covering those episodes (hopefully) before I die. No pressure. All the best Columbo companion of mine.

Just came across this channel a few days ago. I think I’ve watch the entire run of Columbo three or four times over the years (I’m 73 so I’ve had a long time to waste on TV!) - but watching them again with your sweet humor and obsessive detailing makes it a very special run through. I look forward to the coming shows with your wonderful additions. Thank you for the loving attention and wit.

It's SO NICE to see you back! 🤩

The episode we all have been waiting for. Quite possibly the best throughout all of Columbo.

Shona, as someone who was born in Yorkshire (near Nottinghamshire) you pronounced Worksop correctly, well done!

As a Brit I can confirm that you pronounced 'Worksop' beautifully.

The opening speech is a masterpiece. One of the greatest in the whole Columbo series.

An incredible Columbo episode, analysed by an incredible person! Thank you so much!

Wooot! There's nothing better than logging in and seeing that a new Watch it for Days has dropped. And, it's on possibly the best Columbo episode ever. Donald Pleasance and Peter Falk together are pure gold. Thanks!

Any old Port in a Storm gotta be the Favorite episode of many Columbo fans .The review was perfect as usual , thank you.

RU-vid recommended me this channel. I don't know why and now I'm on to my second episode. I find it completely soothing to listen to.

One of the best chair spin moments of all time comes from our very own Joanne Linville of “ Candidate for a crime” fame. It was in a Star Trek episode called “the enterprise incident quote. She played a Romulan commander and her big reveal comes in at about 9 1/2 minutes. One of my favorites. Oh, and I must say a delightful RU-vid cast as always. And superb!

Bells are ringing in the village square... Thanks Shonna!

One of my favourite episodes ❤

Yes !!!! One of my favorite episodes! With amazing Donald Pleasance I'll just have a glass of wine and enjoy this episode 🙃

Yup….i flew 747’s for 30 years…. The elegance of the 747 was the business I fell in love with as a boy.

YOUR BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Honestly your reviews made me fall in love with this show....

I have been patiently and eagerly awaiting this one. My personal favorite Columbo episode!

One of my top episodes. Pleasence chewing the scenery was so entertaining. "THEY DON'T MAKE WINE!!!!"

I've come to the conclusion that Columbo episodes shown on UK TV have bits cut out. There's bits in your video I don't recall seeing when watching the episodes on TV. Again, another fantastic deep drive review. The work you're putting in, to producing these videos, is extraordinary. All I can add to say is: THANK YOU.

Thanks for not giving up, I truly appreciate all the work and information you give in your videos including the biography of actors with place of Birth

Donald Pleasance is truly amazing in this. All of his facial expressions, subtle or not-so-subtle, tell you exactly what he's thinking and feeling without having to say a single word. The catch in his voice when he has to commit to the murder, the childlike delight when discussing his passion for wine with Columbo, the way he's practically bouncing in his seat at the prospect of experiencing Columbo's wine choice at the restaurant... he's not just acting; he _is_ Adrian Carsini. And that final destruction of his prized collection is heartbreaking. I think Columbo is drawn to him because he sees the real person beneath his exterior, that he's not a coldblooded killer by nature.

I was just in the neighbourhood and Watch it for Days came up. Thanks so much. Your labours are appreciated. Donald Pleasence was great in Halloween and here as a Columbo bad guy.

My favorite Columbo episode, discussed by my favorite RU-vid voice. Been waiting excitedly for this one! Many thanks, Hottie *smirk*

It's great to see another video from you. This is one of my favorite Columbo episodes. Donald Pleasence was fantastic and made for one of the more interesting villains in the series.

Thank you for another remarkably well researched, edited, and narrated video, Shonna! Your quips and sense of humor are fantastic!

Yes! Yes! Yes! My all time favorite episode! Wonderful job and great to hear your voice!

I found your channel about a month ago. Instant subscribe, since then, i watched all your Columbo reviews. I find them very entertaining and informational. Great work !

Gotta go so maybe you mentioned it later in the vid but just in case you didn't here's Falk's quote about working with Pleasence. Dear Mr. Weedman: You wanted a quote from me regarding working with Donald Pleasence in the COLUMBO episode "Any Old Port In A Storm," here it is: "A joyous experience with a brilliant actor--working with Pleasence--that's Heaven! One of my all-time favorite guest stars. Playing a murderer, his spontaneous child-like glee at Columbo's ability to identify a particular Cabernet--that moment is burned into my memory." My apology for taking so long... My very best, PETER FALK

Now I have something good to watch tonight. Oh boy!

Wow that's great!! one of my most favourite episodes too, what a treat again. thank you, you made my day !

About a month ago I came across your channel and the proceeded to binge-watch every video 😁 I was very happy to see this video drop! Great job! This is in the top 3 of my favorite episodes. Donald Pleasance was a masterful actor. From your comments during the episode I take it that you got some stick for mispronunciations… don’t let the trolls get to you please. Your positivity and clear love of doing these videos makes them that much better. Thank you!

My favorite episode Adrian Carsini is my favorite Columbo murderer I love the relationship he and Columbo develop. After finishing the video I wanna the reason I like Adrian is because he's so emotional where lots of Columbo killers are very calm and collected he seems to just go where his emotions takes him and I love how earnestly happy he is whenever Columbo takes an interest in wine. In real life I'm sure I would not like him but in the limited view of a tv episode he's great.

Thank you for another amazing commentary on an excellent Columbo episode. You definitely put a lot of work into each commentary; especially your impressive way of spotting recycled props and identifying all of the background character actors. Keep it up, I really enjoy learning who’s who and what’s where in the Columbo-verse. I agree that Donald Pleasence gave an outstanding performance and was a major reason the episode was such fun to watch. One of my favorite performances of his was as Professor Fowler in the Twilight Zone episode “The Changing Of The Guard.” It’s one of my favorite TZ episodes. I’d also like to thank you for mentioning how Mr. Ross had originally written the part for Victor Buono. Mr. Ross was a speaker at a collector’s show I attended back in 1989, and it was there I first learned that he and Mr. Buono were longtime friends and he simply enjoyed writing for him as King Tut. He also mentioned that he had written another script with Victor Buono in mind as the lead and it also ended up going to Donald Pleasence; it was Gold Of The Amazon Women. He mentioned that although he held Mr. Pleasence in high regard he was disheartened when Mr. Buono was passed up both times. When you mentioned Escape To Witch Mountain, it reminded me that it had not one, not two, but three Columbo killers in its cast: Donald Pleasence, Ray Milland and Eddie Albert - A Columbo-trifecta. I’m eagerly awaiting your next commentary. Thank you for your time.

Yes!! I have been waiting so long for this review of my favorite episode to drop. Thank you for all of your efforts!

These reviews are fabulous-can’t stop watching. Your insights align with my repeated, enjoyable watches of this classic show. Bravo!

It's good to hear you again, such a lovely and witty voice!

As usual, another marvellous effort. You bring so much more meaning to what is already a magnificent production. Thank you.

Donald Pleasence: bald, mild, quietly spoken seemingly unremarkable, yet he could play the definitive Bond megalomaniac, the epitome of innocent virtue (Septimus Harding in 'The Barchester Chronicles), the mad old bum in 'The Caretaker' or the forger losing his sight in 'The Great Escape' and be equally unforgettable. As time passes it becomes clearer that DP was one of the most versatile and intelligent actors of his time.

It was so hard to wait all day until my son was able to watch with me in the evening! So we had coffee and danish and enjoyed this, one of our favorites! Thank you very much.

I just discovered your channel. When i was a youth in the early Seventies, the one show the whole family would watch was Columbo and this happened because my Math professor father loved Columbo. I saw this episode on its initial broadcast date in 1973. This was one of my father's favourites. Number one - he was British and Donald Pleasance was a respected stage actor in England. Number two - my parents loved food and wine so the profile of the villain was right up his alley. Number three - my father loved that Carsini grew to have true fondness for Columbo and the final glass of wine together is a truly great Columbo moment. I love your voice - very expressive and full of wit and humour. Hopefully you will get to my favourite episode - Now You See Me

It’s interesting how Adrian stereotyped Texans, and was quick to backpedal when he realized he insulted his colleague, Mr. Falcon, yet Adrian never looked down his nose with disrespect at Columbo as most of his other antagonist usually do. If things were different, and Adrian had not committed murder, they might’ve been friends.

Great episode, Great review. Thanks, Shonna. Well worth the wait. Stay well

"for some reason Billy is here with his mustache". Priceless.

Hey, good to see you again! Fun fact: Donald Pleasance was a POW at the same time as my late FIL, in Stalag Luft 1. I don't know if their paths ever crossed, tho.

Hi WatchitforDays! I wanted to let you know that me and my family look forward to each of your videos and greatly appreciate all the care, effort, and work that go into them! Thank you for the excellent breakdown of one of our favorite Columbo episodes. 🥰

Best channel on RU-vid, and the FUNNEST!!!!! 🎉❤😁. Thank you for doing these

Pleasance gives one of the very best performances in the series 👌

Happy Maundy Thursday, early people!🐣🐰 I have been playing WIFD's seasons 1 & 2 compilations on repeat, for the last couple of months. Thank you for all of your hard work and the great content. I love the snark.😉

You do an AMAZING job with these and I cannot imagine the amount of research and work that goes into them. Please know how much they are admired and appreciated as are you.

You are a gift to all Columbo fanatics to include interesting facts on background cast members, wardrobe and props; This is one of my favourites of episodes worthy five of Columbo Cigars. Mr. Pleasence truly made the character captivating.

I had no idea Donald Pleasence was born in Worksop - that’s not very far from me. Oh and you pronounced it absolutely correctly x

Thank you Shonna for this Pleasant, Okay, Refreshing, Tantalising 🍷 episode. I"ll drink to that... Greetings from the Netherlands! René

The best title of any episode

I go back to this episode frequently. It's so much fun, and I think that's due to Donald Pleasance. Thanks for including the clip from The Tonight Show.

This is a really good episode, I like that the clues are clear and do not feel thrown in randomly. Great episode, I enjoy the details on the background actors. I hope you keep it going these videos are a highlight when they appear on my feed.

7:30 about the chair spinning thing... The mask of Zorro Kingsman The Usual Suspects Austin Powers Return of the Jedi Kill Bill The Matrix Psycho 12 Angry Men And according to the internet, the first one was in 1920, in the film "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari"

Happy Happy Day! Thank you!

Having worked in the diving industry for several decades I can say that getting a week old rotting corpse into a wetsuit is pretty much an impossibility. Furthermore, If you dumped said rotting corpse into the water it would be consumed almost overnight by marine organisms leaving only the gear and a suit filled with some bones. That corpse would have been bloated and absolutely horrid considering they had "record high heat" and it had been a week. It would have smelled so bad the workers at the vineyard would have found it.

Donald Pleasance is presented as a likable villain in this episode. The way he murdered his brother (his brother!) was one of the cruelest murders in tv history.

I too was born in Nottinghamshire, England, and your Worksop is correct! (I also grew up in Lincolnshire… I might actually be Donald Pleasance it turns out)

Thank you. Deeply, sincerely, thank you for all your wonderful work.

1:00:57 a fun "iron maiden" fact: there doesn't seem to be much evidence that these torture devices actually existed during the middle ages. they first seem to appear during the Victorian era, where they were displayed in museums, leaning into the idea of the middle ages being spooky and barbaric. thanks for another great episode of watch it for days!! there's no need to apologise for spending time on these videos. the effort put into them is really fantastic.

I am an American, of various Slavic ethnicities, Czech in particular, and probably gauche in every regard, so...I don't think I'll be partaking in this little connoisseur game. I do so appreciate when the show gives these ironic echoes. I agree, Donald Pleasence must have been in pretty good shape to do all that, even if the guy was just playing dead, he couldn't have practiced all that much right?.....right? I don't think that's an organ she's playing, I think its called a Wurlitzer Piano, but I'm not 100% on that. It clearly looks electronic and like a predecessor to the modern keyboard though if you ask me. I do so love the facial expressions he makes in this episode, he can be very expressive without saying a word. Clearly a Western is playing on the TV, they were pretty popular in the 1950s and 60s, and on into the 70s here....and no, I don't know which one that is, or if its even really from a real show or movie or just stock footage...feel like I've seen and heard it a hundred times though. This Old Man is the real "Columbo Theme." Fight me. Seems Mr. Carsini has excellent hearing and fine ears, as well as sensitive taste buds to hear Columbo start to unwrap that cigar over his pouring of the wine from halfway across the room. In my mind, if Rick was dead for six days, his skin would be pretty discolored from decomposition and would probably make noticing binding marks difficult to identify. Just a theory. This pronunciation thing is becoming an escalating issue, if your passive aggressiveness on the subject is anything to go by. Anyway, I never knew that was how it was supposed to be pronounced, and perhaps the Italian Carsini just mispronounces the Spanish wine that he doesn't make. I know I'm probably reaching, but its all I got. Fun fact for those who might be wondering, you make vinegar with the same grapes used to make wine, only putting them in the attics of the wineries, to allow them to heat and oxidize. There are other ways to make vinegar of course, but it gives you an idea of what Adrian was probably detecting. I must admit I am impressed how quickly she went to blackmail, not going to lie. Also is she our first blackmailer to not end up dead? Extra impressive. Also might say something about her character that Adrian prefers prison to marrying her. Just saying... Honestly, Donald Pleasance performance was very genuine, and Adrian Carsini, in my own opinion, is one of the few Columbo villains who is entire genuine, even after the act. He doesn't particularly feign sorrow, at best he fakes being mildly upset at his half brother dying, doesn't pretend to be remorseful or even all that surprised and upset at being caught, and even says in as many words that's he's not sorry in the slightest for what he did. Unlike so many others, I feel like even if he knew he'd be caught, he'd still do it, and that makes him a very individual person.

I enjoy these videos quite a bit and your detail about the players, particularly the extras, is fun and impressive. You have a warm and friendly voice and a sincere delivery. Much obliged!

What quirky universe have I stumbled onto here? I'm not sure but I've binge-watched a number of these videos now. They're delightful! How does she figure out all this information? Awesome, just awesome.

The Italian janitor says "Buona fortuna!", which means "good luck!" I can confirm that he speaks Italian with a proper accent.

Nice to see you back! Great episode, as always! It's clear you enjoy making these videos, so don't apologize for the time between them. When you try and force a rapid pace, it'll likely take the fun out of them for you! I agree with your take on Adrian. He's a fascinating character that's fun to watch, but unlike most fans, I don't *like* him. This may well be the most horrific murder in Columbo. Imagine slowly starving and suffocating over two days in pitch black! Though maybe this has something in common with a future episode..... My boyfriend thinks that "Carsini Winery" was named after Johnny Carson! He also thinks that the Rolls Royce was Carson's as well, borrowed for the episode 😄

Yes!!! When one of your reviews drop it's the best. First off; your reviews get better and better. So this is a top 3 for me episode wise. Everything is great... From the cheesy pool side dancing to the piano playing airplane scene to the lady who's on a wine tour and doesn't drink. Season 3 is a banger of a season... Looking forward to the next one!

Another great job here. Donald Pleasance is one of favorite old actors. Thank you

Fantastic, as always! I did not even know that Robert Shaw was a friend of Donald Pleasance. Since he played the bad guy in "From Russia with love" my headcanon is now Red Grant and Blofeld being friends :)

My favorite all time Columbo episode. 5 cigars all the way!

Chair spinning surprise: Norman Bate's dead mother in "Psycho."

I love seeing this channel grow!

This is one of my favorite episodes, too. I've recently discovered your channel. You're doing very good work. Please don't stop.

Thank you algorithm for pointing me to your channel, and this episode in particular (my favorite Columbo episode). The attention to all the little details, the amount of work you put into these reviews, just amazing. Very well done and entertaining. Thank you.

Fantastic episode as always. I wish you didn't have to listen to some negative comments about people saying you shouldn't talk about where people come from. I think your artistic vision should not be affected by others. I enjoy hearing about what places people are from. The Japanese title is "別れのワイン". Wakare no wine, meaning Farewell Wine, or Wine of Farewell. This is my favorite Columbo episode so far that you have reviewed. There was something magical about it. Adrian Carsini's passion made this episode extra special. Keep up the good work, your videos are wonderful 🥳.

My husband is a “Mrs. Columbo isn’t real” truther, but specifically “Mrs. Columbo isn’t real but Columbo THINKS she’s real” truther 🙁 I agree with you, there’s too much evidence that she has to exist!

Director Leo Penn is father to actors Sean & Chris Penn and musician Michael Penn.

I recently purchased Columbo on Blu Ray and have been watching through it again. My enjoyment has been heightened having watched your delightful videos. Thanks for making one of my favorite shows even better. I really look forward to seeing more of your work. I love your style. Cheers!

Thanks! Always entertaining and informative, with just the right amount of self-awareness and self-deprecation.