Short Fuse (1972) Columbo- Deep Dive Review | Roddy McDowall, Peter Falk, James Gregory, Will Windom 

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I'm seriously getting addicted to all these wonderful breakdowns, I'm watching these more than the actual episodes!

This is by far the best channel on Columbo trivia. Great information without ripping each show completely apart ! 100/100 Cuban cigars.

Considering it was done in 10 days I'd say it's one of the best made episodes

one of the great things about Roddy's performance is that he feels fairly unique amongst Columbo's opponents. Really surprised he was never bigger or more well remembered. To me he was playing both a genius and a fool. He was so sure in his own intelligence that if he couldn't think of it, than no one else could. I was surprised to hear that people don't like this episode. I won't call it a favorite, but I thought it was solidly done. REALLY surprised it was done in 10 days. There is something a little funny about the studio going "FALK HAS NEVER DIRECTED BEFORE WE NEED A BACKUP EPISODE! but who can we get to direct it?!? how about this editor who has never directed an episode? YeAH. That makes sense!! (i'm sure editing lends itself to directing more). Thanks for all the interesting facts. There is always so much more to learn about each episode. Harley Davidson golfcart... I would never have known and I'm glad i do now!! Your content is the best on the website!!

Who on earth would dislike this classic episode? I loved it.

I think this is an underrated episode. The ending is one of the better endings of the series. Thank you so much for this!

Hi Shonna, The reason it's called a glove compartment is that old steering wheels were not padded like modern ones and therefore were uncomfortable to drive in the winter hence people *needed* gloves. The big lighters that you like so much (I do as well) are desk lighters. Now we can't use them indoors, they are gone in favor of pocket lighters along with the ashtray which was common on desks and in restaurants.

My mom was working for 20th Century Fox in the late sixties and she brought home 3 extra's masks from the original Planet of the Apes. Real fake hair, a beautiful "paint" and a velcro flap in the back. The masks were terrifyingly realistic, especially if you matched eye shadow to the ape-skin color (like Batman's black eyes). I was 14 and my bud Steve and I ran through Westwood (very upscale) Village with our masks on, acting like running apes and we literally terrified the populace for an hour and I got a whole bag of leftover french fries when we ran through Woody's, the hip hangout for U.C.L.A. students and other young folk. We didn't get arrested, we were that good. The french fries were amazing.

I almost enjoy your breakdowns more than the episodes themselves. You bring so much insight to the whole thing. Great job. I also couldn’t pick a favourite episode either. William Windom for me will always be Doc Haslett on Murder She Wote, another favourite series of mine.

This is some of the best Columbo-posting I’ve seen.

I do think that the key to McDowall's performance is that he was a 44 year old being asked to play a much much younger character, hence the slightly over the top youthful post-hippie exuberance (which is indeed a lot of fun to watch). Great channel!

Highly enjoyable Colombo trivia. Plus a sprinkle of 1970s TV/cultural history AND a good dose of 'deep' history. Great stuff.

I agree with your opinion about Short Fuse. Never understood why it rates so low for some people. Roddy is very entertaining in this! And it's a good watch! Thanks for another great episode!

i dont understand why so many people hate this episode its one of my favorites

I like what you did there at the end: Watch it for Days. XD This episode is a little confusing, but yea, I love it too. Roger is a very individual villain, in a fun way. Also, also: the way you address the um...dickering...was very tactful. Perhaps you should be a mediator; so smooth. ^^ Thanks for putting another one of these together. Happy you got another interesting lighter too, hee.

It's funny that you uploaded this today as I JUST watched this episode yesterday morning and was hoping that you would review it! Great job as always! 😊❤️

I've always loved this episode. anytime Roddy McDowell was on screen in any movie he made, he captured the screen. He did in Overboard with his memorable role as the Butler, as well as The Poseidon Adventure.. and who could forget Cornelius from the planet of the apes. And by the way thanks for the Colombo chronology. I actually did not know that. Enjoy the coffees

Oh wow, it's back up!😮 That's pretty cool!😊

You again! We missed you but meticulous research like yours is much more time consuming than slapping something together. My most rewarding laugh out loud moment was when you inserted the glove box routine from the adventures of Frank Drebbin. Who would believe that he had once been engaged to a scheming, narcissistic murderer who dressed like a dork? Your work is unique. It's something I could watch for days. All the best from Colombia.

You, young lady, absolutely crack me up. Your sparkling writing, along with a playful delivery, thoroughly compliment the depth and breadth you bring to each review. Another splendid job. Thank you! Btw... you should consider learning more about Ida Lupino. She was gnarly AF.

Very interesting to hear you say that Universal ordered this episode cause they were worried Falk’s directed episode wouldnt be airable. Ive only ever heard it said by Schlock Horror and Columbophile that they got greedy and wanted an extra episode to make more money. That insight you provided sheds more light on the situation! Also, I believe that “my wife says im second best” line is supposed to be a joke/dig at himself by Columbo. being second best would be pretty impressive.. but if theres 80 guys tied for first hes actually middle of the road at best.

One of my biggest complaints about this episode... not enough Benson. He was clearly the mover and shaker of the plot.

I’m an avid Columbo fan, now Im addicted to your reviews! Kudos on your excellence on these reviews. Love your work. 💯💯

Loving your reviews! I've been watching Columbo for YEARS and have seen them all multiple times, yet you are pointing out things I've never noticed... And now I can't unsee them. Thanks again.. Always look forward to the next one..and can't wait until you review my favourite episode ...

I was obsessed with this episode when I was a kid, absolutely loved it, constantly played with an old camera after I saw it. Today I may be a little sentimental, but I think Roddy McDowell's performance is an absolute gem! It aged really well, it's dynamic, interesting... And the editing at the end is superb. PS Thank you for the video, BTW, I really enjoy your content, and subscribed right away.

Epic!

Thanks for uploading another great Columbo episode review. Didn't know Harley Davidson made golf carts as well as motorcycles. I know which future Columbo episode you mentioned Anne Francis will be appearing in, but I'll just say that I won't give it away to your viewers until you review it.

🤣 Sometimes you just can't get rid of a bomb!

I was surprised when you mentioned that there are people who dislike this episode. Every Columbo episode has issues, but to me it's whether I've enjoyed watching it. This episode has one of the most memorable endings of any of them and has stayed with me for decades (especially that laugh at the end). And as you say, it's beautifully filmed.

This episode of columbo is the fantastic middle relief pitcher that doesn’t get the win or the save but bridged them over to the etude in black. Great job! Such a great review episode.

This episode has my favorite opening credit music of the entire series. It's so groovy.

That clip of Batman at the end was so funny! Great job!

Roddy McDowall is one of 2 actors to play villains arrested by both Columbo and Batman. The other was Anne Baxter. Roddy played the Bookworm on Batman. He was very effective at playing villains who were nerdy and yet menacing. This was actually the third double murder in the series, after Murder by the Book and Suitable for Framing. And I believe it was the only time when two characters were murdered simultaneously. I tried to ride on the tram last winter, but I didn’t make a reservation and the wait would’ve been too long.

Another great video, thank you

I so look forward to these! Thank you once again. 🥰

How lovely to have another fantastic Watch it for Days to enjoy!

I had the pleasure of meeting Roddy in 87, he was pleasant and seemed surprised I liked his acting. Quite modest for a great actor.

Great stuff.. so funny thankyou for making such an effort to generously and humorously review! Your commentary often reflects my own obscure observations in these fantastic 70’s episodes, I could watch them for the kitch interior decor alone! Brilliantly researched thank you again. I live in Italy and watch through a few from a boxed set come wintertime but your overlays add a huge smile..

So glad I stumbled on these vids. The presenter has put so much effort in. They’re informative and amusing 🤭. Thanks from Manchester, England. 🙏🇬🇧

What a coup to get Silly String before it was released to the public. The plot did confuse me several times especially when Roger was hanging out at Quincy's apartment. I think the chemical plant and tram locations were extremely well done for TV at that time. I wondered why DL had a picture of himself on his desk too. Kinda narcissistic or maybe he just really liked the picture, hmmm. The cut from the office to the tower made me wonder if we were supposed to believe Roger's office was up there! The white outfit Doris wears early in the episode is real elegant. I've never know anyone to wear their Honor's Society medal in general public but it does work well for the ending. Love the thoroughness and humor of your review and how you defy expectations here and there in your editing.

This is a wonderful episode, one of my faves. A friend of mine told me about your channel a couple of days ago, and my wife and I have already gone through your first six reviews/synopsis. Loving this channel, and looking forward to watching more reviews!

I just caught this, and it's my first time on your channel. "Short Fuse" is one of my very top favorite Columbo episodes, and frankly it's all due to Roddy McDowall's wonderful performance. You simply cannot go wrong with Roddy. I now will look up my other faves on your channel. 🙂

I just started watching your reviews maybe a week or so ago and I have to say that they are amazing. I can't wait until you get to Candidate for A Crime it's one of my favorite Columbo episode! Keep up the good work 😊

I actually really like this episode because Roddy McDowall's character Roger Stanford is not easily spooked by Columbo unlike alot of the murder suspects he investigates. Roger plays it cool with Columbo, which means Columbo had to think and work hard to get him to crack, which is what makes the ending so satisfying when Columbo finally gets Roger on the ropes.

Just found your channel , love it . Always good to find someone who is a bigger columbophile than me . Your research is excellent and gives me a great insight into each episode and each series , thank you 🙏

I love this episode! Those early episodes had a great vibe to them and that is why they stand the test of time!! You do a truly amazing job making this videos!!

I don't think I would rate this as one of my favorite episodes but I do find it enjoyable. Roddy McDowell is an actor I remember seeing when I was younger and although he was a little over the top it wasn't as bad as the acting in some of the future Columbo episodes. Regarding his, um wardrobe malfunction, I just assumed the cigars moved from the back of his pants to the front... Maybe not. The only acting I had some trouble with in this episode was Ann Francis, primarily due to her much better acting in "A Stitch in Crime". Good summary, well worth the wait!

WOW !!! Just today at tea break at work I was talking about this Columbo episode and Roddy's amazing Roddy . So glad you didn't gloss over it ( that would take a lot of glossin' ) . Brilliant Channel that I've now subscribed to .

Another amazing and well researched video, thank you!

Wow I was so afraid you stopped. I even watched some of the earlier videos 4 or 5 times because I enjoyed them so much. Happy to see a new video from you. :D

Highly enjoyed this, love your voice and the way you phrase things. Have seen all the Columbo episodes many times but never knew the back stories on them. I really appreciate you doing this and keep up the excellent work. A huge Columbo (Peter Falk) fan

Glad you gave this episode the 5 out of 5 as i really like this episode and now knowing they had 10 days to shoot it, that makes it a great achievement to me and they pulled it off. the editing and direction as well as the cinematography and acting is brilliant for a 10 day shoot. By the way you would of loved my Grandmothers lighter, it was like a marble stone that you could light a cigarette with, it was huge and very much something of this time. Loving watching these at night here in the cold city of Aberdeen in Scotland.

I'm new to Columbo, but immediately fell in love with Peter Falk's work. Just brilliant. Your channel is wonderful and you do a great job recapping and analyzing the episodes. I hope you keep on doing it. Thank you very much, from Brazil.

Thank you! It is so interesting to listen to you! 🤗 The German name of this episode was „Zigarren für den Chef“ 1st time in german TV on August 7th, 1975. Roddy McDowell‘s german voice came from Tommi Piper. He was also the german voice for Paul Fusco in ALF. ALF was very popular in Germany, Austria and Swiss, because of Tommi Pipers voice. Best wishes from Austria, Harald 🇦🇹

This has always been one of my favorite episodes! Even more enjoyable with the wealth of background info you supply. Thank you!

I always look forward to a new episode. Thank you! Point of L.A. area trivia. The mountain outside Palm Springs is pronounced Mount San Haw-Seen-Toe.

Been a long time since I've had the time to comment. Great episode as usual

As someone who has climbed San Jacinto I just wanted to give you a shout out that we tend to pronounce it San "Ya"cinto or "Ha"cinto. I know it doesn't really matter, but you always make such a point in your videos that we the commenters being such individual persons like to correct your pronunciation.

This episode has one of the best “Columbo” endings!

Ha! Your comment @30:57 about Roddy dressing to the left had me laughing out loud! I immediately hit the Subscribe button, then finished the video. You certainly do have a keen eye for detail. Poor Roddy had a penchant for wearing, shall we say, revealing polyester slacks during the 70s. He did the same reveal on the Carol Burnett Show in one of the Family skits where he plays Eunice's brother Philip. I'm afraid i fall into the camp of those who dislike this episode, and have from its first airing. I always thought it was poorly written and that it seemed rushed. Now I know why, thanks to your thorough research and engaging presentation. Well done.

Great review. I love Short Fuse too. The ending is amazing & very tense.

I enjoy your vids so much…. I watch these on ALL my work breaks. You’re becoming a legend. Sincerely.

I've always wondered how car phones worked before cellphones were invented.

I like this episode also, despite its, uh…edge of hokeyness. The final scene was burned into my memory from watching it as a child. Now that I am older, watching it again, the cinematography really does stand out. Your analysis is, as always, as superb as your commentary is amusing.

I liked your timeline at the beginning which really clarified Falk's "strike." I am going to have to re-watch this episode because of your review. Don't remember it as a strong episode. I going to think of the McDowell character as an immature man boy, perhaps an only child. With his father running a chemical company he became brilliant at chemistry eventually graduating from university. When his father died young they put the Uncle in charge. However, when the Uncle sees McDowell not maturing he realizes that there is no future for the company as a family firm. The silly string fits into that as it is something a immature but brilliant chemist would invent!

Once again, a very enjoyable look into a much underrated episode, love your detailed but casual analysis inti Columbo, and as a single man your soothing delivery is very satisfying to listen to , you have a deliciously individual voice 😉.

I loved your analysis and format. Thanks for everything!

Impeccable content.

I’m sure somewhere in the over 450 comments somebody mentioned that the picture of Lou Brown as a twilight zone cast member was actually a picture of Russell Johnson a.k.a. The Professor from Gilligan’s Island. These videos are a lot of fun and very well done.

One of the best episodes. Roddy McDowall was just awesome. So glad you make this videos. You're great at it.

I think _80 guys tied for first place_ wouldn’t even qualify that statement as a backhanded compliment - it’s a flat out insult. For the past 15 years I’ve been helping people get their films into festivals while volunteering for a local film school. I know how much work it takes to make one of these Columbo reviews so really I appreciate you very much! These are really entertaining!

Ida Lupino besides being a famous movie actress she was also one of the few female directors.

Roddy McDowall was a masterclass actor. He exuded tension and madness in the cable car scene so effortlessly.

Just watched this episode for the first time today and immediately recognised Roddy from the movie Class of 1984. In it he plays a teacher, a biology teacher . I love his quirky and charismatic performance in that and this episode 😊

I was so thrilled to see a new vid drop! Love your content! This is a middling episode for me. I won't skip it in a marathon but I can't say it's one I get a hankering to watch.

Columbo fans don't like this episode? I find that surprising...I like it quite a bit. That Roger is a clown made sense to me. The guy is a flipping genius, surrounded by small minds and he is bored. Worse he is disrespected by those small minds, and it rankles. He more or less murders his Uncle because Buckner disrespects and outmaneuvers Roger, and to relieve the boredom. That he kills Buckner and Quincy over something Roger doesn't care about (the business) doesn't matter to him. It sorta reminded me of Leopold and Loeb but without the evil intentions. Why were Roger and Columbo on that tower-thing? Story wise I would guess Roger was 'showing him around' in a way that didn't help Columbo. Production wise to have a different outdoor scene to break up the studio scenes. On the dubbing...being outside like that, they wouldn't have had any choice. There would have been too much outside noise to mic the actors. The other outside scenes would also have to be dubbed, but the tower being far away less time was spent making it look right. Recording dialog post-production (looping) is a tedious and time consuming process. That choice added production value while making the shot a lot easier. It was a cut corner imo. On Roger being adopted 'as an adult', he says he got his first PhD when he was 21. He was probably in his early teens when he went to college, so not an adult at all. On Benson...I never noticed that he was mentioned constantly but didn't get even one line or closeup. How much do you want to bet that 'Benson' was created post production to fix errors/holes in the script that were only noticed in the editing room? He was probably originally just an extra. The 'My wife says I'm second best, but 80 other guys are tied for first' is an old joke. It means that 80 other detectives are above/better than him. The end was beautiful. The genius panicked because of his arrogance, seeing Columbo as a stumbling fool made him a fool. I think that's why he was laughing at the end. Columbo used Roger's arrogance to trick him and he was self-aware enough to recognize and even appreciate it.

The opening titles when Roddy McDowall is driving and looking smug while smoke and mechanical noises infuse the background is epic.

Love these. I've watched these shows so many times that I thought there was no more juice in the orange, but you draw things out that I hadn't notice. I always look up the episoe on IMDB so I can see facts about the back ground folks who make these shows work. You do a much better job that I do. I met William Windom back in 1979 in Athens Ga. He traveled around colleges giving his James Thurbur one-man-show. Afterwards, if you hung around, he would come back out and talk with all the drama majors, giving lots of great advice. "Say 'Yes" when they ask you if you can sing. If you get the part, go take singing lessons."

Glad to see you got it back up and running but I was even happier that I was able to watch it before it was pulled down just in case keep up the good work

I loved Roddy McDowall when I was a kid, the Planet of the Apes films were my favourite. He plays a right nasty little shit in this episode though.Great review btw.

Roger's wardrobe did not malfunction. Look at the rock stars from the 70s flaunt their "packages".

Oh sweet, individualistic Shonna, yes I'm late (again) but I finally watched your (always) funny and obscenely detailed analysis worthy of the great detective himself in this uh...quirky episode. I'm on my way over now...☕️

Great commentary. This was one of my favorite Colombo episodes 😂.

Sh's back... oh joy!

Roddy McDowell took home movies at many Hollywood parties in 1960's. It's nice to see those famous actors having fun socializing with each other - no false pretense.

You have the most amazing eye for detecting little-known background actors and extras! Bravo!

Thanks for your reviews. I'm amazed at how much detail you know about each episode. Despite the fact that they were made 50 odd years ago.

Ida Lupino was the first woman to direct a Hollywood movie. As well as being a prolific actress.

Kate Loves A Mystery 😆😆

"Give it another watch" while Roger is looking at his watch. I see what you did there! 😆

Longform Columbo analysis? Yes please. Subbed! Could never get over Roddy's obscene pants in this episode, lol!

Fun Fact: Roddy McDowall also voiced Jervis Tetch aka The Mad Hatter in Batman: The Animated Series in the 90's. 😊

Impossible not to love Rowdy McDowell's acting.

Wow. I thought I was the biggest Columbo fan. You're work here is incredible, Shonna.

In the final scene, the reason why Roger didn’t suspect the cigar box was a fake is because people see what they expect to see - which Columbo takes advantage of brilliantly to create his trap. He uses a similar method in “Deadly State of Mind” to trap the George Hamilton character into admitting he was at the scene of the crime. Love your channel. Can’t wait for you to do “Any Old Port in a Storm”

Honey West was in the Leonard Nimoy (doctor) episode. She played the nurse who met her fate in the parking garage.

Great analysis… well worth the wait! Someone else already pointed out that this was the third double murder, with the first occurring in Murder By The Book, but we can definitely say this was the first simultaneous double murder! And not the last either. I will theorize that Roger mentioned nitro glycerin was in the lab because he knows that Columbo had already searched the lab. Not mentioning the nitro glycerin might have been more suspicious than mentioning it… especially if he wanted to make it seem he had nothing to hide. I’m not sure if that’s what the writers intended, but that’s how I interpreted it. Can’t wait for Blueprint For Murder… 🙂

You have a lovely voice, your retro-reviews are well written, and your research is quite accurate and enjoyable. Thank you. Keep at it.

This is surprisingly entertaining. I somehow didn't expect that.