35 reviews
Sublime entry in the TV series!!
A Season 3 Columbo episode that is particularly underestimated for its engrossing qualities, which are facilitated by a very tightly-structured plot and script with very few secondary characters, brisk pacing and an enormous amount of screen time between Columbo and villain.
Robert Culp makes his third and final appearance as a Columbo villain, playing a motivational research specialist whose blackmailing scheme, involving his potential (married) business clients and a model he is using for the advertising campaigns, is threatened to be exposed by one of his clients...
Quite possibly this is Culp's best performance of the three; remarkably calm, assured and purposeful throughout despite the increasingly intrusive nature of Columbo's questioning. There are some great scenes between the two in a supermarket and (even better) on a golf course.
The quality of the episode is all the more remarkable given the moderate quantity of circumstantial clues, yet the basic murder set-up is really quite ingenious, particularly as the murderer is able to hide the murder weapon in a very clever and almost foolproof manner. This accentuates the lack of predictability in this story as Columbo has to be really smart to uncover the truth: the finale is superbly ironical and the elements of smartness possessed so markedly by the villain in the preceding sequences are wonderfully transferred to the dogged and ultra-persistent hero.
Addicts may also note that Columbo mentions the "Hayward case" early on in this story, which interestingly refers to the previous episode entitled "Candidate for Crime."
An undoubtedly solid episode, which is precise in its intentions and very competent in its delivery.
Robert Culp makes his third and final appearance as a Columbo villain, playing a motivational research specialist whose blackmailing scheme, involving his potential (married) business clients and a model he is using for the advertising campaigns, is threatened to be exposed by one of his clients...
Quite possibly this is Culp's best performance of the three; remarkably calm, assured and purposeful throughout despite the increasingly intrusive nature of Columbo's questioning. There are some great scenes between the two in a supermarket and (even better) on a golf course.
The quality of the episode is all the more remarkable given the moderate quantity of circumstantial clues, yet the basic murder set-up is really quite ingenious, particularly as the murderer is able to hide the murder weapon in a very clever and almost foolproof manner. This accentuates the lack of predictability in this story as Columbo has to be really smart to uncover the truth: the finale is superbly ironical and the elements of smartness possessed so markedly by the villain in the preceding sequences are wonderfully transferred to the dogged and ultra-persistent hero.
Addicts may also note that Columbo mentions the "Hayward case" early on in this story, which interestingly refers to the previous episode entitled "Candidate for Crime."
An undoubtedly solid episode, which is precise in its intentions and very competent in its delivery.
- The Welsh Raging Bull
- Jun 23, 2003
- Permalink
One of the most interesting Columbo episodes
I don't put Double Exposure up there with the very best of the Columbo episodes, but it is one of the better and more interesting ones. While the episode does start off a tad slow, where Double Exposure interests most is in the subliminal images/cues which are very well-done.
Visually, once again Double Exposure looks great with fine photography, lighting, costumes and locations, and the music both adds to the atmosphere and fits well with the 1970s period. The story has very rare a dull moment, has some great interaction between Falk and Culp, has some decent clues and a well thought-out ending where Culp's character is at his most interesting, while the script has its funny and thoughtful moments as one would expect.
The cast do very well and are helped by some good direction. Peter Falk is stellar as always, and Robert Culp is also rock-solid and delightfully snotty. Overall, very interesting, well thought-out and beautifully played. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Visually, once again Double Exposure looks great with fine photography, lighting, costumes and locations, and the music both adds to the atmosphere and fits well with the 1970s period. The story has very rare a dull moment, has some great interaction between Falk and Culp, has some decent clues and a well thought-out ending where Culp's character is at his most interesting, while the script has its funny and thoughtful moments as one would expect.
The cast do very well and are helped by some good direction. Peter Falk is stellar as always, and Robert Culp is also rock-solid and delightfully snotty. Overall, very interesting, well thought-out and beautifully played. 8/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 12, 2011
- Permalink
The Culp factor
I am a big fan of Robert Culp. Before his acting career took off he and a pal would make some money weekends by racing motorcycles. His friend was Steve McQueen. There was something that Robert Culp brought to each role, a unique quality. He was always cerebral and wiley. He is always a step ahead, even as the end approached, his character maintained a touch of class. I always liked episodes with Robert Culp in them. As his friend Steve McQueen was able to do, Robert Culp brought his own touch of style and McQueen grade of coolness.
- martinxperry-14868
- Jun 8, 2018
- Permalink
One of the Best Ever
Most of the 1970s Columbos are excellent and "Double Exposure" is one of the very best. The motivational psychology angle works well and offers Columbo some intriguing research to do. The villain is played by Robert Culp and this is his third and last appearance in 1970s Columbo. (He would return as the father of a villain in a 1990s episode - "Columbo Goes To College".) Culp is a class act and he brings the right balance of arrogance and likable roguishness to the part. Falk clearly loves playing against Culp and as a result he raises his game giving one of his most grounded performances as the detective. The interaction between the two is a joy and look out for Columbo's "you can't win them all" line which is the climax to some verbal jousting between him and Culp. Overall, this would be in my top 5 Columbos of all time.
- sunshineplays
- Aug 13, 2005
- Permalink
One of the very best Columbo-episodes
"Double Exposure" is one of the best in this long running series that peaked in the 70's to my opinion. As these films are no whodunnit's, the detective's opponent needs to be a strong character. You bet Robert Culp is one.And he is in top-form as Bart Keppel with his 'subliminal cuts' in advertisement. I think I've seen this one about ten times now and it's still very good entertainment. Note : Culp is also in one or two other episodes, notably in 'The Most Crucial Game'. Brilliant cat-and-mouse-play.
- jéwé
- Dec 20, 2000
- Permalink
Can subliminal advertising help you commit a murder? Find out on today's episode of "Columbo"!
Dr. Bart Keppel (Robert Culp) styles himself as a "motivation research specialist," and it's true he has written several books on marketing and made a name for himself on the subject of "subliminal advertising"—which involves inserting frames of an advertised product into the reels of a film. The frames go by too fast for the conscious mind to note them; but subconsciously the mind picks them up and makes the viewer crave what is pictured. But this advertising expert's more lucrative sideline is blackmail. He takes secret pictures of his married clients with a girl hired to tempt them. His latest victim, Vic Norris (Robert Middleton), balks and wants to turn in Dr. Keppel (don't call him Mr. Keppel) to the D.A. The blackmailer prevents this by murdering Norris during a screening of a promotional film. He finds a clever alibi and an even cleverer way of tempting his victim into the wrong place at the wrong time. But his projectionist (Chuck McCann) finds out and blackmails the blackmailer. It's up to our rumpled Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk) to use subliminal tricks of his own to unmask the killer.
This enjoyable "Columbo" episode, directed by Richard Quine from a script by Stephen J. Cannell, bears resemblance to "Columbo: Death Lends a Hand," which also featured Robert Culp as a killer who blackmails one victim too many. The subject of subliminal advertising is amusing, though I think the idea was discredited at some point. The last I heard of it was when some Japanese animators innocently inserted frames of American flags into episodes of the TV cartoon, "Alf." There was an uproar, but the idea of hypnotizing people with frames of film came to look silly. Still, give this episode your willing suspension of disbelief, and you'll enjoy it.
This enjoyable "Columbo" episode, directed by Richard Quine from a script by Stephen J. Cannell, bears resemblance to "Columbo: Death Lends a Hand," which also featured Robert Culp as a killer who blackmails one victim too many. The subject of subliminal advertising is amusing, though I think the idea was discredited at some point. The last I heard of it was when some Japanese animators innocently inserted frames of American flags into episodes of the TV cartoon, "Alf." There was an uproar, but the idea of hypnotizing people with frames of film came to look silly. Still, give this episode your willing suspension of disbelief, and you'll enjoy it.
- J. Spurlin
- Jan 10, 2007
- Permalink
The Columbo Story With The Subliminal Images
- ShootingShark
- Apr 19, 2007
- Permalink
Culp's last appearance as the killer is maybe the best episode of the series
- Mr_Blonde3
- Jun 1, 2013
- Permalink
Short and snappy
DOUBLE EXPOSURE is another strong contender for the early series of COLUMBO. Clocking in at just over an hour in length, it features a delightful guest star villain in the form of series regular Robert Culp, playing a man who makes a living from inserting subliminal messages into his advertising films. Guess how he kills his victim in this one?
Culp plays an exceptionally slick character and alternates between friendliness and snottiness in his dealings with Columbo. The early murder sequence is executed very professionally and Columbo is on top form in the way he takes little clues and runs away with them. Chuck McCann has a nice supporting role as a friendly projectionist who shows Columbo his 'nickel trick'. As is the usual for this stage of the show, DOUBLE EXPOSURE has strong production values and the episode is complemented by Peter Falk's effortless charm.
Culp plays an exceptionally slick character and alternates between friendliness and snottiness in his dealings with Columbo. The early murder sequence is executed very professionally and Columbo is on top form in the way he takes little clues and runs away with them. Chuck McCann has a nice supporting role as a friendly projectionist who shows Columbo his 'nickel trick'. As is the usual for this stage of the show, DOUBLE EXPOSURE has strong production values and the episode is complemented by Peter Falk's effortless charm.
- Leofwine_draca
- May 30, 2016
- Permalink
A delight from start to finish
- jamesraeburn2003
- Feb 20, 2023
- Permalink
"Double Exposure" (1973)
PLOT: An arrogant motivational research specialist (Robert Culp) uses subliminal cues in a short film to murder a nemesis (Robert Middleton).
COMMENTARY: This was Culp's third and final appearance as an antagonist in the 70's run, but he would return for "Columbo Goes to College" (1990) as the father of the murderer. By this point Falk and Culp are very familiar with each other and work well together, which is reflected in the interesting interactions of their characters. Indeed, this installment features the best "I know you know I did it, but you can't prove it" interplay since the pilot "Prescription: Murder" (1968).
There's a long grocery store sequence in the middle and an amusing golf course segment in the last act. While I don't buy the reliability of the subliminal images, it makes for a good story.
A mysterious woman named Tanya Baker is mentioned several times, but she's curiously never shown or heard. The end credits list hottie Arlene Martel as the character, but the part was obviously cut. The fools.
GRADE: B
COMMENTARY: This was Culp's third and final appearance as an antagonist in the 70's run, but he would return for "Columbo Goes to College" (1990) as the father of the murderer. By this point Falk and Culp are very familiar with each other and work well together, which is reflected in the interesting interactions of their characters. Indeed, this installment features the best "I know you know I did it, but you can't prove it" interplay since the pilot "Prescription: Murder" (1968).
There's a long grocery store sequence in the middle and an amusing golf course segment in the last act. While I don't buy the reliability of the subliminal images, it makes for a good story.
A mysterious woman named Tanya Baker is mentioned several times, but she's curiously never shown or heard. The end credits list hottie Arlene Martel as the character, but the part was obviously cut. The fools.
GRADE: B
One of the best
Well written, and a really great gotcha (though I'm really not sure the ploy would have worked in real life).
Columbo was at his annoying best, the culprit's exacerbated expressions at times were priceless - even his teeth had gritted teeth.
Columbo was at his annoying best, the culprit's exacerbated expressions at times were priceless - even his teeth had gritted teeth.
- Apalerwuss
- May 20, 2021
- Permalink
Based on long since debunked 'science'.
I cannot blame "Columbo" for this entirely, but the science behind "Double Exposure" is pure bunk. It seems that back in the early 70s, with books like "Subliminal Seduction", folks were convinced that brief frames of information could be subconsciously observed and processed...leading to changes in behavior. For example, if a movie had one frame out of the usual 24 per second replaced with a photo of soft drinks, the theory was that people wouldn't notice it BUT would be drawn to visit the snack bar and buy a soda. A great idea...but one which has not been borne out by research. So, while in 1973 it seemed like a great idea for a "Columbo" episode, by now folks would often realize that the foundation for the show was in error.
Dr. Kepple (Robert Culp, in his 3rd appearance on the show) hates Vic Norris. So, he concocts a very complicated plan (including the use of subliminal messages in films) to kill the man and get away with it. The problem is that Columbo is on the case and eventually you know that the brilliant doctor will be exposed for the murderer that he is.
Apart from the faulty science, this is an interesting and even enjoyable episode. You cannot fault the writers for using the subliminal angle...talk about it was the rage back in the early 1970s. But it makes for a silly plot when seen today. The same could be said for the use of a tape recorder to build an alibi.
Dr. Kepple (Robert Culp, in his 3rd appearance on the show) hates Vic Norris. So, he concocts a very complicated plan (including the use of subliminal messages in films) to kill the man and get away with it. The problem is that Columbo is on the case and eventually you know that the brilliant doctor will be exposed for the murderer that he is.
Apart from the faulty science, this is an interesting and even enjoyable episode. You cannot fault the writers for using the subliminal angle...talk about it was the rage back in the early 1970s. But it makes for a silly plot when seen today. The same could be said for the use of a tape recorder to build an alibi.
- planktonrules
- Aug 24, 2019
- Permalink
great acting by Robert Culp; awful script by Stephen Cannell
Great storytelling
Classic episode. Cannell's script is spot on with great Columbo traits and dialogue. Holds up thirty yeas later as good as any writing currently on TV. Culp is well cast and has the right amount of smugness--"Dr. Keppel" is the type of character you love to see foiled by his own invention.
First rate Columbo
Culp don't go!
Last outing for Robert Culp as a villain inwhat is a very stylish Columbo episode. The setting is the evil world of advertising. The thing about Culp is he always manages to be a bit different when playing a villain - this one is cooler than the last - yet still a nutcase and still very much Culp. Splendid ending with a maniacal laugh.
- edgeofreality
- Jul 4, 2021
- Permalink
Above average entry.
- rmax304823
- Aug 18, 2007
- Permalink
One of the best
- hipchecker20
- Apr 21, 2018
- Permalink
Robert Culp is on a killing spree again!
One year after Robert Culp appeared as the killer in the Columbo movie "Columbo: The Most Crucial Game" he returns once more to play the role of killer in this movie but in a totally different role this time of course. It was the third out of four Columbo movies he ever appeared in and I must say that he probably plays his best role in this movie. I don't any other actor besides Peter Falk appeared in so many different Columbo movies.
The movie itself is basically your average standard Columbo movie entry. No surprises and the movie stick to the usual successful formula. As a matter of fact I found the story to be even a bit tiresome at times since it reminded me a bit too much of other previous Columbo movies. Oh well, perhaps I've just seen a bit too many Columbo movies lately.
The story gets perhaps a bit too silly at times, especially toward its ending, which also makes this Columbo movie perhaps a bit more outdated than others. The story was written by Stephen J. Cannell, who is better known as the big man behind '80's hit-series "The A-Team".
It could be just me but I thought that this movie its atmosphere was perhaps also a bit darker than the usual Columbo movie. Nothing wrong with this though, it's just an observation. It can also have to do with the fact that the movie is mostly set indoors.
It's certainly the best Columbo movie that got directed by Richard Quine. It was his third and last Columbo movie he ever did. His first movie "Columbo: Dagger of the Mind" was perhaps the very worst Columbo movie ever made and his second "Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star" was a below average entry. This movie is also lacking a certain style to make the movie more interesting than the average entry and is lacking too much in surprises to consider this one of the best Columbo movies.
Nevertheless, it's an obviously perfectly watchable one. Even though the story is formulaic it doesn't bore and is the reason why this movie is just as good to watch as any other standard Columbo movie.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
The movie itself is basically your average standard Columbo movie entry. No surprises and the movie stick to the usual successful formula. As a matter of fact I found the story to be even a bit tiresome at times since it reminded me a bit too much of other previous Columbo movies. Oh well, perhaps I've just seen a bit too many Columbo movies lately.
The story gets perhaps a bit too silly at times, especially toward its ending, which also makes this Columbo movie perhaps a bit more outdated than others. The story was written by Stephen J. Cannell, who is better known as the big man behind '80's hit-series "The A-Team".
It could be just me but I thought that this movie its atmosphere was perhaps also a bit darker than the usual Columbo movie. Nothing wrong with this though, it's just an observation. It can also have to do with the fact that the movie is mostly set indoors.
It's certainly the best Columbo movie that got directed by Richard Quine. It was his third and last Columbo movie he ever did. His first movie "Columbo: Dagger of the Mind" was perhaps the very worst Columbo movie ever made and his second "Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star" was a below average entry. This movie is also lacking a certain style to make the movie more interesting than the average entry and is lacking too much in surprises to consider this one of the best Columbo movies.
Nevertheless, it's an obviously perfectly watchable one. Even though the story is formulaic it doesn't bore and is the reason why this movie is just as good to watch as any other standard Columbo movie.
7/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/
- Boba_Fett1138
- Jun 6, 2008
- Permalink
Very cleverly plotted.
Motivational research specialist Doctor Bart Kepple is set to lose his job, so he plots the perfect crime, to murder Vincent Norris, his boss, dropping in so called subliminal clues to outwit Columbo.
This surely has to be one of the best paced, most well imagined episodes of the show, incredibly well plotted, it was great to see Columbo face off against an intelligent foe, one that for the most part keeps quiet, and forces Columbo to work.
The opening sequences were terrific, that plot twist with the caviar was fantastic, so well imagined, it really worked to grab your attention.
Columbo is at his most irritating, if you were Kepple, you'd half expect him to pop up when you're in the bath, he's everywhere.
Robert Culp is excellent as Kepple, played the part very well, great scenes between the pair.
8/10.
This surely has to be one of the best paced, most well imagined episodes of the show, incredibly well plotted, it was great to see Columbo face off against an intelligent foe, one that for the most part keeps quiet, and forces Columbo to work.
The opening sequences were terrific, that plot twist with the caviar was fantastic, so well imagined, it really worked to grab your attention.
Columbo is at his most irritating, if you were Kepple, you'd half expect him to pop up when you're in the bath, he's everywhere.
Robert Culp is excellent as Kepple, played the part very well, great scenes between the pair.
8/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Apr 7, 2024
- Permalink
A Subliminal Cut! You used a Subliminal Cut!
Interesting Concept
The whole business of subliminal suggestion was big when I was starting in the business world. For whatever reason, the practice was made illegal and commercial enterprises had to stop doing it. I think Coca Cola was a part of it, but I am only guessing. Here, Robert Culp is a master of controlling the thoughts of people for salesmanship. He uses whatever works. When one of his biggest financial supporters starts to bring down the hammer, Culp shoots him, and then uses technology to cover things up. Columbo, as he often does, educates himself and then turns the tables on the perpetrator. I liked this one because we were made privy to the sophistication of the murder plot.
Double Exposed!
Columbo has to match wits with Robert Culp again in this episode. I don't know offhand how many episodes that featured Robert Culp but I remember this one. He is a scientist who specializes in mental manipulation. I couldn't think of another way to explain it. Anyway, Columbo has met his match in this episode. Robert Culp's character kills somebody who wants to destroy his professional reputation as a top scientist who helps improves sales in grocery stores and other ways. Anyway, you have to watch how Columbo catches him. Like a typical episode, he becomes interested in his line of work but does not forget the victim or the crime. It's worth noting that it's pretty sophisticated in 1973 and I would watch it again if I have too but it's not my favorite episode of his or with Robert Culp.
- Sylviastel
- May 18, 2006
- Permalink
Market research analyst murders his employer
Robert Culp is our guest murderer in this Columbo story and he's not about to get fired by Robert Middleton whom he works for. For such a clever guy he concocts a rather clumsy blackmail scheme in which Middleton calls his hand. Therefore he has to murder him.
It's in a large building so it's one of those closed circles mysteries albeit a large circle. No one's left the building in the short time it takes LAPD and Lt. Columbo to get there. So Peter Falk has a specific set of suspects to eliminate. As usual he zeroes in on the right one.
Culp is a market research analyst who in the course of the investigation Columbo discovers has written books. Why contract employment with Middleton was so important is never really explained. Presumably this guy could get offers all over the place for his market analyzing.
He does however concoct a perfect murder alibi and a method of murdering Middleton that is clever with Culp's own expertise working full blast. Later on he has to murder film projectionist Chuck McCann who has caught on to his guilt. Even that where he uses Peter Falk as an alibi works for a while.
To catch him Falk has to hoist Culp on his petard so to speak.
This Columbo episode left quite a bit to be desired.
It's in a large building so it's one of those closed circles mysteries albeit a large circle. No one's left the building in the short time it takes LAPD and Lt. Columbo to get there. So Peter Falk has a specific set of suspects to eliminate. As usual he zeroes in on the right one.
Culp is a market research analyst who in the course of the investigation Columbo discovers has written books. Why contract employment with Middleton was so important is never really explained. Presumably this guy could get offers all over the place for his market analyzing.
He does however concoct a perfect murder alibi and a method of murdering Middleton that is clever with Culp's own expertise working full blast. Later on he has to murder film projectionist Chuck McCann who has caught on to his guilt. Even that where he uses Peter Falk as an alibi works for a while.
To catch him Falk has to hoist Culp on his petard so to speak.
This Columbo episode left quite a bit to be desired.
- bkoganbing
- May 10, 2014
- Permalink