In number 73 is that rumpled detective in the old raincoat, Columbo, with a new DVD set due out next week, Columbo: Mystery Movie Collection - 1989. Peter Falk came back as Columbo in 1989 after an 11-year break, and the series did some marvelous episodes. Six of them, including a personal favorite, "Mirrors, Smoke, and Shadows" are included here and are a must for fans of Columbo, one of the all-time great shows that was originally part of an NBC mystery movie series that rotated shows such as McCloud and McMillan and Wife. If you're old enough to remember that Sunday night series, you'll appreciate this bit of trivia: the original Columbo was onstage and played by Thomas Mitchell, Scarlett O'Hara's father.
Richard Burton and Peter O'Toole star in Becket, the 1964 film coming out on DVD next month and currently in the number 88 spot. This is the true story of Henry II (O'Toole) and his complicated relationship with the Archbishop of Canterbury (Burton). The film won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay, and both actors received Academy Award nominations for their roles. A fantastic film.
So while you're enjoying Rocky Balboa and taking in The Office, some of us will be watching a squinting detective, humming Cole Porter, and watching some classic acting. Thanks to DVDs and a great response from several generations of viewers, current and old favorites should continue to entertain for some time to come.
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