Columbo: A Recipe for Murder
INT. EXPENSIVE GOURMET RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Celebrity Chef BRUCE RICHARDSON is making a speech to a full house of affluent patrons, camera crews and reporters. The atmosphere is festive.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(boisterously)
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand opening of my latest culinary adventure, "Richardson's Cuisine Royale." Bon appétit!
An applause fills the room. Bruce grins and heads towards the kitchen. As the chefs and cooks busily prepare delicious dishes, Bruce's business partner, MARTIN HAWTHORNE, approaches him.
MARTIN HAWTHORNE
(nervously)
Bruce, we need to talk.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(impatiently)
Not now, Martin. The spotlight's on me, and I intend to shine!
Martin pulls Bruce aside, their voices low but urgent.
MARTIN HAWTHORNE
The investors are pulling out. They say they found a better deal, and they're taking their money with them.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(enraged)
What? How dare they! This restaurant is my masterpiece!
MARTIN HAWTHORNE
(gently)
We need to come up with a solution... fast. We might not make it through the month.
Bruce thinks for a moment, and then smiles sinisterly.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
I've got an idea...
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - LATER THAT NIGHT
The kitchen appears deserted. Martin is nervously pacing, waiting for Bruce. Bruce enters, holding a bottle of an unmarked liquid.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(smiling)
Behold! The perfect plan...
MARTIN HAWTHORNE
(worried)
What's that? It's not... dangerous, is it?
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(viciously)
Oh, just a little bit. I got it from a chemist friend. It's a potent, tasteless poison. It leaves no trace in the body, and it'll look like the poor guy had a heart attack. We'll spike the investors' farewell dinner tomorrow night. The authorities will never know the difference.
Martin nervously considers the plan.
MARTIN HAWTHORNE
(stuttering)
But we could... we could be caught...
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(calmly)
Not if we do it right. Trust me!
INT. RESTAURANT - NEXT DAY
The farewell dinner is in full swing. Bruce and Martin stealthily spike the wine glasses of each investor. They raise their glasses and toast together.
BRUCE RICHARDSON
(with a sinister grin)
To a swift and painless end...
The investors drink up, before collapsing onto the floor. Pandemonium breaks out in the restaurant. The camera zooms out from a reporter's shocked face.
INT. POLICE STATION - LATER
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO enters, carrying his usual disheveled attire and a grocery bag. He is met by CAPTAIN BRADY.
CAPT. BRADY
Columbo! What are you doing here?
LT. COLUMBO
Ah, you see, sir, I was on my way to pick up some groceries for my wife when I got the call.
CAPT. BRADY
Well, drop the bag and get to the scene. We've got multiple wealthy patrons suddenly dead at a restaurant. The coroner says it's a heart attack, but something smells fishy.
LT. COLUMBO
(smirking)
Sir, I'm pretty sure that's just the shrimp cocktail.
Capt. Brady glares at him.
LT. COLUMBO
(sincerely)
Right, I'll look into it, sir.
TO BE CONTINUED
Columbo: The Art of Deception
INT. ART GALLERY - NIGHT
The ART GALLERY is bustling with a gallery opening event. WAITERS in tuxedoes pass through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.
Camera pans across the group before stopping at CARMEN ALVAREZ (late 30s, Latina) and JASON LOVE (mid-40s, Caucasian). They are a glamorous, wealthy art dealer couple.
CARMEN
(smiling)
Congratulations on the opening, Jason! The exhibit looks fantastic!
JASON
Thank you, darling. Couldn't have done it without you.
Camera cuts to KARL SCHULTZ (late 50s, balding, glasses), a well-respected art critic.
KARL
(to Jason)
Mr. Love, I've followed your work for years, and I must say, your latest collection is a masterpiece.
JASON
(flattered)
Thank you, Karl. It means a lot coming from you.
INT. ART GALLERY - LATER
The gallery is now less crowded. Jason is alone in his office, drinking whiskey.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - MOMENTS LATER
Carmen enters the office, visibly upset.
CARMEN
Jason, we need to talk.
JASON
(angry)
What is it now?
CARMEN
It's about the painting 'La Fleur Rouge'. I just found out it's a forgery, and I think you know.
JASON
(panicking)
What?! How would you...?
CARMEN
We can't keep selling forgeries, Jason. This could ruin our reputation! I want out.
Jason, panicked and enraged, grabs the nearest object - a sculpture - and hits Carmen over the head. She collapses onto the floor.
INT. ART GALLERY - NIGHT
The next morning, the body of Carmen is found by a staff member. LIEUTENANT COLUMBO arrives on the scene.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Oh, what a terrible thing. Such a lovely lady.
Camera cuts to JASON and DETECTIVE HAMMOND (40s, African-American) speaking to each other.
DETECTIVE HAMMOND
Mr. Love, can you walk us through your evening?
JASON
Certainly. Carmen and I were at the opening, entertaining guests. I was in my office throughout the night, taking care of business calls.
Meanwhile, Columbo talks to the staff member who found Carmen's body.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Were you here last night?
STAFF MEMBER
No, sir, I wasn't. I just came in to start my shift this morning.
Columbo notices a wet paintbrush on the floor.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Hold on a second. This paintbrush is still wet. Did you see anyone using it?
STAFF MEMBER
No, sir. But maybe the murderer used it?
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Interesting. Thank you.
Camera cuts to Columbo confronting Jason.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
Mr. Love, I was wondering... Can you tell me about that wet paintbrush I found at the scene?
JASON
(stammering)
I'm not sure, Lieutenant. We're always using paintbrushes around here.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
(pondering)
Right, right. Well, I'll let you get back to work. We'll be in touch if we have any more questions.
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Columbo discusses the case with Detective Hammond.
LIEUTENANT COLUMBO
You know, I can't shake this feeling about Mr. Love. Something doesn't add up.
DETECTIVE HAMMOND
Well, there's definitely something off. But we need more evidence, Lieutenant.
CUT TO BLACK.
TEXT ON SCREEN: 'TO BE CONTINUED'
Columbo: The Forgotten Manuscript
EXT. GREEN MEADOW – DAY
A beautiful, peaceful meadow filled with colorful flowers and tall grass. Butterflies and bees fly about, enjoying their day.
CUT TO:
INT. WOODLANE MANSION - LIBRARY – DAY
A beautifully furnished room, filled with hundreds of books, a roaring fire, and a large wooden desk. A framed picture of a smiling happy family sits on a shelf. CHARLES WOODLANE (50s), a successful author, sits at his desk, frantically rifling through a drawer.
CHARLES
(worriedly, to himself)
Where is it? Where is it?
MARY (40s), his lovely and supportive wife, enters the room. She looks concerned.
MARY
Charles, darling, what’s wrong?
CHARLES
I can’t find it, Mary! The manuscript! It’s gone!
MARY
(gasping)
The one you’ve been working on for years?
CHARLES
Yes! I was sure I left it in this drawer!
CUT TO:
EXT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS – DAY
A standard, busy police station. LIEUTENANT COLUMBO sits in his car, seemingly lost in thought.
CUT TO:
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS - SQUAD ROOM – DAY
Columbo approaches DETECTIVE WILSON (30s) who is busy typing up a report.
COLUMBO
Excuse me, Detective Wilson?
WILSON
Yes, Lieutenant?
COLUMBO
I was just wondering if you could take a look at something for me.
Wilson takes a look at the paper in Columbo’s hand.
WILSON
(smiling)
No problem, Lieutenant.
CUT TO:
INT. WOODLANE MANSION – LIBRARY – NIGHT
Charles hears the doorbell ring as he continues to search for his manuscript.
CHARLES
Mary, could you please get that?
As Mary goes to answer the door, CHARLIE enters, and speaks urgently.
CHARLIE
Charles, we need to talk!
A gunshot rings out, and Charles falls to the floor.
Mary rushes back into the library, horrified.
MARY
(scared)
Charles, no!
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODLANE MANSION – NIGHT
COLUMBO walks up the driveway toward the mansion, approaching the house as police officers work outside.
INT. WOODLANE MANSION – LIBRARY – NIGHT
Columbo enters, where the scene has been cordoned off. He surveys the crime scene and notices the open and empty desk drawer.
COLUMBO
(thinking aloud)
What were you searching for, Mr. Woodlane?
TO BE CONTINUED.
Columbo: A Slice of Deceit
INT. BAKERY - DAY
A small, family-owned bakery bustles with customers. Couples, families, and individuals enjoy their pastries and smile cheerfully. The owner, FRANK DAWSON, a well-dressed, charismatic man, oversees his staff.
INT. BAKERY KITCHEN - DAY
Frank's wife, MARY DAWSON, works with precision as the head baker. She's clearly the artistic genius behind the bakery's success. Two other bakers, JIM and LUCY, work alongside her.
INT. BAKERY - DAY
Frank approaches Mary as she steps out from the kitchen. He holds up an icing-covered paper from the register.
FRANK
(Seriously)
Mary, we've been robbed again, third time this month. I've seen the security tapes. It's our delivery driver, Ted.
MARY
(Shocked)
What? Are you going to call the police?
FRANK
(Pause)
No, I've got another idea.
CUT TO-
EXT. BAKERY - NIGHT
The bakery is closed. Frank stands in the shadows at the back door, holding a birthday cake.
TED, the delivery driver, arrives and confidently goes to unlock the door with his own set of keys.
As he enters the dark room, Frank steps forward and smashes the cake in Ted's face, causing him to be temporarily blinded.
Frank grabs a nearby rolling pin and strikes Ted with it, knocking him out cold.
INT. BAKERY - DAY
Detectives COLUMBO and WILSON are called to the crime scene. Columbo is disheveled, in his classic trench coat, chewing thoughtfully on a stubby cigar. Wilson is a younger, stressed-looking detective.
The body lies on the floor, covered by a sheet.
The bakery staff, including Mary, Jim, and Lucy, stand nearby, looking nervous.
COLUMBO
(Inspecting the body)
Oh my, that's quite the mess. Has the murder weapon been found?
WILSON
Yes, a rolling pin. Bloody fingerprints match Mr. Dawson, the owner.
COLUMBO
(Humbly)
Oh, I see. Well, that seems open and shut. (Pauses) Excuse me, Mrs. Dawson.
MARY
(Tearfully)
Yes, Detective?
COLUMBO
(Sympathetically)
I know this must be difficult for you, but do you mind telling me what happened?
MARY
(Reluctantly)
My husband... he discovered Ted had stolen from us. He was so upset, he took matters into his own hands.
COLUMBO
(Musing)
Ah, I see. One last question. What flavor was the cake your husband struck with?
MARY
(Confused)
Strawberry.
COLUMBO
(To himself)
Huh. Strawberry, you say?
Columbo looks down at the ground, pondering the scene.
TO BE CONTINUED
Columbo: Smoke and Mirrors
EXT. AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE - DAY
A line of PEOPLE stream in through the front doors...
INT. AMERICAN MUSEUM OF SCIENCE - MAGIC MIRRORS EXHIBIT - DAY
Colorful hangings cover the walls, twinkling lights reflect off of the MAGIC MIRRORS. People, including children, are fascinated.
DR. RICHARD FRANKLIN (40's, snobbish, impeccably dressed), chief exhibit curator, shows a group of LOCAL REPORTERS the crowning piece - an antique French Labolle mirror.
DR. FRANKLIN
The secret of this mirror is its unique arrangement of specialized glass, allowing it to trap the image it captures.
INT. MUSEUM - MAINTENANCE ROOM - DAY
ALBERT REDDING (50's, meticulous man) is working alone. He looks at the clock: 9:50 AM. He opens a drawer containing various TIMING DEVICES.
INT. MUSEUM - MAGIC MIRRORS EXHIBIT - DAY
Dr. Franklin unveils the exhibit to applause. Everyone starts to move towards the door to leave the exhibit.
As Dr. Franklin escorts the group out...
DR. FRANKLIN
I'll be back in an hour to present a special demonstration. Trust me, it will be worth your time.
INT. MARRIOTT HOTEL ROOM - DAY
Dr. Franklin looks at the clock: 9:55 AM. He puts on a pair of THIN, PROSTHETIC GLOVES, just long enough to execute a quick task...
He takes a small WRAPPED PACKAGE out of his briefcase, opens it and removes a REVERSE MIRROR IMAGE of a face.
Back to...
INT. MUSEUM - MAGIC MIRRORS EXHIBIT - DAY
CLOSE ON the face being put on the mirror by Prosthetic Gloved Hands of Dr. Franklin. He then removes the prosthetic gloves and BEHIND HIM is the face of TONY LUCCHESI, a notorious mobster.
JUMP CUT TO:
Lt. COLUMBO enters the exhibit hall. He shambles over to Dr. Franklin, observes the mirrors.
COLUMBO
Excuse me, sir. I was just admiring all of these mirrors. Never seen anything quite like 'em.
DR. FRANKLIN
(politely)
Oh, thank you. Now, if you'll pardon me, I must prepare for my demonstration.
COLUMBO
Of course, sir. I won't keep you long. I just wanted to know if you saw any gentlemen passing through this area earlier today? We received a tip that Tony Lucchesi might have come in.
DR. FRANKLIN
(quizzical)
No, Lieutenant. I haven't seen anyone like that today.
COLUMBO
Thank you, Dr. Franklin. I do apologize for the interruption. Must have been some mistake. Good luck with your demonstration.
Columbo exits the exhibit hall.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Columbo: Case of the Cursed Chalice
INT. CHANDELIER MANSION - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
A large room filled with extravagant antiques and rare bookshelves. A lavish chandelier hangs above. Lucas Pendleton, a wealthy collector in his 50s, proudly showcases his latest acquisition to his guests, an ancient chalice.
LUCAS
This, my friends, is the legendary Chalice of Zorba. It's worth a fortune.
GUEST 1
Didn't they say the chalice is cursed?
LUCAS
(smiling)
Oh, that's just an old wives' tale.
CUT TO:
INT. CHANDELIER MANSION - STUDY - NIGHT
Lucas' wife, Elizabeth Pendleton, a sophisticated woman in her 40s, is eavesdropping behind the door, clutching a letter.
ELIZABETH
(sadly)
Silver lining.
INT. CHANDELIER MANSION - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT - LATER
Lucas is now alone holding the chalice, studying it carefully. Elizabeth enters the room, confronting him with the letter.
ELIZABETH
(angry)
I found this letter, Lucas!
LUCAS
(frustrated)
Elizabeth! What do you want now?
ELIZABETH
It says you're planning to sell the property! Without even asking me?!
LUCAS
(sighs)
It's for the best. You know we need the money.
They argue back and forth, unaware that someone watches them from the shadows. As Lucas grabs the chalice to put it back into its display, the figure pushes a button on a remote control, causing the chandelier to crash down, crushing Lucas and shattering the chalice.
SMASH CUT TO:
EXT. CHANDELIER MANSION - DAY - LATER
Police and forensic teams are all over the scene, taping off the area. Lt. Columbo arrives in his famous Peugeot, slips past the police lines, and walks up to Sergeant Wilson.
COLUMBO
(excited)
Sergeant Wilson! What do we have here?
SERGEANT WILSON
Oh, Lieutenant Columbo, it's a real mess. Lucas Pendleton was killed by his own chandelier. What a freak accident.
INT. CHANDELIER MANSION - LIVING ROOM - DAY
They walk inside where a still rattled Elizabeth stands.
COLUMBO
(to Sergeant Wilson)
Could be, could be... (to Elizabeth) Ma'am, I'm sorry for your loss. Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?
ELIZABETH
(tearful)
Go ahead, Lieutenant.
As Columbo begins his questioning, he spots something unusual about the chandelier's broken wires.
TO BE CONTINUED
Columbo: Death by Design
EXT. MANHATTAN SKYSCRAPER - NIGHT
A swanky corporate party is in full swing on the rooftop of a Manhattan skyscraper. Elegantly dressed EXECUTIVES and GUESTS, with champagne in their hands, mingle and chat.
INT. SKYSCRAPER, PENTHOUSE OFFICE - NIGHT
Inside the luxurious penthouse office, CARL BARRON, a wealthy businessman in his 50s, is arguing with BRIAN, his 30-year-old art curator.
CARL BARRON
(angry)
Do you know how much money I could lose, Brian? This is not just about you!
BRIAN
(defensive)
I didn't do anything wrong, Mr. Barron. I swear. I've been with you for years. You can trust me!
CARL BARRON
Disappointed is an understatement, Brian. You've left me no choice.
Carl grabs a revolver from his desk drawer and shoots Brian in the chest, killing him. Hearing a sudden noise from outside, Carl glances out the window where the party continues, unseen.
EXT. PENTHOUSE ROOFTOP - NIGHT
A FEW MINUTES LATER - DETECTIVE COLUMBO arrives at the party. He's dressed in his trademark wrinkled raincoat and carries a cigar. He's been invited as a 'mistery guest'. Columbo approaches MR. DAWSON, the perpetually nervous host of the party.
COLUMBO
(excited)
Thanks for inviting me, Mr. Dawson. I never knew I was so popular!
MR. DAWSON
(nervous)
Oh, uh, the honor is ours, Detective Columbo. Now please, help yourself to some food and drinks. Enjoy the party.
Dawson leaves quickly, avoiding eye contact.
A WAITER approaches Columbo, holding a tray of fancy appetizers.
WAITER
(offering appetizers)
Cashew-crusted crab cake, Detective?
COLUMBO
(confused)
Crab cake? You know what, I'll stick with my wife's pasta. But thank you.
The waiter nods and leaves. As Columbo surveys the room, his attention is drawn to the penthouse office.
INT. PENTHOUSE OFFICE - NIGHT
Detective Columbo enters the office and stumbles across Brian's body. He immediately jumps into action, studying the crime scene.
COLUMBO
(to himself)
Interesting...
Columbo notices the gun in the drawer and checks it, finding it recently fired.
The party is suddenly interrupted by a SCREAM. Dawson, followed by other frantic guests, rush into the room.
MR. DAWSON
(panicking)
My God! What's happened here?
COLUMBO
It seems Brian here was killed not too long ago. But don't worry, Mr. Dawson. I promise to get to the bottom of this.
INT. PENTHOUSE OFFICE - THE NEXT DAY
Columbo interviews Carl Barron.
COLUMBO
Do you have any idea who might have wanted Brian dead, Mr. Barron?
CARL BARRON
(trying to appear calm)
I have no idea, Detective. He was well-liked and competent at his job.
COLUMBO
I see...
(reflective pause)
Well, if you don't mind me asking a few more questions, Mr. Barron. I have a feeling there's more to this story.
CARL BARRON
(stern)
Go ahead, Detective.
The game of cat and mouse begins...
TO BE CONTINUED
