Falk takes time to make another 'Columbo'

LOS ANGELES -- Conversation with Peter Falk runs on its own idiosyncratic time.

An answer to even a simple question is usually filled with numerous pauses, several "ehs" and "ums," phrase repetitions, a few second thoughts, a chuckle or a murmur, and finally, a succinct conclusion -- sometimes.

That, of course, is a lot like how Falk's Lt. Columbo talks when trying to outsmart a murder suspect. ("Just one more thing ...")

Michael Alaimo, writer of ABC's "Columbo Likes the Nightlife" (Jan. 30, 7 p.m.), recalls experiencing "a perfect Columbo moment" when explaining the surprise ending to Falk.

"He holds his left arm across his chest and he supports his right arm on there, and he's got his right hand on his chin," Alaimo said of the actor. "It's that classic 'Columbo' stance and he stands there and he's quiet for like 30 seconds ... and I'm just like dying, because if he doesn't like this, I don't know what I'm going to do ... It was so tense and then, finally, he says, 'Oh, that's terrific!'"

Coming up with a sufficiently intriguing plot is one reason Falk only occasionally makes a "Columbo" movie.

The Emmy-winning actor says it's difficult to attract writers to a format that doesn't have car chases, violence, or a focus on contemporary issues, and requires "an ingenious murder and an Agatha Christie ending."

He first played the wily detective in the 1967 made-for-TV movie "Prescription: Murder." From 1971 to '78, the "Columbo" series aired on NBC. In 1989, ABC revived the concept as a movie franchise, with the most recent installment, "Columbo: Murder With Too Many Notes," winning its March 2001 time slot.

'We could make more'

"To be honest, we could make more ('Columbo' movies) if someone would decide to pay more!" chuckles Falk, who before becoming an actor earned an MBA at Syracuse University and worked as an efficiency expert for the Connecticut Budget Bureau.

ABC wants to give "Colombo Likes the Nightlife" some youth appeal in both casting (which includes young actor Matthew Rhys) and plot.

"ABC wanted a story that would appeal to younger people, and to their credit, they came up with this wonderful story that takes place in the world of the rave," says Falk, referring to the world of large overnight dance parties typically featuring techno music and usually involving mind-altering drugs.

After shooting a scene for the latest film recently, Falk returns to his nearby trailer, where he removes Columbo's trademark rumpled raincoat.

Columbo's habits have remained constant throughout the years, including smoking.

"He loves his cigars," Falk says of the character. "But me, Peter, did something that I never thought I could do: I gave up smoking."