PLOT: A sly magician (Jack Cassidy) murders his employer and makes it look like a crime syndicate execution, but the rumpled detective discerns the truth. Bob Dishy returns for his second-and-last Columbo outing after "The Greenhouse Jungle (1972) as simi-bumbling assistant Sgt. Frederic Wilson.
COMMENTARY: This was Cassidy's third and final appearance as the murderer on Columbo; his previous segments were "Murder by the Book" (1971) and "Publish or Perish" (1974). Nine & a half months after the airing Cassidy died in a curious apartment blaze, just a few months shy of 50.
Along with the 1968 pilot "Prescription: Murder," this ranks as one of the best Columbo flicks. Cassidy is perfect for the role of the sly, cunning illusionist. It's perhaps the best episode to display feminine beauty, spotlighted by Cynthia Sikes as the magician's daughter, Della. There's also a notable dark-haired cocktail waitress, plus 2-3 peripherals. "Columbo Cries Wolf" (1990) is its best challenger in this department.
Besides a great story & cast, there's side amusement concerning the sleuth's new coat and a brief guest appearance by "Dog."
The movie runs 1 hour, 28 minutes.
GRADE: A
COMMENTARY: This was Cassidy's third and final appearance as the murderer on Columbo; his previous segments were "Murder by the Book" (1971) and "Publish or Perish" (1974). Nine & a half months after the airing Cassidy died in a curious apartment blaze, just a few months shy of 50.
Along with the 1968 pilot "Prescription: Murder," this ranks as one of the best Columbo flicks. Cassidy is perfect for the role of the sly, cunning illusionist. It's perhaps the best episode to display feminine beauty, spotlighted by Cynthia Sikes as the magician's daughter, Della. There's also a notable dark-haired cocktail waitress, plus 2-3 peripherals. "Columbo Cries Wolf" (1990) is its best challenger in this department.
Besides a great story & cast, there's side amusement concerning the sleuth's new coat and a brief guest appearance by "Dog."
The movie runs 1 hour, 28 minutes.
GRADE: A