Identity Crisis
- Episode aired Nov 2, 1975
- TV-PG
- 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
7.5/10
2.6K
YOUR RATING
A top CIA operative commits murder, as only a brilliant agent can, never guessing he'll have to contend with a man like Lt. Columbo.A top CIA operative commits murder, as only a brilliant agent can, never guessing he'll have to contend with a man like Lt. Columbo.A top CIA operative commits murder, as only a brilliant agent can, never guessing he'll have to contend with a man like Lt. Columbo.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDirector Patrick McGoohan, also guest starring as an intelligence agent, inserted many references to his cult TV series, The Prisoner (1967), including saying "Be seeing you!" and, in one scene, wearing an outfit almost identical to that which had been his standard costume in the earlier program.
- GoofsWhen Columbo checks with the photo booth regarding identifying photos, he is shown color Polaroid prints from a pack-film camera and is told they have the negatives as well. The only Polaroid packs which produce a printable negative are in B&W (and the negatives he is shown are indeed B&W). Also, when they see Brenner's face more clearly in the second (color) photo, this isn't possible because a Polaroid can't take two pictures in such rapid succession.
- Quotes
Lt. Columbo: What do you have to do to win one of them things?
Shooting gallery attendant: Knock down the ducks ten out of ten.
Lt. Columbo: Yeah, my wife would go for that.
Shooting gallery attendant: Oh, no, sir, Lieutenant. Hey... hey, you're a pro.
Lt. Columbo: Aw, forget about it. If I'm standing on the dock, I couldn't hit the water.
- ConnectionsReferences Secret Agent X-9 (1945)
- SoundtracksUn bel di vedremo
(uncredited)
from Madama Butterfly
Composed by Giacomo Puccini
Heard over the End Credits
Featured review
Another Columbo classic
I am a big Columbo fan, and I have always had a soft spot for this episode. It is not absolutely perfect, the scene with Columbo fumbling for change is a little overlong for my tastes, and while the deduction on Columbo's part was brilliant I did also feel that Brenner gave up too easily, it just seemed strange that a man as calculating and smart as he was would give up just like that. However, Identity Crisis looks wonderful, with beautiful locations and slick photography. There is an atmospheric score as well as Patrick McGoohan's purposefully languid but very effective direction, the sharp, witty writing with the "do you have some wine?" and "do you like music?" exchanges standing out and occasionally convoluted but very cleverly written and interesting story. My favourite scene of Identity Crisis is the scene in Brenner's mansion with Madama Butterfly playing in the background, one of Columbo's finest scenes. Peter Falk is exceptional as Columbo, while McGoohan also stars as Nelson Brenner and he is splendid, very snobbish and world-weary. A younger and more serious Leslie Nielson is a good presence as well. In conclusion, a Columbo classic. 9/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•255
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 12, 2012
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