Friday, April 16, 2010

Dirk Benedict as... Columbo?!?


It’s true. Benedict, a much loved television star (and a lot of that love comes from me!), is hitting the stages of England as my beloved Columbo in Prescription: Murder, which was originally a one-off TV movie from 1968 (the series began running in 1971). Benedict is performing at the Middle Ground Theatre Company. I came across one review and they loved him in the part. I have to admit, I was taken aback by the casting, but Dirk is an actor who has for too long been underrated. As we all know, Peter Falk owned the role but I can totally see Dirk who is always terrific fun, bringing something new to Columbo’s ratty trench coat. If you are lucky enough to have a chance to catch Prescription: Murder please don’t pass it up! And report back here! I will live vicariously through you!












Just For Fun: here’s a few words from Columbo’s creators, Richard Levinson and William Link regarding the creation of one of my all time favorite characters. And here's a link to a short post I did on the first actor to play Columbo.

Also, keep an eye out for a review of a Dirk Benedict movie I just watched earlier this week. He’s always wonderful, looks oh-so-gorgeous (he just turned 65!!!) and is just a treat!

This is Dirk without the trench coat. Me-ow!

11 comments:

VoyagerG said...

Oh wow, I wish they would have this in NYC! I would definitely run to see Columbo on stage!

Amanda By Night said...

I wish it would show here in the states too. I'd go out of my way to catch this one!

Anonymous said...

I saw Dirk in Prescription Murder at the theatre in my home town in England, in April, just a few weeks ago. Thoroughly enjoyed his performance, and he looks good for his 65 years. He was very humble at the end when the audience applauded the cast, and applauded, and applauded...

Amanda By Night said...

Hi Anon, THANK YOU SO MUCH for stopping by with your review. I am so jealous right now. I would love to see this! So glad to hear Dirk was wonderful.

Thanks again!

Marcus said...

This weekend, I bought my ticket for the last showing of the current tour. I'll be going to Prescription Murder on 16 July in Plymouth.

I'm a big fan of Dirk Benedict and Columbo so I'm really looking forward to this!

Amanda By Night said...

Oh Marcus, I am so jealous! I think you are in for a treat! If you remember after the show, please stop by and leave a review!

Have a great time!

Unknown said...

Just booked my Dirk/ Colombo tickets for Manchester, England. Cant wait, should be good. Just one more thing.. will report back!!

Amanda By Night said...

Yay Matthew! I'm so excited to hear what you thought of the play... and again, horribly jealous!

Pard said...

Hi there I saw dirk benedict yesterday in Poole with the girlfriend, we both waited for 2 hrs outside the back of the thearte and we finally met him and chatted I must say he still has the charm absolute legend, as we r from the isle of Wight he said he may come over in the spring can't wait but loved him

Marcus said...

Hi Amanda

I just remembered that I was going to post after seeing Columbo in Plymouth!

Dirk was absolutely believable as the character. I think the fact that it was the last night of the show may have caused nerves as Dirk and a couple of the other actors fluffed a couple of lines but that didn’t detract from the play.

I’d like to see Dirk in a Columbo film next! I think that would be really good :-)

Amanda By Night said...

Hi Pard and Marcus!

Thanks for stopping in to let us know how the shows went! I'm still SO jealous. I just found out Dirk was at the San Diego Comic-con this past weekend and so was my fiance. I could have gotten an autograph! Pard, I am SO thrilled to hear how nice he is! That's just totally cool!

I am so not against seeing him as Columbo in a movie. I'd sign a petition! I'd give the producers five dollars even! Hey it's all I have! :)

Thanks again everyone for the mini-reviews!