Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder

Amelie Hastie's book "Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder" explores television history through an emphasis on issues of stardom, authorship, and its connections with classical and New Hollywood cinema. It argues that the series offers viewers the opportunity to learn with Lt. Columbo and become detectives of television itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 January 2024
Publisher: Duke University Press

For decades, generations of television fans have been captivated by Lt. Columbo, portrayed by the legendary Peter Falk, as he skillfully unravels clues to capture killers who believe they are above the law. In her comprehensive examination of the 1970s series, co-created by Richard Levinson and William Link, Amelie Hastie delves into the rich tapestry of television history, placing a strong emphasis on issues of stardom, authorship, and their intricate connections with classical and New Hollywood cinema. Through meticulous close textual analysis, attentive to the nuances of class relations and interconnections with other works by Falk, Levinson, and Link, Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder emerges as a groundbreaking exploration of American television as an intertextual system. Spanning from its early days as a commercial broadcast medium to its iterations within contemporary streaming platforms, Hastie offers a profound perspective on the evolution of television as a cultural phenomenon. At its core, Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder revolves around the titular detective's relentless pursuit of knowledge about cultural trends and media forms. By immersing viewers in his perpetual state of learning, Hastie invites them to embark on a transformative journey alongside him, equipping them with the skills and insights necessary to become detectives of television itself. Through his unwavering dedication, Columbo challenges the boundaries of storytelling, offering a unique and immersive viewing experience that fosters critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the art of television. In conclusion, Amelie Hastie's Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder is a seminal work that delves into the intricate interplay between television, stardom, authorship, and cultural trends. By offering a comprehensive analysis of the 1970s series and its enduring legacy, Hastie provides a valuable contribution to television studies and offers viewers a captivating opportunity to explore the depths of this iconic character and the broader world of television itself.

Weight: 445g
Dimension: 210 x 149 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478025450