Last Words to Columbo: "The file folder...the report on the desk..."
In "A Friend in Deed", Hugh Caldwell (played by Michael McGuire) is driven to murder his wife Janice and turns to his trusted friend and neighbor Mark Halperin (Richard Kiley) for assistance. Mark is more than happy to lend a helping hand, on the condistion that they in turn murder his wife. They do this by staging the death to make it look like the work of a burglar. However, Lt. Columbo soon begins to have suspicions about the true nature of the crime.
Upon further investigation, Columbo discovers that there are no fingerprints of the victim in her own house, leading him to suspect that Halperin may have been involved. Unfortunately, the plot thickens as Columbo realizes that Halperin is not just a friend and neighbor, but also the deputy police commissioner.
Richard Kiley was an American stage, film, and television actor, known for his powerful baritone singing voice and his roles in popular musicals such as "Man of La Mancha" and "The Sound of Music." He appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Dr. Kildare," and won a Tony Award for his performance in "Man of La Mancha."
Michael McGuire was an American actor best known for his role as Walt, the father of the troubled teenager Donnie Darko in the cult classic film "Donnie Darko." He also appeared in numerous television shows, including "Law & Order," "The Sopranos," and "ER," and on stage in various productions on Broadway and off-Broadway. Additionally, McGuire was an acting teacher and director, working with young actors to hone their craft.