Columbo: Dagger of the Mind
Date: 1972
Director: Richard Quine
Production Company: Universal Studios
Stars: Peter Falk. Richard Basehart, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Bernard Fox, John Williams, Honor Blackman
Location(s): London
Region(s): London C-D
Storyline:
Lillian Stanhope and Nicholas Frame are two famed actors in London set to act in ‘Macbeth’. Producer Sir Roger Haversham had been Lillian’s lover but finds out he has been deceived by the couple and is about to cancel their widely anticipated and lucrative engagement. During a dressing room brawl between the three, Haversham is accidentally killed by Stanhope. As Haversham had not been seen by any of the cast or crew before he entered the couple’s dressing room, they decide to hide his body and later take the corpse to his mansion and stage his “accidental” death. However, Lieutenant Colombo, in London to learn about new investigation methods used by Scotland Yard, smells something fishy in this supposed accident.
Additional Information:
Screen captures and uncredited now shots provided by Mark O’Neill
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Can you help:
If you have any information regarding this production, the locations or, even better, some comparison shots please contact us. Images submitted must be in Landscape orientation, as would be seen on the cinema screen, not Portrait.
We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.
- Capture 1
- 'Now' required
Mark Elliott provides this additional screen capture that shows through the opening credit, the south side of the Thames and the London Weekend Television Centre, Upper Ground, London SE1 under construction, top right hand corner. This building has now been vacated (2019) for probable future demolition and as a result provides us with an upcoming historic skyline reference change. (RL)
- Capture 2
- 21 May 2018
Colombo (Peter Falk) comes to London to catch up on the latest forensic technology. Having been collected by the police at the airport he is taken to New Scotland Yard through London and in typical style incredulously asks....."is that Buckingham Palace?"..... The Mall with the Victoria Memorial in the background.
A clearer picture now with added bollards.
- Capture 3
- 21 May 2018
He leaves the car to take a photograph. The Mall, London, SW1
A view across The Mall towards Hyde Park and the many flag poles and tourists crossing the road.
- Capture 4
- 21 May 2018
With camera in hand he looks around in disbelief. The Mall looking towards the gates of Hyde Park.
Now with far more street furniture and road organisation.
- Capture 5
- 21 May 2018
Making his way through the crowds Colombo takes a photograph of Buckingham Palace.
Less tourists when I was there.
- Capture 6
- 21 May 2018
Meanwhile the story unfolds at the Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1
A change of production is about the only change.
- Capture 7
- 21 May 2018
......."Is that Tower Bridge?"
You can't cross there now.
- Capture 8
- 21 May 2018
He walks down to Gun Wharf, Tower of London to take a photograph.
The same tree to the left, only larger.
- Capture 9
- 21 May 2018
They eventually arrive at their destination. New Scotland Yard, Broadway, London SW1,
Now demolished.
- Capture 10
- 21 May 2018
New Scotland Yard also features in ‘Hennessy’, 'The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It', ‘White Cargo’, ‘Don’t Open til Christmas’, ‘The File of the Golden Goose’ and ‘Frenzy’.
We await what is to replace New Scotland Yard.
- Capture 11
- 21 May 2018
Sir Roger Haversham (John Williams) is to be murdered at the Royal Court Theatre by his lover (Honor Blackman) and fellow actor Nicholas Frame (Richard Basehart) during the dress rehearsal for his new play. Royal Court Theatre, Sloane Square, London SW1
The signage has been re-arranged.
- Capture 12
- 21 May 2018
Nicholas arrives in his sports car.
Gone are the days when one could park there.
- Capture 13
- 21 May 2018
Colombo chooses to sit by the Wellington Arch to concentrate his thoughts on the murder and his car approaches where he is to sit.
A much changed background.
- Capture 14
- 21 May 2018
He makes progress, Hyde Park Corner with Apsley House in the background.
I have no doubt a police car could still drive there now.
- Capture 15
- 21 May 2018
He settles down on a bench. The London Hilton towers in the background.
The London Hilton at least remains to focus on.
- Capture 16
- 21 May 2018
Det. Chief Supt. William Durk (Bernard Fox) arrives at the Wax Museum for the unveiling of the statue to Nicholas Fame. (Royal College of Music) Prince Consort Road.
No one stood watching me film.
- Capture 17
- 28 Apr 2021
The car draws to a halt. Prince Consort Road with the Royal Albert Hall in the background.
Filling in the gap of comparisons. SJ
- Capture 18
- 21 May 2018
After the unveiling Colombo leaves to ponder the events and circumstances.
Scaffolding for the benefit of Reelstreets!
- Capture 19
- 21 May 2018
His umbrella is pivotal to resolving the murder and he rushes back.
- Capture 20
- 21 May 2018
Lilian and Nicholas are arrested and taken away by the police.
No crowds to hinder my shot.
- Capture 21
- 21 May 2018
Colombo wanders off....... Prince Consort Road.
Now a more formalised crossing.
- Capture 22
- 21 May 2018
....and approaches the other side of the road......
Now, with increased parking restrictions.
- Capture 23
- 21 May 2018
towards the steps to the Royal Albert Hall.
A clearer view of the Royal Albert Hall.