Ransom for a Dead Man Poster

Ransom for a Dead Man 1972

★ 7.355 votes95 min📅 1972-10-09

In *Ransom for a Dead Man (1972)*, a sharp-witted attorney devises a twisted plan to eliminate her seemingly dull husband by orchestrating a fake kidnapping and pocketing the ransom money.

Director: Richard Irving

Cast

Peter Falk
Peter Falk
Columbo
Lee Grant
Lee Grant
Leslie Williams
John Fink
John Fink
Michael Clark
Harold Gould
Harold Gould
Agent Carlson
Patricia Mattick
Patricia Mattick
Margaret Williams
Paul Carr
Paul Carr
Hammond
Jed Allan
Jed Allan
Phil
Charles Macaulay
Charles Macaulay
Richard
Hank Brandt
Hank Brandt
Attorney
Jean Byron
Jean Byron
Pat

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ransom for a Dead Man (1972) about?

The film follows a clever attorney who stages her husband's abduction to claim a ransom, only to face an unexpected challenge when the astute Lieutenant Columbo intervenes. As the detective probes deeper, her carefully constructed lies begin to collapse under scrutiny.

Who directed Ransom for a Dead Man?

Richard Irving directed this gripping crime mystery, bringing a sharp eye for tension and suspense to the screen.

Who stars in Ransom for a Dead Man?

The film features Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo, Lee Grant as the scheming attorney, and is supported by John Fink, Harold Gould, and Patricia Mattick.

Is Ransom for a Dead Man (1972) worth watching?

With its tight plotting and Falk's masterful performance, *Ransom for a Dead Man* is a standout entry in the crime genre. While it hasn't been rated on IMDb, its blend of suspense and classic Columbo charm makes it a compelling watch for fans of '70s mysteries.

How long is Ransom for a Dead Man?

The film runs for 95 minutes.

About Ransom for a Dead Man (1972) — The Classic Crime Drama Where Columbo Outsmarts a Killer

In *Ransom for a Dead Man (1972)*, a sharp-witted attorney devises a twisted plan to eliminate her seemingly dull husband by orchestrating a fake kidnapping and pocketing the ransom money. Her scheme seems foolproof—until the relentless Lieutenant Columbo enters the picture, unraveling her deceptions with quiet precision. Directed by Richard Irving, this gripping crime drama blends psychological tension with the classic whodunit formula, creating an atmosphere of suspense that lingers long after the credits roll.

Peter Falk's iconic portrayal of Columbo anchors the film, while Lee Grant delivers a chilling performance as the calculating perpetrator. The 95-minute runtime races by as the mystery unfolds, with twists that challenge both the characters and the audience to piece together the truth. A standout TV movie from the '70s, this crime mystery explores themes of greed, deception, and the unassuming power of justice.