Columbo

A dishevelled detective investigates an actress and her lover, who are suspected of murdering her husband, in a crime drama setting. The programme features Peter Falk, Honor Blackman and Richard Basehart in leading roles, as listed in the original cast.

The Dagger of the Mind is a programme presented as a single episode. It falls within the episode genre and is listed simply as a programme. The title suggests a focus on psychological intrigue, though the description centres on a murder investigation. It airs as a self‑contained story, with no continuation beyond its single instalment. The format follows the conventions of mid‑century television crime series, presenting a concise narrative within its allotted runtime. The story follows a dishevelled detective who takes on a case involving an actress and her lover. Both are under suspicion for the murder of the actress's husband. The detective's investigation drives the narrative, focusing on the alleged crime and the relationship between the two suspects. He navigates clues, interviews, and conflicting alibis as he attempts to determine who, if anyone, is responsible for the death. The tension builds as the evidence points in multiple directions. The production features performances by Peter Falk, Honor Blackman and Richard Basehart. These three actors appear in the crime drama, bringing the characters to life as the investigation unfolds. Their involvement is noted as a key element of the programme's casting. Each actor contributes to the unfolding plot, portraying individuals connected to the central mystery and adding depth to the investigative storyline. The collaboration of these seasoned performers helps to sustain the episode's focus on procedural detail.