Due to popular demand, and to mark the 50th anniversary of the debut of Columbo’s first season in 1971, a final 50 prints of the original Columbo painting from Murder: A Self Portrait are now on sale.
Only 100 prints have been circulated up to this point and previous print runs have been snapped up like bowls of chilli at a Columbo convention leaving many luckless fans disappointed. If you’re one of those fans, it’s time to dry those tears and act swiftly as I’m assured that these will be the last ever prints made from the iconic work created by Jaroslav Gebr for the 1989 episode (which I review here).
“Previous print runs have been snapped up like bowls of chilli at a Columbo convention.”
Thomas Gebr, son of Jaroslav, made contact with the Columbophile blog to explain why they had decided to make a final series of prints available. “We have received many emails from all four corners for requests of the artwork, but we have stuck to our estates’ wishes that only 100 would be released to the public,” he said.
“However, fast forward to 2021 and after realizing that Columbo has reached its 50th anniversary on television, we felt it only fair to open up one more lot for fans who have patiently waited for one last opportunity to own an authentic print.”
So there you have it! Don’t delay – dive in today to avoid a lifetime of regret. The prints come numbered and authenticated and come at a price of US$250. That’s a fairly hefty sum for casual fans, but die-hards will recognise it as an excellent investment. Owning one of these myself, I can vouch for the quality of the print and can assure you that it takes pride of place at Columbophile HQ!
Full info on the prints is available here on the Gebr Art website. For all enquiries, or to place your order, contact Renee Gebr via email at renee.gebrart@gmail.com. Then all you have to do is sit back, wait and consider what type of framing is suitable for such a splendid piece of Columbo memorabilia. Rumour has it that even famous art critic Dale Kingston is dashing to place an order, so get in quick and happy shopping!
UPDATE FOR READERS: As many of you will know, my daughter has been battling cancer for much of 2021, and caring for her has severely curtailed my time for the blog. All being well, her treatment will finished in December. She’s continued to bear up to some rotten times and bounce back with cheekiness and smiles, bless her cotton socks! I make no promises on when further reviews will be added to the site, although it’s possible one may spring up before Christmas.
Thanks to all those who have sent best wishes for her recovery. As I’ve always maintained, the Columbo community is a marvellous one to be a part of!
If you rate this site, consider donating to its upkeep – from just $3
Dear Columbophile, I have a question about the vito’s bar painting. Is there any information about it? Who painted it and who has the original or is the picture available as a scan? My second question is about the unfinished painting of Julie. Beside the finished paintings of her is one in the movie that is not completed. Was it ever finished or was it also available for buyers? Thanks in advance.
Hello there! The paintings in that episode were created by Jaroslav Gebr, who was Head of Universal’s art department for many years. Some completed works of Julie were made available for sale in the past year or two. Please have a look at https://gebrart.com for more info on the artist.
Couldn’t resist posting here now that I’ve received it. It’s really beautiful and the moment covid allows for it I’ll have it framed by someone who knows how to. And then, when it’s staring at me from the wall, I’ll celebrate by eating chili and watching Murder: A Self Portrait. It’s the first episode I ever saw and one I (therefore?) really like. I mean, who could resist a movie featuring Peter Falk, Vito Scotti, Patrick Bauchau and Isabel García Lorca…
Great to hear, hooe you get a nice frame, Taking mine to be framed tomorrow, its looking so nice cannot wait to get it on my wall.
I will, thanks, and the same to you. Enjoy your piece of art!
Glad to hear your daughter’s treatment is wrapping up. Wishing you all the best.
Nice painting which i would like to own even though im not a big fan of the
episode itself which aired 2 previous Sundays on 5USA , the portrait of Columbo
was a nice addition but its always bothered that Max barsini was in a frame of mind
to paint a portrait on the same day as his wife was found dead , a reason to suspect
think back to dr Fleming in prescription murder anxious to visit his wife in hospital and saying to columbo willi you answer the door later on when the dress was delivered commenting , I dont feel like talking to anybody , there doesn’t seem to be any remorse from max , thers also very little investigation its not one of the better new ones and I strongly dislike the dream sequences
Just a friendly reminder:
Columbo will no longer be available on MeTV after Sunday, November 21, as the rights to the series have expired.
Don’t know about Sundance or Cozi but our fave detective is gone from MeTV for the time being. Judging by their recent ads, get ready for Monk to take over.
We’ve known this for awhile. If Cozi and Sundance are still playing, my guess it MeTV didn’t want to pay more for the contract. Especially in honor of its 50th anniversary commemoration. Lately we”ve been bombarded with non-stop Medicare and Death Benefits and Car Insurance advertising. Where as sponsors used to do so by the series, or programming block, it’s clear all MeTV has to do is guarantee their aging population demographic, and advertising placement no longer matters. Monk, by the way has been rejected by the vocal protesters (they have a comment platform). And to substitute a wonderful detective series such as was Columbo with another run of Mash and The Andy Griffith Show (for 7 hours a week of each series) shows how little regard they have for programing now (and their viewers), compared to a couple years ago. When there is a library full of classic TV (and honored) detective and action/adventure series. Which viewers have been begging for.
PS, thanks for the info! I’d been wondering what was going on with those MeTV’s ads saying goodbye to Columbo. It is disappointing but it is what it is. As for Sundance, they aired the first two episodes of the original series last night and tonight they will be showing “Dead Weight” and “Suitable For Framing” so we’ll see what happens!
Unfortunately COZI shows only the ABC Columbos.
MeTV claims the rights owner refused to renew the contract. Don’t know if that literally is true, or whether it demanded too high a price for MeTV to pay. I’d imagine Columbo is a valuable property.
Yay! Columbo still lives on Sundance. Tonight they are showing “Lady In Waiting” and “Short Fuse” so get ready for Roddy’s tight disco pants!
All I’ve been seeing is the newer episodes on COZI TV, both good and lesser. Tonight they showed two;1st was “No Time to Die”; 2nd was better “A Bird in the Hand” but Ill have to adjust to Monk on Sunday which is a very different but good show. I’m waiting for a great original, like “Any Port…”
Alas, this all seems trivial, until we hear the status of CP’s daughter
Nice to see you back and to hear that your daughter is feeling better. For those in America, Columbo is still available for free on demand (with commercials) on IMDbTv and Tubi. Only the NBC years on IMDbTv but all on Tubi. Hope this helps.
You can watch it on Peacock Tv for free. You just need a free subscription.
I missed the info about your daughter. I’ve been in treatment for a year myself. I’m glad she is finishing this month. I finish the IV part this month or next. I will be on a pill for at least 5 years. I finished the actual chemo 4 or 5 months ago. My hair and fingernails are growing back. I’m feeling a lot better except for the tiredness. I hope the meds did what they were supposed to do for your daughter. Tell her she’s got this now. The most horrible part is over or soon will be.
Good to see cp up and about again and murder of a rock star may be reviewed this year and it aured today on 5 usa , i just wanted to point out theres also arunning gag about where columbo can pick up a discounted casette player its very unfunny , i hope cp also negates it .
Good to see another article from you, Columbophile! So happy to hear your daughter’s treatment is progressing well.
“SUITABLE FOR FRAMING”
TODAY – 50th ANNIVERSARY!!!
One of my favourites!!
So Happy, finally got mine. Ty for sharing. Take care
Just curious. In coordination with Columbo’s 50th anniversary, in general, because sometimes the owner/distribution wants to take advantage of promotional opportunities – does anyone know if NBCUniversal is cancelling it’s contract with other classic TV networks or marketplaces, in the USA that run Columbo (like Tubi for instance). Also that’s not the one to which I’m referring.
This is what we’ve been told by a specific provider, claiming they had no warning, and it will be stopped before November 28. In fact the last 4 episodes are being shown November 21, 2021. It left them with a scheduling gap that created a haphazard refill. I am the viewer, having nothing to do with the providers.
Thank you to anyone who has information!
So good to hear from you, Columbophile, my thoughts are with you and your daughter.
Regarding the print, last time I was just too late, so this time I ordered one straight away.
All the best!
David
Thanks Columbophile, and best for your daughter.
On a less good note, MeTV, which has broadcast classic Columbo episodes on Sundays, is wrapping up it’s showings of Columbo next Sunday with a four episode block. Columbo is still on COZI but only the ABC episodes.
This is great news about your daughter Columbophile!
I checked with the gallery. They have no intention of re-releasing the nudes from this episode. Too bad, but the Columbo portrait is a gem!
I believe the original nudes sold earlier this year for several thousand dollars apiece!
Hello. You’ve got a great site here. Now I’ve got a question that’s been bugging me for years.
There was this one episode where the hero was on this ship at nighttime, and one of the villains was wearing plaster casts on his hands, tried to torch the hero, but his plasters caught on fire instead, a few seconds later, the villain was completely engulfed in flames, causing him to jump into the water.
I’m certain this was a Columbo episode, but maybe it was The Rockford Files instead. Do you have any idea what episode I’m talking about?
This is definitely not a Columbo episode! I’m not familiar enough with other shows of the era to know what series it might be from but it’s probable some reader will!
Hmm…could it have been the Mission: Impossible revival or MacGyver instead?
Finally found it. It was the James Bond movie Diamonds are Forever where Mr. Kidd was trying to engulf Bond with flaming skewers until Bond threw some liquid at him that caused him to be engulfed instead. Mr. Kidd was not wearing plaster casts on his hands like I thought.
Thanks for the replies.
Day/Night.
Hot/Cold.
Matter/Anti-Matter.
Bond/Columbo.
Definitely not a Columbo 🙂
That would have been some climax to Troubled Waters!
Hello,
I found a TV Guide from the early to mid-‘70’s a week or two ago, which contained an article on vetting shooting locations for Columbo, including the location of the hilarious questioning session between Falk and Cassavetes as conductor of the LA Symphony (more or less).
The location scouts talk about the possibility of damages, the excitement and occasional reluctance of renting their j bk ouses, and the general conclusion
that money paid is enough to seal almost every reluctant owners.
I’ll be glad to send it in for everyone; I hope your daughter is stable— I’ve been through that hell.
Evan Torch, MD
Atlanta
Thank you Evan. Looking forward to reading it.
Best wishes to your daughter and your entire family! Love your Columbo reviews!
Prayers for your daughter to have a speedy recovery and a happy, healthy prosperous life with longevity!
My best wishes to your daughter, dear Columbophile. We are all rooting for her.
We all love your blog, but your daughters’s health is number one of course. Prayers are coming for a full recovery and a life filled for your little one filled with love and happiness!
Best wishes you your daughter–and you.
Thanks for sharing, and best wishes for your Daughter
Dear Columbophile,
What a wonderful and exciting opportunity this is. Thank you for letting us know. Continued prayers for your darling daughter.
May your darling daughter get completely well! I didn’t know about Columbophile but love watching these two hour movies with beloved Peter Falk. He made Columbo the great series it was. I’m watching reruns a second time even knowing the outcome because they were written and acted so well!! I remember this wonderful portrait from a show and thought it was extremely well painted and captured his essence perfectly. Very best wishes to your family!
Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear about your daughter’s condition and delighted to that she is on the mend. Wishing you and your family well. I look forward to your next post when it works out for everyone.