Vivika Scott (Vera Miles) cosmetics empire is on the ropes. Her new miracle cream that makes wrinkles disappear could turn around her fortunes. It could revolutionise the industry. However her young research chemist Karl (Martin Sheen) has pirated the formula and made it available to the highest bidder. This includes arch rival David Lang (Vincent Price.)
After a heated argument, Vivika kills Karl who was also her former lover by hitting him on the head with a microscope. Later Vivika needs to deal with Lang's secretary who spies for Vivika and knows a little too much about Karl's death.
Columbo quickly gets under the skin of the icy Vivika like a bad rash. In fact some poison ivy holds a vital clue.
Vera Miles who was in Psycho is radiant as an ageing beauty who turns to murder. She has an early catty scene with Vincent Price with both actors chewing up the scenery.
However I could not help thinking how much better this would had been with Price as the murderer going toe to toe with Columbo.
There is a starry cast here. An early role for Martin Sheen, even a small role for future Oscar nominee Anne Ramsey as a masseuse. Unfortunately Lovely but Lethal is too plain and formulaic.
After a heated argument, Vivika kills Karl who was also her former lover by hitting him on the head with a microscope. Later Vivika needs to deal with Lang's secretary who spies for Vivika and knows a little too much about Karl's death.
Columbo quickly gets under the skin of the icy Vivika like a bad rash. In fact some poison ivy holds a vital clue.
Vera Miles who was in Psycho is radiant as an ageing beauty who turns to murder. She has an early catty scene with Vincent Price with both actors chewing up the scenery.
However I could not help thinking how much better this would had been with Price as the murderer going toe to toe with Columbo.
There is a starry cast here. An early role for Martin Sheen, even a small role for future Oscar nominee Anne Ramsey as a masseuse. Unfortunately Lovely but Lethal is too plain and formulaic.