Just One More Thing

I bought Peter Falk’s Just One More Thing a few weeks back, but just got around to reading to last night. I finished it this afternoon. Loved it. It’s written in short bursts—a story about growing up, getting eye cancer at age three, joining the Merchant Marines and slumming around Europe—then stories about his very best friend John Cassavetes, a cartoonist friend of his by the name of Lou Lilly, working in New York, his wife Shera and of course Columbo. The raincoat? Peter’s idea. The ratty, clunker of an old car? His idea. The way Columbo was always fishing around his pockets for a pencil . . a list . . .etc. his idea.
Unlike some actors who come to resent the part that made them famous, Falk seems to appreciate the fans who appreciated his Columbo. Plus he got to do other work—working with Gena Rowlands in Woman Under the Influence, and my favorite, The In-Laws.

Here’s an excerpt:





The funniest picture I ever made was The In-Laws. . . . .
Today when I’m walking the streets in a crowded city, the chances are that within four blocks some taxi driver will slow down, open his window, yell ‘Serpentine,’ give me the thumbs-up sign and wave good-bye chuckling—or four construction workers three stories up on an unfinished roof will spot me and all four in unison will shoot an arm straight upward toward the sky, shout “Serpentine,” and laugh hilariously.

Alan Arkin and Peter waiting to shoot the Serpentine scene:

Peter

(to Alan)
Alan, I have a question.

Alan
Yes.

Peter
Do you think this is a funny scene?

Alan

(not believing his ears, looking incredulous)
And you don’t?

Peter
No. I think it’s silly.

Alan
You’re the dumbest actor in America.



Alan loved that scene so much. He got a kick out of just doing it. Watching him, his total enjoyment, his funny run five steps left, then five steps right, all while yelling “Serpentine”—he could have done that run a hundred times—he’d still be doing it today if the crew hadn’t gone home. It tickled him so much. And watching him tickled me.