Columbo Star Peter Falk Headlined The Last Rod Serling Movie Ever Made

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Peter Falk is an absolute acting legend. "Columbo" alone ensured that he'd always have a place in Hollywood history, but he also had the distinction of starring in the final movie from another legend: Rod Serling. "The Twilight Zone" creator pioneered the sci-fi genre for years to come, but did quite a bit in the realm of movies during his career as well, including writing the script for 1970's "A Storm in Summer." That brings us back to Mr. Falk.

In 2000, Showtime reused Serling's script for that 1970 movie for a remake directed by Robert Wise ("West Side Story"), serving as the filmmaking legend's final movie. Falk was chosen to play the lead, Mr. Shaddick. Even though it was years after Serling's passing, because they reused his script, it was technically the final movie made based on his work.

The movie centers on an old Jewish shop owner (Falk) who suddenly finds himself responsible for a young Black boy named Herman Washington (Aaron Meek) who is trying to escape the chaos of Harlem as part of a sponsorship program. At first, Mr. Shaddick wants the kid to scram. However, in an effort to spite the well-to-do lady who tries to take him over to her home, he decides to take Herman in.

"Columbo" was a beloved detective show and Falk knows why. It's the role he'll always be best known for. But this movie offered him a chance to explore a very different type of character in his later years.

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Even though, by 2000, Rod Serling had long since passed away, "A Storm in Summer" technically marked a reunion between the filmmaker and Peter Falk. Years earlier, Falk was one of the best actors on the original "Twilight Zone" series, having appeared in the episode "The Mirror."

"A Storm in Summer" isn't terribly well-remembered despite its impressive pedigree. Robert Wise directed plenty of classics in his day, including "The Sound of Music." Falk was a beloved character actor who was in the later years of his career. Plus, the hook of re-adapting one of Serling's screenplays after his passing was pretty interesting. But this Showtime movie produced by Hallmark doesn't get mentioned too much these days, though it's easy enough to track down online for those curious to check it out.

It was far from the only movie Serling ever had his name attached to. The original "Planet of the Apes" movie was almost directed by a comedy legend, but it was written by Serling. He was largely associated with science fiction and big twists. This little movie, which was made twice, was a much more grounded affair compared to what Serling is generally most remembered for. That, coupled with the intersection of talent at the time it was made, makes it an interesting little piece of cinema history.

You can grab "A Storm in Summer" on DVD from Amazon.