Étude in Black
- Episode aired Sep 17, 1972
- Not Rated
- 1h 38m
A ruthless conductor murders the gifted pianist with whom he is having an affair. Lt. Columbo is on the case.A ruthless conductor murders the gifted pianist with whom he is having an affair. Lt. Columbo is on the case.A ruthless conductor murders the gifted pianist with whom he is having an affair. Lt. Columbo is on the case.
- Sam
- (scenes deleted)
- Detective
- (uncredited)
- Crew Member
- (uncredited)
- Man in Booth
- (uncredited)
- Directors
- Nicholas Colasanto
- John Cassavetes(uncredited)
- Peter Falk(uncredited)
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the debut of Dog, Columbo's pet basset hound.
- GoofsWhile Alex Benedict takes great pains not to leave fingerprints from his right hand as he climbs through the washroom window, he rests his bare left hand on the tiled wall at least twice, leaving distinct hand and fingerprints. However, this is not a Goof, as his prints would be expected inside the washroom as he used it just before leaving with his wife.
- Quotes
Lieutenant Columbo: [presenting his car to Mike the mechanic] What do you think of this?
Mike Alexander: Have you ever thought of getting a new car?
Lieutenant Columbo: No, you see, I already have two cars. Of course, my wife's car is nothing special. That's just for transportation. You understand.
Mike Alexander: I only work on foreign cars.
Lieutenant Columbo: Oh, it's a foreign car.
Mike Alexander: Oh, I know, but... there are limits, mate, you know?
- Alternate versionsThis two-hour TV movie was also prepared in a 90-minute version which played on Canadian television, and is reputed to be the superior of the two cuts.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 25th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1973)
However, when it comes to the production values Etude in Black is one of the most visually beautiful and interesting of the Columbo episodes with skilled camera shots and lighting. The music is a sheer delight, and part of the reason why this episode holds a special place in my heart. The premise is a clever one, and the story is very well constructed with some fun scenes. Here Columbo is delightful, he does get increasingly irritating throughout Etude in Black but deliberately so. There is also a razor-sharp script, satisfying chemistry between Columbo and Benedict and good direction.
The acting on the whole is great. Peter Falk is exceptional once again, particularly in the monologue which cleverly expresses Columbo's disbelief at how anybody would kill themselves. I also liked the scene(s) with his new dog, which thankfully were appropriately awkward(fitting Columbo's character) and low-key. Blythe Danner is divine as Janice, she looks lovely and acts very convincingly, Myrna Loy has a smaller role and is merely okay. John Cassevetes however is brilliant, very sexy and deliciously stone-cold as well. His way of conducting is the only part of his performance that rings false(not only was it an odd way of conducting but some of it was out of time as well), but his voice, mannerisms, interaction with Columbo and delivery more than compensated, he is both dark and wacky in the ending which wraps things up well.
All in all, a fine episode and while not perfect it is a personal favourite. 8.5/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Mar 13, 2011
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Étude in Schwarz
- Filming locations
- 14540 Erwin St, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA(auto repair shop, demolished)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 38 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 4:3