Étude in Black is the first episode of the second season of Columbo and the tenth episode overall. It first aired on September 17, 1972 and was directed by Nicholas Colasanto. In addition to Peter Falk as Columbo, the episode stars John Cassavettes, Bythe Danner and Myrna Loy.
In Étude in Black, a renowned conductor stands to lose everything if his extra-marital affair is exposed, so he kills his lover and makes it look like a suicide. Columbo suspects otherwise.
This episode marks the first appearance of Columbo's pet bassett hound, whom he names "Dog".
Blythe Danner appears to be pregnant during the filming of this episode which would air 10 days before her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow is born.
Cast[]
- Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo.
- John Cassavetes as Alex Benedict, the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra who murders his mistress so that she cannot betray their affair to his wealthy wife. Falk and Cassavetes were very good friends in real life, with Falk appearing in several of Cassavetes' independent films.
- Blythe Danner as Janice Benedict, Alex's wife who is oblivious to his infidelity.
- Myrna Loy as Lizzy Fielding, Janice's mother who uses her fortune to fund Alex's musical exploits. If his affair was to be revealed, he would be cut off, which is why he kills his lover.
- Anjanette Comer as Jennifer Welles, a pianist in the orchestra and Alex's mistress-turned-victim.
- James Olson as Paul Rifkin, a drunk trumpeter and old flame of Jennifer's.
- James McEachin as Billy, Alex's assistant at the symphony.
- Pat Morita, best known as Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid, plays the Benedict's house boy.
- Dawn Frame as Audrey, a little girl who lives next door to Jennifer and is a surprise source of information to Columbo.
- Mike Lally plays a mechanic named Frank.
Columbo (season 2) |
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1."Étude in Black" 2."The Greenhouse Jungle" 3."The Most Crucial Game" 4."Dagger of the Mind" 5."Requiem for a Falling Star" 6."A Stitch in Crime" 7."The Most Dangerous Match" 8."Double Shock" |