Étude in Black

Interesting to see this movie 30 years later; it's still good theater, even better TV. I think the unique qualities of this particular Columbo episode may have been largely due to the relationship between Falk and Cassavetes off screen, but it certainly worked in this show. This one reiterated Columbo's quirky, irritating methods; and again, one of the reasons the entire series was so watchable was the low-key progression of the drama. This is one of the few 'cop shows' I ever watch because it's based in human interaction and pyschological issues, not in violent shocks. I think Bochco did a very good job on this film.

This Columbo episode is one of the better and perhaps one of my personal favorites. The cast includes Rosemary's Baby John Cassavetes as the maestro, his wife played by Blythe Danner (Gwyneth Paltrow's mom) and his mother-in-law played by Myrna Loy (one of America's greatest leading actresses in film of our time). Anyway I disagree with anybody who criticizes against this film. This episode is one of my favorites because you have an excellent cast who do a superb job in performing. I love watching Columbo with his beloved dog who he never names in the series. This time, the episode focuses in on classical music at the Hollywood Bowl, one of L.A.'s attractions. Of course, Columbo becomes as interested in classical music as he does anything else involving a crime.

ETUDE IN BLACK is one of the strongest of the early COLUMBO episodes, where it seemed the writers could do no wrong. It benefits from the fine acting of guest villain John Cassavetes, who really gets into the nitty gritty, egotistical mindset of one of the world's top conductors, who's forced into bumping off his mistress in order to keep his life perfect.

The story is a relatively complex one, offering few clues for Columbo to get his teeth into, but he does eventually start picking the story apart. Blythe Danner has a nice role as Cassavetes's ice-cold wife, and there's welcome comic relief from the detective's dog, who appears for the first time in the series. Altogether, the production values are very strong, the pacing is decent, and the sense of time and place is exemplary.

Alex (John Cassavetes) is a very rich and successful conductor. However, he is in a difficult situation....his mistress insists he must marry her and make an honest woman of her or else. But Alex is married and likes his current life, so he decides to kill her. His plan is excellent and well executed and initially it looks like the victim committed suicide. But Columbo is doggedly determined to investigate the likelihood it was murder....after all, he read the script and it IS the "Columbo" show!

I liked the intricate way the murder was orchestrated....it was the highlight of the show. I also liked the introduction of Columbo's new dog....and it's the first glimpse viewers get of a look at Columbo's family (he always talks about his wife but you never see her). Overall, quite good and a pretty typical story for the series.

My first 'Columbo'. Rather enjoyed it. Great format, and Peter Falk's character extremely good...wonderfully quirky, he can take his place next to Poirot, Miss Marple, and also the likes of Marlowe and Rick Diamond. I can see why this series has such a following.

As a professional musician, I HAVE to say a few things. First of all, a conductor who merely produces these pedestrian performances of the most basic examples of the repertoire (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Strauss Waltzes, Beethoven...) is never going to have a house like that or fame like that or cars like that, much less be called a genius. And the conducting that the actor does is so bad as to be laughable. No orchestra would take him seriously.

There are several little things too, such as his rehearsal of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (why rehearse it when they've just performed it for TV? Any orchestral musician would be able to play it in his or her sleep anyway...). His instructions to the ensemble are downright nonsensical, and when Columbo asks Blythe Danner what 'quasi fantasia' means, she says it's 'Latin'. It's Italian, as are the vast majority of musical instructions.

And finally, no two great musicians would EVER have the following interchange: "Play something." "What should I play?" "Chopin". Music is their job and passion, they know it well. Something far more specific would be asked for, and offered!

I know. I should get out more...