Requiem for a Falling Star

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On January 21st, 1973 the fifth episode of Season 2 premiered. Called "Requiem for a Falling Star" it featured Anne Baxter as Nora Chandler, an aging movie star with a dark secret. Mel Ferrer played her nemesis, tabloid journalist Jerry Parks, and Pippa Scott played Jean Davis, the innocent (and doomed) assistant who came between them.

Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star

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The part of Nora Chandler was written specifically for Anne Baxter.

What to watch for

Just some things I found interesting about the episode.

Home sweet home

This episode was set mostly on the studio lot (a few more episodes later in the series are too). Universal liked that because it made filming easier - no need to truck filming equipment and crew all over Los Angeles. Also maybe they didn't have to be as careful to hide the gear - any stray piece of kit or crew member might be easily explained by the fact that they're on a studio lot.

Shame to burn it

Jerry's car - which Nora blows up - is a 1964 Jaguar XK-E 4.2 FHC Series I. Beautiful car.

Jerry Parks' 1964 Jaguar from Columbo: Requiem for a Falling Star

At auction these cars today often sell for over $125,000.

George, how tall are you?

When Columbo meets Nora in her cottage he's a bit starstruck and he tries to call his wife. She's not home, but his brother-in-law, George, answers the phone. Here we have more evidence that his wife exists - he asks George where she is and he clearly gives an answer. Then Nora talks to George on the phone, so we know George exists.

Is it possible that the whole thing was some kind of setup? Sure, but he's just now met Nora and she probably isn't enough of a suspect for him to go to that kind of trouble. More likely Mrs. Columbo is real and George is real. 

The legendary Edith Head

Edith Head makes a cameo in the episode as a studio costume designer. She is, in fact, the most decorated costume designer in Hollywood, with eight Academy Award wins.

Columbo admires the Oscars on her desk, which is ironic since Peter Falk presented her with one of those awards at the ceremony.

Seemed irrelevant

Frank Converse plays Mr. Fallon, the Studio head. He doesn't really advance the story much, in fact his primary contribution seems to be a humorous moment when Columbo mistakes him for an underling and he has to point out that he's the boss.



Just a few more things

  • Most of the pictures in Nora's cottage are...of her. And only her.
  • Jerry was so obnoxious that Nora should have killed him instead of Jean.
  • Mel Ferrer is not related to Jose Ferrer who played the killer in season 3's Mind Over Mayhem.

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