Season 2 Episode 5: “Columbo” Requiem for a Falling Star (TV Episode 1973)
Season 2 Episode 5: “Columbo” Requiem for a Falling Star (TV Episode 1973)
This episode was directed by Richard Quine, and written by Jackson Gillis, WIlliam Link and Richard Levinson.
Before rating any outfits in this episode, we need to acknowledge the cameo by Edith Head.
Before rating any outfits in this episode, we need to acknowledge the cameo by Edith Head.
Edith Head was one of the most influential costume designers in American film history.
She won a record eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design between 1949 and 1973, making her the most awarded woman in the Academy's history. Head was considered exceptional for her close working relationships with her subjects, with whom she consulted extensively; these included virtually every top female star in Hollywood.
She won a record eight Academy Awards for Best Costume Design between 1949 and 1973, making her the most awarded woman in the Academy's history. Head was considered exceptional for her close working relationships with her subjects, with whom she consulted extensively; these included virtually every top female star in Hollywood.
In this episode, she wears an ivory silk shantung skirt suit with a black long sleeve shell underneath.
Yes, we love it.
Edith Head did not design the wardrobe for this episode, Grady Hunt did, and he was nominated for an Emmy for it.
Edith Head did not design the wardrobe for this episode, Grady Hunt did, and he was nominated for an Emmy for it.
This is the pinnacle of 70s clothing in Columbo. Anne Baxter as Nora Chandler is DECKED OUT in every single scene. Everyone, every stitch is on point.
1) Nora Chandler’s pink flutter dress:
It is entirely impossible to choose the 3 best outfits in this episode (but if you'd like to try, head over to POLL: Columbo S2E5 - Requiem for a Falling Star - Which outfit is your favorite?- where there are a record setting fourteen outfits to choose from), but we will try. The best three outfits in this episode are:
1) Nora Chandler’s pink flutter dress:
This dress has tiers and layers and flutter sleeves and a bright psychedelic floral print all over:
She is a vision. And then she faints in it.
2) Nora Chandler’s navy blue suit with hot pink on reverse:
2) Nora Chandler’s navy blue suit with hot pink on reverse:
She's wearing a hot pink tank top with a big gold and jewel encrusted
belt. The real kicker to this outfit is the pants. They’re lined with
silky hot pink and the slits up above her knee make for a dramatic flash
of color every time she moves:
Sincerely amazing outfit. Just stellar.
3) Again, there are so many fantastic choices it is impossible to narrow it down but we will go with Nora’s white suit with the scarlet letter “A” repeating across the chest:
3) Again, there are so many fantastic choices it is impossible to narrow it down but we will go with Nora’s white suit with the scarlet letter “A” repeating across the chest:
This is a wide stripe maxi skirt with matching cardigan and tank top:
The blue and gold geometric pattern trim on the cardigan plus the red “AAAAAAA” make for a dramatic and casual Hester Prynne-like ensemble.
Bonus
points go out to Jerry Parks’ blue button down shirt with shoulder
epaulets paired with an indigo silk cowboy tie, and cream and navy plaid
pants:
Bonus points also go out to the women dressed for Vegas on the studio lot:
The funniest lines from this episode are when Columbo says that his
uncle played the bagpipes in the Shriner band, though he couldn’t play a
note, nobody could tell the difference:
And when the studio boss tells Columbo to avoid actors because they will kill you:
Bonus love for decor goes out to the restaurant interior:
The stripes of stained glass and the shiny red patent leather booths are beautiful.
Vote for a record breaking 14 entries! Every outfit deserves a medal!
POLL: Columbo S2E5 - Requiem for a Falling Star - Which outfit is your favorite?
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