Lady in Waiting (15 Dec. 1971)

A mousy heiress murders her brother, pretending she thought he was a burglar. Lt. Columbo unravels her alibi.

Director:

Norman Lloyd

Writers:

Steven Bochco (teleplay), Barney Slater (story),

Stars:

Peter Falk, Susan Clark, Jessie Royce Landis

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Peter Falk	...	Columbo
Susan Clark	...	Beth Chadwick
Jessie Royce Landis	...	Mrs. Chadwick
Richard Anderson	...	Bryce Chadwick
Leslie Nielsen	...	Peter Hamilton
Joel Fluellen	...	Charles
Richard Bull	...	2nd Detective
Garry Walberg	...	1st Detective
Barbara Rhoades	...	Hostess
Jon Lormer	...	Hearing Officer
Frank Baxter	...	Fred
Susan Barrister	...	Waitress

Storyline

Beth Chadwick has lived all her life controlled first by her father, then after his death, by her brother Bryce who manages the family business. Now she has fallen for Peter Hamilton, who works for Bryce. But, as usual, Bryce objects to her choice and threatens to fire Peter. So Beth decides to murder her brother and to do it in such a way to let it to appear like an accident. Lt. Columbo realizes at once the truth and starts looking for evidence.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | key | family business | heiress | police | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1971 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal TV

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min 68 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Last film of Jessie Royce Landis.

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Goofs

Although Brice is shot three times in the chest, no blood is seen on the body or the carpet after he is dragged across the room.

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Quotes

Peter Hamilton: ...I won't be a hypocrite, Lieutenant. I'm sorry about poor Brice being killed, but it has gotten Beth out from under his thumb.
Columbo: Oh, yeah, yeah... Wat out!
[He gestures with his hands]

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Soundtracks

"Love Theme from 'Red Sky At Morning'"
Composed by Billy Goldenberg
Heard during the bar scene

User Reviews

Another excellent Columbo mystery

Susan Clark plays an excellent murderess in this movie, stifled and controlled by her brother who manages the family business and the money. Her plan to break free of his control and take over the business herself is well worked out and seems foolproof, but one miscalculation leaves her having to improvise her way out one problem after another. Leslie Nielsen, as her lawyer boyfriend, turns in a fine performance, as he plays a sensible, serious role with humour but without the manic quality that has come to be his trademark. Peter Falk's Columbo does a good job worrying and nibbling at the truth, forcing the killer to come up with more lies and explanations, until the contradictions close in on her and she is caught. The viewer finds himself sympathizing with the murderer at the beginning, but her growing confidence and arrogance as she reaps the fruits of her crime succeed in making her downfall a satisfying one.