Jessica unravels the death of a ballerina after she dances a ballet that has killed everyone who has tried it.Jessica unravels the death of a ballerina after she dances a ballet that has killed everyone who has tried it.Jessica unravels the death of a ballerina after she dances a ballet that has killed everyone who has tried it.
Photos
Robert Buckingham
- Audience Member
- (uncredited)
Marcello Clay
- Audience Member
- (uncredited)
Jenna Elfman
- Ballet Dancer in background
- (uncredited)
Suzanne Lodge
- Audience Member
- (uncredited)
Randy Masoner
- Dancer
- (uncredited)
Gary Moerke
- Audience Member
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAll of the actors whose characters were ballet dancers: Marisa Berenson, Robert Torti, Adrian Paul, and Nancy Valen all had their dance scenes performed by professional dancers. Indeed, Berenson and Valen wore flat practice slippers with ribbons tied like the ribbons of pointe or toeshoes but never did Berenson or Valen perform on pointe wearing toeshoes. Obvious differences such as the body types of Torti and Paul are noticeable in scenes portrayed by their dance doubles and Torti's hairstyle, height, and musculature are noticeably different between the actor and his dance double and Valen and her dance double. Members of the San Francisco Ballet stepped in as dance doubles and extras for the episode.
- GoofsThe "fast-acting" poison used to kill the victim was Thallium. Thallium is a heavy metal, which takes a long time to kill its victims.
- Quotes
Jessica Fletcher: There are three things you can never get enough of in life, Lieutenant. Chocolate, friends, and the theater.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2023)
- SoundtracksMurder She Wrote Theme
Written by John Addison
Featured review
A long way from "diabolique"
Have always been quite fond of 'Murder She Wrote'. It is a fun and relaxing watch that makes you think as you try to unwind in the evening. If one wants more complex, twisty mysteries with lots of tension and suspense 'Murder She Wrote' may not be for you, but if you want something light-hearted and entertaining but still provide good mysteries 'Murder She Wrote' fits the bill just fine.
"Danse Diabolique" is not just a strong contender for the best episode of Season 8 but is also among my favourite ever 'Murder She Wrote' episodes. Have seen it quite a few times, and it never fails to be so much fun and with its fair share of suspense. It never fails to surprise either, sure the killer wasn't a huge shock to me on first viewing (though it isn't glaringly obvious, it just wasn't quite one of those left-floored ones) but this didn't matter because it was still a clever solution and the suspects list is a long one which always helps not making things obvious.
The mystery is incredibly compelling for all the above reasons, as well as the conflict revolving around one of the show's nastiest ever victims and one of the show's cleverest murders. Loved the incorporation of the ballet, which was beautifully choreographed and the music reminiscent of Tchaikovsky (like a re-do of the "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture") is outstanding, some of the show's best use of music.
Angela Lansbury can't be faulted and of a great supporting cast Nancy Valen, enjoying herself immensely, and Marisa Berenson, looking gorgeous, are especially excellent.
Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting that has so much colour and fun but also an equal amount of character tension under the surface. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
In summation, fantastic and a 'Murder She Wrote' high point. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Danse Diabolique" is not just a strong contender for the best episode of Season 8 but is also among my favourite ever 'Murder She Wrote' episodes. Have seen it quite a few times, and it never fails to be so much fun and with its fair share of suspense. It never fails to surprise either, sure the killer wasn't a huge shock to me on first viewing (though it isn't glaringly obvious, it just wasn't quite one of those left-floored ones) but this didn't matter because it was still a clever solution and the suspects list is a long one which always helps not making things obvious.
The mystery is incredibly compelling for all the above reasons, as well as the conflict revolving around one of the show's nastiest ever victims and one of the show's cleverest murders. Loved the incorporation of the ballet, which was beautifully choreographed and the music reminiscent of Tchaikovsky (like a re-do of the "Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture") is outstanding, some of the show's best use of music.
Angela Lansbury can't be faulted and of a great supporting cast Nancy Valen, enjoying herself immensely, and Marisa Berenson, looking gorgeous, are especially excellent.
Production values are high in quality as to be expected, with slick photography and a great setting that has so much colour and fun but also an equal amount of character tension under the surface. The music has energy and has presence but also not making the mistake of over-scoring, while it is hard to forget or resist the theme tune.
Writing is tight, thought-provoking and typically amiable and the characters and chemistry are good fun.
In summation, fantastic and a 'Murder She Wrote' high point. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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- TheLittleSongbird
- Oct 23, 2017
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