The Pink Panther (1964)

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.

"The Pink Panther" is probably the most endearing and enduring comedy caper film of all time. Several dozen caper comedies have been made over the years. Some are more clever and humorous (i.e., "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and "A Fish Called Wanda" of 1988). But the comedic presence of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, amidst the otherwise very humorous wiles of Sir Charles Lytton's Phantom gave this film a double comedy angle. Then, add in the animated caricature of the pink panther, with a catchy musical theme by Henry Mancini, and this movie becomes the most endearing of crime comedies. Indeed, that it spawned so many sequels and offshoots attests to the popularity of the theme, carried by Peter Sellers with the Mancini music. Little more needs to be said about this film, except that it has a top cast of leading stars and comics of the day. David Niven, Robert Wagner, John Le Mesurier and Colin Gordon hold down the male end of the film. Capucine and Claudia Cardinale provide the glamour and comedy on the female side. The location shooting is superb and adds to the film. Much of the story takes place in the scenic Dolomite Mountains of the Italian Alps, and the rest of the action has wonderful settings in Rome. The film dallies on the verge of adult with the extra-marital relationship of Sir Charles and Madame Clouseau. But that's part of what makes the plot ending, and it's mostly in the background throughout the film.

THE PINK PANTHER is the first in the long-running series of comedies starring the hapless Inspector Clouseau, as played by Peter Sellers in his most famous role. The surprise here is that Clouseau is merely a supporting character while the typically suave David Niven plays the lead character. The hunt is on for a jewel thief, but along the way the emphasis is very much on flirtation, Bond-style romancing of the ladies, and some slapstick humour. I actually found this film far less funny than I was expecting, despite the strong production values and Niven's winning performance. Sellers is, as ever, something of an acquired taste, best taken in small doses.

Before John Hughes became the Master of Absurd Physical comedy, there was Blake Edwards. Although bumbling Inspector Clouseau was introduced in this movie, make no mistake that David Niven, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale play major roles and greatly add to the romantic glitz and glamour portrayed in this lavishly produced film. Filmed on location mainly in Italy, but also in Paris and Hollywood. Beautiful cinematography and sparkling music from Henry Mancini. The nightclub "song" adds to the excitement and does not detract as such "numbers" usually do. Simone and The Princess dress up in elegant and sporty clothing. The formal parties are a knockout. Except for early James Bond, nobody dresses that way anymore! Two celebrated international thieves have the time of their lives seducing women, stealing paintings and the fabulous "Pink Panther" Diamond. Not as much slapstick here as later entries, that almost fail as they become too much about just The Inspector, so it may be a bit slow for younger viewers. It has been compared with Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief". Follow this up with a viewing of "A Shot in the Dark" for a brilliant rainy afternoon double-feature. Great Pink Panther animated titles, too!

The Pink Panther (1963): Dir: Blake Edwards / Cast: Peter Sellers, David Nevin, Robert Wagner, Claudia Cardinale, Capucine: Hilarious detective story about the unordinary as Inspector Clouseau is summoned to catch a jewel thief known as the Phantom who will target the famous Pink Panther diamond. Director Blake Edwards is a genius with slapstick pratfalls and the sight jokes are on target. This is quite a different comedy from his masterful work in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Peter Sellers plays Clouseau as someone so sure of what is so wrong but one wonders whether justice was served in the conclusion. His wife is involved with the Phantom, which plays just out of plain view. David Niven plays the Phantom who sadistically dazzles the Princess and outsmarts common sense. Claudia Cardinale plays Princess Dala who may or may not be what she seems. Robert Wagner steals scenes as Nevin's nephew that realizing that his uncle is the Phantom. Of course, he too sets his sights on the jewel as well. Capucine plays Clouseau's wife who is having an affair practically in front of him much to his unawareness to it all. Fine slapstick viewing marred by a rather corrupt conclusion but that will not hinder the humour. The winter setting provide great visual appeal and the art direction is superb. It is a pointless romp that would be known for an animated character. Score: 7 / 10