"The Pink Panther" is a 1963 American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and distributed by United Artists. It is the first installment in The Pink Panther franchise and follows Inspector Jacques Clouseau as he travels from Rome to Cortina d'Ampezzo to catch a notorious jewel thief known as "The Phantom" before he conducts his most daring heist yet. The film features Peter Sellers in the hilariously ditzy role of Inspector Clouseau and is blessed with an unforgettably slinky score by Henry Mancini. The movie is known for its sophisticated caper and virtuosic bumbling performance by Peter Sellers. It has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "The Pink Panther" is a classic comedy that has entertained audiences for decades, and it is often regarded as the film that made Peter Sellers a star. The movie's success led to a massive franchise and subsequent films featuring the iconic Inspector Clouseau character.
Plot
The plot of "The Pink Panther" (1963) revolves around the following key elements:
- The Pink Panther: A gem with an imperfection that resembles a pink panther, it is the goal of the Phantom, a renowned jewel thief who has been terrorizing the European smart set.
- Inspector Clouseau: A bumbling detective, played by Peter Sellers, who is tasked with catching the Phantom.
- The Phantom: A notorious jewel thief who has a trademark of leaving a glove at the scene of the crime.
- Princess Dala: A young woman who receives a gift from her father, the Shah of Lugash, in the form of the Pink Panther diamond.
- Sir Charles Lytton: A dashing European thief who plans to steal the diamond.
The story begins with Inspector Clouseau, who is an expert on the Phantom's exploits, traveling to Rome to catch the jewel thief. He believes that he knows where the Phantom will strike next and leaves Paris for Switzerland, where the famous Lugashi jewel is going to be. As the plot unfolds, Clouseau encounters the Phantom and his nephew, as well as the wife of Clouseau, who assists the Phantom. The film ends with Clouseau managing to apprehend the Phantom, but not without his share of blunders.
Trailer
Cast
Full Cast of "The Pink Panther" (1963) with Peter Sellers:
Main Cast:
- Peter Sellers: Inspector Jacques Clouseau
- David Niven: Sir Charles Lytton
- Robert Wagner: George Lytton
- Capucine: Princess Dala
- Brenda de Banzie: Angela Dunning
- John Le Mesurier: Defence Barrister
Supporting Cast:
- Herbert Lom: Chief Inspector Dreyfus
- Colin Gordon: Cato Fong
- Frank Finlay: Inspector Francois Duval
- Rupert Davies: Chief Superintendent Charles LaFarge
- Tucker McGuire: Lady Beverley Spencer
- Yvonne Romain: Denise Morceau
- Riccardo Billi: Aristotle Sarajos
- Guy Thomajan: Artoff
- Mylène Demongeot: Nicole
- Maria Perschy: Madame Ahmal
- Alan Truscott: Auctioneer
- Martin Miller: Pierre Luigi (Photographer)
- Irina Wassilchikoff: woman at Auction
- Mario Pascucci: man at Auction
Uncredited:
- William Bryant: Policeman
- Enrico Cesaretti: Cortina d'Ampezzo Holiday Guest
- Andrea Esterhazy: Holiday Guest at Cortina d'Ampezzo
- Umberto Fantoni: Cortina d'Ampezzo Holiday Guest
- Ferruccio Fregonese: Trial Spectator
- Romano Milani: Trial Spectator
- Francesco Tensi: Trial Spectator
Director: Blake Edwards
Writer: Maurice Richlin, Blake Edwards
Box Office Gross: $10,878,107
Distributor: United Artists
Genre: Comedy
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 20, 1964
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 1, 2016
Theme
"The Pink Panther" (1963) is a classic comedy film that explores the themes of crime, detective work, and the pursuit of wealth. The film also touches on the theme of love, as Inspector Clouseau's wife, Simone, is revealed to be working with the Phantom, the notorious jewel thief. The film's lighthearted tone and slapstick humor make it a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences today.
Reception
The PFilm was a commercial and critical success upon its release. It grossed over $10 million at the box office and received positive reviews from critics. The film's sophisticated caper and virtuosic bumbling performance by Peter Sellers were particularly praised. The movie has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Production Challenges
The production of "The Pink Panther" (1963) faced several challenges, including the fact that Peter Sellers was not the first choice for the role of Inspector Clouseau. The role was originally offered to Peter Ustinov, but he turned it down. Additionally, the film's director, Blake Edwards, had to contend with the fact that the film's star, David Niven, was suffering from a serious illness during filming. Despite these challenges, the film was completed on time and on budget.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
"The Pink Panther" (1963) is set in various locations throughout Europe, including Rome, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Switzerland. The film's visual style is characterized by its use of bright colors and bold patterns, which are particularly evident in the costumes worn by the characters. The film also employs a number of comedic techniques, including slapstick humor and physical comedy, to great effect.
Trivia & Fun Facts
- The Pink Panther (1963) was the first film in the Pink Panther franchise, which went on to include several sequels and spin-offs.
- The film's iconic theme song, composed by Henry Mancini, became a hit in its own right and has since become synonymous with the Pink Panther franchise.
- The Pink Panther diamond, which serves as the film's central plot device, is a fictional gemstone that was created specifically for the film.
- Peter Sellers' performance as Inspector Clouseau was so popular that he went on to reprise the role in several sequels, including A Shot in the Dark (1964) and "The Return of the Pink Panther" (1975)