"The Pink Panther" is a light comedy with strong romantic, fashion, and slapstick elements. While some scenes are funny, as a whole the film doesn't quite come off. There are problems with casting, characters, dialogue, and overall shallowness.

David Niven stars as a man leading a double life. He's suave playboy Sir Charles, and a jewel thief known as 'The Phantom'. His conquests include two women half his age, Simone (Capucine) and Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale). Both these beautiful women have apparently been cast for their whispering accents. Simone is also the wife of police detective Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) a bumbling fool who is on the trail of The Phantom.

Much of the film takes place in a hotel bedroom. Sellers is trying to seduce his wife, who must gently parry his unwanted advances while keeping him in the dark about Niven's double identity. To make her job even more difficult, Robert Wagner shows up as Niven's nephew. He has his uncle's personality traits of smugness, seduction and thievery. Capucine must tease and mislead him as well, but as Wagner is more sharp than Sellers, matters begin to unravel.

Sellers, of course, plays Inspector Clouseau well. But not all of his gags are funny, such as when he burns his hand.

"The Pink Panther" is notable for introducing the Clouseau character, which Sellers played in numerous sequels until his untimely death. The later films are centered around Clouseau, and not the criminals that he is ineptly chasing. The first sequel, "A Shot in the Dark" (1964), is a considerable improvement over the original.

The film was nominated for one Academy Award, for Henry Mancini's inspired jazz score. While the title refers to a 'priceless' jewel, it has become associated with the score and the cartoon panther character. The cartoon version of the panther shows up in the opening and closing credits.

The Pink Panther would later became the star of a Saturday morning cartoon show, and for a while even had his own breakfast cereal. It was really gross; it made the milk turn pink. Sadly, the Pink Panther has since been relegated to commercials for Owens Fiberglass. (55/100)




Recommended: No