The Pink Panther (1964)

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I spent most of the time rooting for the wrong character in The Pink Panther. I wanted Peter Sellers to be the protagonist and, instead, I got David Niven. This film isn't as funny as I had hoped it would be and it isn't very clever or original. Inspector Clouseau really is the best part of the story. I'm surprised that this film spawned a series of successful films and a beloved cartoon character.

Most people who think of The Pink Panther, think of the animated show. Which actually, is quite incredible by itself. One of the things with The Pink Panther franchise, is that people seem to love the sequels to this series, than the original that started it all. Pink Panther was never originally going to spawn sequels, it was just an original idea. The Pink Panther was by far one of the best comedies that nowadays is completely underrated. It was a clever look at some of the best acting of comedy legend, Peter Sellers, and one of the first films to establish the dry, goofy comedy that uses the best of it's artistic limitations.The soundtrack song "Meglio Stasera(It had better be tonight)"is excellent and written to fit perfectly into the theme and mood of the film. Fran Jeffries sings it very well to a crowd of people by a fireplace, and she is as delightful as this scene itself. Claudia Cardinale and Capucine show style and charm in their roles. The title sequence runs over 7 minutes and it is as good as the movie itself. The 60's represent, in my opinion, the highest point in fashion and general pop culture which truly reflects the highest level of sophistication and taste; in this context, this movie is one of the movies that best represent the 60's.Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

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

This movie is a lot of fun and I enjoy it every time I watch it.The bumbling character of Jacques Clouseau is played so well by Peter Sellers (I cannot image anyone else pulling this off so well!?!?).David Niven is as refined and classy as he always is. Capucine and Claudia Cardinale are as beautiful as ever. Fran Jeffries is beautiful and sexy and sings and dances in an unforgettable scene.Then, of course, there's the master writer, producer, director, and, everything else...the late-great Blake Edwards.To me, these "Pink Panther" movies are 'comedy' versions of the "James Bond" films...exciting, fun, very enjoyable, suspenseful, beautiful locations, etc., but, they're hilarious!Peter Sellers is a comedic icon ("Dr. Strangelove;" "What's New, Pussycat;" etc.). "A Shot In The Dark" is classic, too, and, co-written by, of all people, William Peter Blatty ("The Exorcist").I really love these "Pink Panther" movies, and, if you enjoy crazy, clumsy comedy, you will, too. :)