Today’s quick review: A Shot in the Dark. Peter Sellers returns as Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a bumbling French detective who overestimates his own abilities. This time he is assigned to a murder investigation at the home of the wealthy Benjamin Ballon (George Sanders). The case revolves around Maria Gambrelli (Elke Sommer), a maid who was found holding the gun that killed the victim, Ballon’s chauffeur and Maria’s lover. Though all the evidence points to Miss Gambrelli, Clouseau maintains that she is innocent and merely covering for the true murderer. As Clouseau continues his bungling investigation, the bodies pile up, sending his superior, Chief Inspector Dreyfuss (Herbert Lom), to the verge of a nervous fit.
A Shot in the Dark is a classic detective comedy and the sequel to The Pink Panther. In a convoluted murder case with no firm leads, Inspector Clouseau relies on his gut, which is sure of Gambrelli’s innocence, and the facts, which say otherwise. Much of the humor comes from Clouseau himself. Even the act of getting out of car door becomes an exercise in slapstick, and Clouseau’s mishaps, mispronunciations, and leaps of illogic give A Shot in the Dark a pervasive sort of low-key comedy that contrasts with the nominally serious nature of the investigation. Despite the presence of overt slapstick and deliberate gags, the comedy of A Shot in the Dark manages to be subtle, especially by modern standards. Individual gags may miss their mark, but sooner or later, one will catch the viewer just right, making A Shot in the Dark hilarious in aggregate. Peter Sellers is a comedic genius, and his character Inspector Clouseau is a living example of what can go wrong in everyday actions.
Clouseau’s search for clues takes him to a series of nice restaurants, a nudist colony, and even prison, but few of his leads turn out to be productive. Unlike The Pink Panther, the answer to the case only becomes clear at the end, although by that point it is almost secondary to the mess caused by Clouseau. The plot is as opaque as that of The Pink Panther, but for reasons of mystery rather than competing agendas. As a result, more of the weight rests on Clouseau himself, rather than a myriad of supporting characters. David Niven’s acting talent and the marvelous character of Sir Charles are sorely missed, but the charming Elke Sommer, Clouseau’s sparring partner Kato (Burt Kwouk), and the high-strung Herbert Lom step in to fill the void.
Fans of classic comedy, Peter Sellers, or the original Pink Panther should give A Shot in the Dark a try. Its brand of comedy requires an investment in attetnion, but the payoff is a masterful film with timeless jokes. Fans of mysteries should not expect too much from the movie, as its mysteries are structured along comedic rather than dramatic lines. Likewise, those who prefer the more surreal or outrageous comedies of later decades may be disappointed by a mere bumbling detective in a half-sane world. But those who can follow a plot, understand an unspoken joke, and laugh at slapstick and mistaken conclusions will enjoy A Shot in the Dark.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 to 8.0 for great humor worthy of succeeding The Pink Panther.