Today’s quick review: The Pink Panther. Peter Sellers stars as Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a bumbling French detective tasked with tracking down the elusive cat burglar known as the Phantom, who is in actuality the debonair Sir Charles Lytton (David Niven). He believes that the Phantom’s next target will be the Pink Panther, a valuable diamond in the possession of the charming Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale). Clouseau travels to the ski lodge where Princess Dala is vacationing, accompanied by his wife Simone (Capucine), the secret lover and accomplice of Sir Charles. Meanwhile, Sir Charles’s gadabout nephew George (Robert Wagner) makes a surprise appearance at the lodge hoping to capitalize on the situation, throwing Sir Charles’s plans into disarray and turning a complex situation into chaos.
The Pink Panther is a classic comedy that introduced the world to Inspector Clouseau, one of comedy’s most iconic characters. Clouseau is the creation of the inimitable Peter Sellers, a walking disaster with a pseudo-French accent, a clumsy streak, and a misplaced belief in his own competence. Peter Sellers plays the part perfectly, turning even the simplest actions into an opportunity for slapstick. His opposite number, David Niven, does an excellent job as Sir Charles Lytton, a British gentleman whose wealth and charm are the perfect cover for his activities as the Phantom. Where Clouseau is bungling and effectual only by accident, Sir Charles is a meticulous planner capable of adapting to even the chaotic events of the movie.
The plot has an unconventional structure that requires close attention to properly follow. Each character has his own shifting motivations governed by intricate patterns of known, unknown, assumed, and falsely assumed information, and the ever-changing factions in the film make the plot quite complex for a comedy. The reward for following all the twists and turns is an intricate comedy masterpiece. Even a casual viewing should prove amusing, if confusing, but be warned that The Pink Panther requires much more investment than modern comedies.
The Pink Panther is a must-see for fans of classic comedy and an excellent choice for comedy fans in general. Those who prefer their comedy simple and overt should skip The Pink Panther, as should those without the inclination to give it the attention it requires. The Pink Panther is a cultural touchstone and an entertaining watch that stands up to repeated viewings.
7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.5 to 8.0 for great comedy and craftsmanship, held back only by its complexity.