The Pink Panther (1963)

 

When most people think about the 'Pink Panther' series, they will undoubtedly reminisce about Peter Sellers who would indeed play a much greater part in all the sequels. Here, he is a side character which might throw people off. Then again, it's because his character became so beloved that he got to star in the later installments, so there's that.

An international thief known only as The Phantom has been performing acts of thievery across the globe and has always gone for items and jewels that most people would deem unstealable. Part of the challenge, no doubt. He also always leaves a monogrammed white glove on the scene of the crime. Because Princess Dala of a fictitious country (that looks and feels like a bit of a mix between India and the Middle East) comes to Cortina for some skiing, all eyes of the world are on her as she is the owner of the Pink Panther, a massive diamond. But of course the police forces are all too well aware that The Phantom most likely won't resist trying to steal it. To foil that plan, they send in Inspector Clouseau, a well-meaning officer who is hampered by his naivety and clumsiness, but who is closer to capturing the thief than anyone realizes.

But then the plot thickens, as Clouseau's wife is in cahoots with a British gentleman called Charles Lytton, who is, in fact, The Phantom. Lytton sets in motion a rather intricate plan to get close to the princess and then make off with the diamond, but when Lytton's younger nephew arrives, this complicates things. Not only that, but princess Dala isn't as easy a prey as both men assumed... 

This is one of the great comedies and it still holds up remarkably well, except for a slightly pointless music interlude for a song by Henry Mancini that feels out of place as the singer is constantly looking into the camera. It doesn't click with everything else, alas. But for the most part, this comedy of errors and slapstick stays entertaining. True, it does get a bit awkward when an aging David Niven is supposedly capable of seducing a young Claudia Cardinale, but sometimes suaveness saves all?

Of course, the standout is Peter Sellers, who absolutely steals every scene he's in. His timing, delivery and physical comedy are all so perfect, it's hard to fault him in any way and you instantly realize why later editions focused on him and him alone. That being said, I always felt bad for Clouseau as his wife uses him and the ending where he is sent to prison for being the Phantom instead of the real thief irks me to no end. Still, you will have seen a lighthearted and fun comedy, the likes of which are only too few and far between. 

And let's not forget that iconic title track by Henry Mancini that everyone - literally everyone - can whistle or sing or hum by heart.