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14 out of 14 people found the following comment useful :-
Hilarious overkill, 1 March 2003
Author: Jeff (Inthegoodlife@Aol.com) from Jacksonville, FL

A Shot in the Dark is a better movie but The Pink Panther Strikes Again is the high water mark of the Pink Panther series. Most movie series' throw all inhibition out the window at one point or another and that is the case here. The movie is unrestrained folly with as much style as a hammer over the head. But it's so well done that the movie keeps it's pace of intense idiocy throughout with a slow storm of truly funny bits. The goofiness must never abate or the movie will be exposed and it doesn't abate. Sellers again plays Clouseau with bumbling incompetence. His dead pan style and seriousness in the face of his role is what makes it so great. He's clearly the only one who thinks he's a legitimate police officer and character to begin with. Clouseau's voice that was just slightly unintelligible in A Shot in the Dark is a complete parody here and it's an absolute joy every time I hear it. I can never keep a straight face any time Clouseau says the word 'room.' Only a great comedian can take something so simple and make it classic. Herbert Lom is as good as ever as the tormented Dreyfuss. He's more believably crazy than a lot of other actors I've seen try it. The scene where Clouseau accidentally abuses him at the mental health institute is priceless. One of the few scenes in comedy where I burst out laughing every time is when Dreyfuss steps on the rake and falls back into the water. You never see it coming the first time and it's a riot. The scenes in the gay bar are refreshingly funny despite the stereotypes that are a little less than kind. Clouseau's questioning of the staff is also one of the classic bits in comedy of completely brilliant overkill. His falling down the stairs off of the parallel bars is another burst out laughing moment, as well as when he accidentally whacks Mr. Stutterstut with the ball and chain stuck to his hand. The scenes with Cato are also better than they were in A Shot in the Dark. This movie does not have the gorgeous style or comedic genius of A Shot in the Dark but plays it's stupid humor better. After this, it was probably unnecessary to have any more Pink Panther movies as this was the over the top plot to end all plots. I absolutely love watching this movie.

7.6/10

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14 out of 16 people found the following comment useful :-
The Genius Of Peter Sellers, 3 January 2001

Author: jhclues from Salem, Oregon

The inimitable Peter Sellers strikes again as Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau, in this fourth installment of the classic `Pink Panther' series, `The Pink Panther Strikes Again,' directed by Blake Edwards. Given the fact that the assessment of comedy is intrinsically subjective, this film is arguably laugh for laugh and sight gag for sight gag the funniest of the five (followed closely by the second of the series, the hilarious farce, `A Shot In The Dark). In this one, former Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) is about to be released from the mental hospital-- in which he has resided since being driven crazy by Clouseau-- when on the very afternoon of his hearing he is visited by none other than Clouseau himself, who has come to speak on behalf of his former boss. Suffice to say that by the time Clouseau is through `helping,' he is driven from the premises by the relapsed, raving madman, Dreyfus. And it's only the beginning of the inept French Inspector's antics that, before it is over, will include a trip to the Ocktoberfest, encounters with a dozen hit-men from around the world, a beautiful Russian spy named Olga (Lesley-Anne Down), a surprise Egyptian spy (who will remain nameless) and a one-man assault on a castle. As Laurel and Hardy proved so many times before, for every action there is a reaction; a theorem of which proof is unequivocally provided here by the relationship between Sellers and Lom. This was the film in which Edwards and his stars not only further devised, but honed to perfection, their foolproof formula for laughs: After the `first wave' of hilarity provided by Sellers, it is followed up-- in just enough instances to be totally effective-- by Lom's reaction to 1.) Sellers directly (as in the first, classic scene at the mental hospital), or 2.) Lom's reaction to Seller's antics as they are related to him by a third party. It's a one-two punch that never fails and which, in effect, derives twice the fun from a single gag. And it's brilliant. But at the end of the day, it must be noted that there is one element above all else that accounts for the success of this film, and that, of course, is the Man himself, Peter Sellers. Sellers must be regarded as-- if not `the,' then at least one of the-- funniest actors ever to grace the silver screen. There was no end to the ways he could make you laugh; from the subtlest expression-- an eye averted or perhaps the slight raising of an eyebrow-- to the broadest slapstick, it was all within his personal domain, and he was the Master. Physically, practically all he had to do to get a laugh was show up; consider the scene in which he arrives at the hospital to visit Dreyfus: As he saunters across the lawn of the vast grounds surrounding the buildings, a croquet mallet and ball lying to one side catches his eye; there is just the slightest hesitation in his step, the subtlest change of expression in his eyes and the merest inclination of the head. And there, in that briefest of moments upon the screen, you know-- beyond the shadow of a doubt-- what is about to transpire. And you're right; a moment later Clouseau has the mallet in his hand and his foot on the ball, and even as it's happening-- just as you knew it would in that split second before it did-- he has you on the floor laughing. That was the gift-- and the genius-- of Peter Sellers. Was every film he made a classic? A great film? Of course not; but you would be hard put to find a single performance of his, even in a bad film (Like 1970's `There's A Girl In My Soup'), that did not embody that unique spark that defined him. It was certainly alive in his portrayal of Clouseau (possibly the definitive Seller's character), and in retrospect, what a shame it seems that there were only five `Panther' movies ever made. But so it is, and shall ever be. The supporting cast includes Burt Kwouk (as the ever faithful and attacking manservant, Cato), Andre Maranne (Francois), Colin Blakely (Alec Drummond), Leonard Rossiter (Inspector Quinlan), Richard Vernon (Dr. Fassbender), Briony McRoberts (Margo) and Michael Robbins (Jarvis). A funny movie that showcases one of Cinema's truly unique and funny actors, `The Pink Panther Strikes Again' is a side-splitting, fun movie you can watch over and over and never grow tired of. The best of the series, it stands as a glowing tribute to the comedic genius of Peter Sellers. I rate this one 10/10.

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11 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
Hilarity and good fun, 17 November 2002

Author: blazing_l from Queens, NY

Inspector Clouseau...Commissioner Dreyfuss...Gerald Ford. What don't you have in this movie?

Funny film to watch again and again. The chemistry is perfect between Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom. There are so many jokes and laughs throughout, I usually pick up something new after each viewing, especially Clouseau's accent. The castle scene with the dentist visit has got to be one of the funniest moments recorded on film. You'd swear there really was nitrous oxide in the room. I always get a chuckle from the apartment scene in the start. I'd never knew how funny the use of slow motion could be. Timing of the jokes are crazier than a set of "parallels". Add Mancini's music which seems to fit each scene quite nicely, thank you.

Probably my favorite of the Pink Panther movies (next to A Shot in the Dark), you have to love Peter Seller's portrayal of the "hit and miss" wonder named Clouseau. Plus, Lesley Anne Down looks great as Olga and makes me appreciate a nice fur coat. Definitely a keeper.

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8 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
Clouseau and Cato perform, 27 November 2001
Author: Des from Ireland

Of the Pink Panther series of films, this is the best with the possible exception of the original. Clouseau and Cato outdo themselves in the hide and seek game they play in each film. In this one however they have learnt from the mishaps in previous films and set the tone for a truly hilarious turning of events. The visit to the Oktoberfest takes a real comic view of the Cold War but Clouseau's inspection of the Fassbender house is even better. Throughout the film the storyline twists and turns and together with the background tunes combine terrifically -- see Sellers assault on Mondschein castle! The lunatic Dreyfuss is at his craziest from start to finish, how did he get his eye to twitch so much? The Inspector's love interest played by the very sexy Lesley Ann Down adds a further dimension to the plot with James Bond overtones. A film you can watch again and again.

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9 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
Probably The Best In The Series, 6 January 2005

Author: Theo Robertson from Isle Of Bute , Scotland

THE PINK PANTHER movies ? Started off well but then soon outlived their welcome in my opinion , I mean a French policeman with a silly accent , just how much milage can you get out of that ? But this 1976 offering is probably the best in the series simply down to the fact the best laughs are darkly comical rather than slapstick , an early example with Clouseau asking " How ? " to be followed a couple of minutes by a laugh out loud scene featuring a couple of old ladies . There's also a very funny sub plot of the world's best assassins trying to bump off Clouseau which includes several funny scenes . I don't feel any guilty at laughing at people dying in this movie

There are some weaker points like an overlong scene where Inspector Quinlan gives a shocked look which is embarrassing rather than amusing , and as some of the other people on this page has mentioned the movie does feel rather episodic at some points but I have no hesitation in saying this is Blake Edwards funniest comedy

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7 out of 10 people found the following comment useful :-
Pretty fair., 28 May 2000

Author: gridoon

This fifth "Pink Panther" entry is a practically plotless collection of gags. Such comedies are always inevitably uneven, and this one is no exception. It contains at least one scene than never fails to bring tears of laughter to my eyes (the interrogation at the house of the kidnapped scientist, with Sellers at his best) and a wonderful animated title sequence, and it remains generally amusing throughout. But it does have its share of lulls, too, and some overly predictable sight gags that aren't likely to impress even the kids. Sometimes this is a very funny film, but it misses the mark now and then, as well.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Superb comedy with Peter Sellers as one man show accompanied by an excessive Herbert Lom, 29 May 2006

Author: ma-cortes

After making life intolerable for clumsy Inspector Closeau(Sellers),former Chief Inspector Charles Dreifuss(Herbert Lom)goes nutty and is interned in asylum.One time escaped he tries to destroy the world by means a ray-laser.Besides he hires a group of hit men to kill Jacques Closeau who's gone to England to investigate the abduction a scientific and being helped by British policeman(Colin Blakely,Leonard Rossiter).

This release is the fourth part of Closeau series and an enjoyable comedy starred by the great Peter Sellers as the inept and bungler Inspector of the French Surete.The movie gets entertained and hilarious moments here and there.This slapstick contains funny scenes and never slowdown.Herbert Lom parodying his ¨phantom of opera¨ personage is excellent.Appear as secondaries the usual series as Burt Kwouk,Grahame Stark and a gorgeous Lesley Anne Down.Lively and atmospheric music by habitual Henry Mancini and magnificent opening and ending cartoon titles by Richard Williams. The film is well penned and directed,as always,by Blake Edwards. Several chuckles and gags ,the result of which is one of the funniest from series along with ¨a shot in dark¨,¨return of pink panther,¨revenge of pink panther¨. The flick will like to pink panther series and Peter Sellers fans.This is arguably one of the best pink panther.Two thumbs up.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
My favorite Panther, 25 February 2006

Author: MacBobby from Norway

I think "Strikes Again" is the most accomplished of the series.

Clouseau's attempts to enter the castle are just impossible to describe: so hilarious I still laugh whenever I recall the scenes. Not to mention the short conversations with the hotel owner (including the now classic "That is not my dog"), and many many others. This movie's probably the best Peter Seller performance, I think. This guy was such a genius: his accent, his acting and his expressions are all unique and still alive.

I can't understand why anyone would want to make new Pink Panther movies now that Peter Sellers is gone.

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6 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
One of the better "Panther" escapades..., 8 February 2004
Author: MovieAddict2008 from UK

The Pink Panther Strikes Again **** / *****

Dir: Blake Edwards; Starring: Peter Sellers

Funny gazillionth sequel (not literally!) sees Chief Inspector Clouseau (Sellers in his iconic role) being chased down by an escaped madman with nervous ticks. Fun from start to finish, and I actually prefer it to the original "Pink Panther" film. It's zanier, fresher, and seems more like a wild spoof in the vein of "Austin Powers" rather than an outdated, unfunny bore like (I find) the first film.

Highlight: Clouseau trying out the "Hunchback" costume and inflating himself into the air. This was used again in one of the worst films of 2002, "The Master of Disguise," but this is inarguably much better.

**** / *****

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
The Pinkest Panther, 30 January 2006

Author: SylvesterFox007 from United States

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

In my opinion, Blake Edward's "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" is the funniest movie of the Pink Panther series, if not the funniest piece of Peter Sellers' career, if not the funniest comedy in film history. It carefully balances the outrageous slapstick of "The Return of the Pink Panther" with the subtle, sophisticated humor of the original "The Pink Panther." The film starts with former Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Herbert Lom, as always), a once proud detective turned psychopath by being repeatedly humiliated by Clouseau's mistakes. On the eve of his intended release from a psychiatric ward, Clouseau (Peter Sellers, naturally) pays a visit and, through a hilarious sequence of flubs, Dreyfus is driven back to insanity.

This is the most hilarious scene in the series so far, until after the opening credits. The credits themselves are lackluster. It's always good to see the Pink Panther and Clouseau's animated counterpart duking it out, and the credits follow a theme (now classic movies and television) instead of a random and abstract concept for once, but the randomness and abstractness of the opening credits to most Pink Panther movies make them more memorable.

Back to the movie, there's more hilarity with a fight between Clouseau and his Korean butler Cato (Burt Kwouk, as always). Dreyfus escapes and plots revenge. Clouseau assumes a series of wacky disguises to avoid the madman. Then a British scientist (Richard Vernon) and his daughter (young, lovely Briony McRoberts) are kidnapped. Scotland Yard calls Clouseau to the scene, where he searches the mansion for clues and then interrogates the staff in classic, drawing room style. Clouseau bumbles through this the way only he can, making it one of the funniest sequences in the entire series.

Turns out the cases are connected. Dreyfus has taken the professor hostage and forced him to build a doomsday device. He threatens to use it unless someone, anyone, can kill Clouseau. The plot is totally absurd, but so are the plots to most of the James Bond movies.

Clouseau's gifts allow him to bumble through the line of fire of the world's deadliest assassins, so lucky that they manage to kill each other without his even noticing. He's even so lucky that a femme fatale mistakes an Egyptian assassin (Omar Sharif) for Clouseau in the dark, then falls in love with the real Inspector Clouseau, mistakenly thinking he's the world's greatest lover. Lesley-Anne Down is the femme fatale, and she's definitely the sexiest actress to grace a Pink Panther film since Claudia Cardinale in the first movie.

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