The first sequel to 1963's "The Pink Panther" has a better plot than its predecessor as Peter Sellers' clumsy Inspector Clouseau becomes convinced the lovely lady he's smitten with couldn't possibly have committed a series of murders. Director Blake Edwards (who co-adapted the screenplay with William Peter Blatty, based on a play by Harry Kurnitz) obviously adored Peter Sellers and gives the actor free reign, but this proves to be both boon and bane. Sellers was always funniest when he was at his most human and vulnerable, yet here Clouseau is made into a fussy priss (like a spoof of Hercule Poirot). Marred by poor color and a drab production, the picture nevertheless has several laugh-out-loud moments, especially the sequence at a nudist colony. Sellers returned to this role in 1975's "The Return of the Pink Panther"; in the interim, Alan Arkin took on the character for 1968's "Inspector Clouseau" which was made by outsiders. ** from ****
Review of A Shot in the Dark
