The Pink Panther (1963)

The bumbling Inspector Clouseau travels to Rome to catch a notorious jewel thief known as "The Phantom" before he conducts his most daring heist yet: a princess' priceless diamond with one slight imperfection, known as "The Pink Panther".

Directors:

Blake Edwards, Hawley Pratt (uncredited)

Writers:

Maurice Richlin (screenplay), Blake Edwards (screenplay)

Stars:

David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
David Niven	...	Sir Charles Lytton
Peter Sellers	...	Insp. Jacques Clouseau
Robert Wagner	...	George Lytton
Capucine	...	Simone Clouseau
Brenda de Banzie	...	Angela Dunning
Colin Gordon	...	Tucker
John Le Mesurier	...	Defence Barrister (as John LeMesurier)
James Lanphier	...	Saloud
Guy Thomajan	...	Artoff
Michael Trubshawe	...	Felix Townes
Riccardo Billi	...	Aristotle Sarajos
Meri Welles	...	Monica Fawn (as Meri Wells)
Martin Miller	...	Pierre Luigi - Photographer
Fran Jeffries	...	Greek 'cousin'
Claudia Cardinale	...	The Princess

Storyline

The trademark of The Phantom, a renowned jewel thief, is a glove left at the scene of the crime. Inspector Clouseau, an expert on The Phantom's exploits, feels sure that he knows where The Phantom will strike next and leaves Paris for Switzerland, where the famous Lugashi jewel 'The Pink Panther' is going to be. However, he does not know who The Phantom really is, or for that matter who anyone else really is...

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Plot Keywords:

jewel thief | diamond | bumbling | inspector | framed for robbery | 

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Taglines:

The star-studded international cast of the year sparkling in the wackiest, most wonderful sport - on the glamorous Italian Riviera where the jet-set swings, sways and plays...

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Genres:

Comedy | Crime | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Official Sites:

MGM Official site of the 40th Anniversary

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

20 March 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Pink Panther

Filming Locations:

Hotel Cristallo, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Box Office

Gross USA:

$10,878,107

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,878,107

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mirisch G-E Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Westrex Recording System) Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the only known "Pink Panther" film where Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus does not appear. This is also the only film of the original series not featuring Clouseau's assistant Cato Fong, portrayed by Burt Kwouk.

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Goofs

George Lytton is hiding under the Clouseau's bed, when Charles Lytton sneaks out the window and crosses to the next balcony, George is already in Charles's room.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Gem dealer 1: As in every stone of this size, there is a flaw.
Sultan: A flaw?
Gem dealer 2: The slightest flaw, your excellency.
Gem dealer 1: If you look deep into the stone, you will perceive the tiniest discoloration. It resembles an animal.
Sultan: An animal?
Gem dealer 1: A little panther.
Sultan: Yes! A pink panther. Come here, Dala. A gift to your father from his grateful people. Some day it will be yours. The most fabulous diamond in all the world. Come closer.

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Crazy Credits

The title animation reflects the functions of the credited persons, for instance, Pink Panther as the orchestra director (at the music credits), him before a photo camera (director of photography), the Phantom hand typing at the typewriter (screenplay).

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Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: Swamp Diamonds (1993)

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Soundtracks

The Pink Panther Theme
Written by Henry Mancini
Tenor Sax solo by Plas Johnson

User Reviews

Good fun

I have seen all of the movies in this series, including the horror show that starred Roberto Benigni (the worst of the series). Having seen this movie years ago, I remembered it as being very funny.

After having seen it again a couple of nights ago, I'm happy to report that it is still just as funny as it was years ago. Yes it does seem a little dated and much more tame in spots, but there is nothing to compare to the gag where Sellers steps on his violin. Yes, much of the humor is old fashioned, and slapstick, but is there a funnier chase scene in any other movie? Does the bedroom scene with Sellers, Niven, Wagner and Capucine have any rival other than the stateroom scene in "A Night at the Opera"? Or how about the two gorillas opening the safe? This is truly funny stuff.

My only disappointment was realizing that Sellers is not in that much of the movie. Which is a shame if your not a fan of David Niven.

But this is a minor point. If you haven't seen it in a while, go out and rent or buy "The Pink Panther".

7 out of 10