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".

Director:

Blake Edwards

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:

You only live once... so see the Pink Panther twice!!!

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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:

La pantera rosa

Filming Locations:

Hotel Cristallo, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy

Box Office

Gross USA:

$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

Not long after taking over the part of Inspector Clouseau in this film from Peter Ustinov, Peter Sellers was approached about playing Arthur Simpson in Topkapi (1964). He eventually dropped out of that film and was replaced by . . . Peter Ustinov. Just as Sellers had a huge success in what was originally a Ustinov part, Ustinov had a huge success (and won an Oscar) for what was originally a Sellers part.

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Goofs

When Clouseau comes back to the bedroom with the violin case, he puts it on the armchair. Later he sits down and the case is no longer there.

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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

Spoofed in The Pirate Movie (1982)

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Soundtracks

It Had Better Be Tonight
("Meglio Stasera")
Music Henry Mancini
English Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Italian Franco Migliacci
Sung by Fran Jeffries
Tenor sax solos by Plas Johnson

User Reviews

Three Thoughts about "The Pink Panther"

1) This is probably the most beautiful LOOKING slapstick comedy ever filmed. The sets, the scenery, the costumes, the photography - everything looks elegant and expensive.

2) For those of us who actually like the cultural atmosphere of the early sixties at least as much as that of the late sixties, this is a goldmine, ranking right up there with the early Bond films.

3) For insecure actors fixated on billing (i.e., where their names go on the credits): just remember that Peter Sellers got third billing on this film, and yet he's the one everyone thinks of when they think of "The Pink Panther." And not just because of the sequels - this was the movie that made him an American movie star. Billing can't compensate for genius.