The first in what was to become a lucrative franchise for Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers. A writer brought the central idea to Edwards of a French inspector chasing a jewel thief who doesn't realise that his wife is the thief's mistress. Although the film was obviously intended to be a hit (plenty of stars, lush locations, beautiful clothes, plots about jewel thieves, a scene where everyone stops and listens to a singer perform a number) it also had two amazing strokes of luck: during filming Edwards decided to add an animated pink panther, and Sellers became involved when original choice Peter Ustinov pulled out. Ustinov would have been fine, but Sellers contributes the immense dignity which made the character of Clouseau fly.
This film is more of an ensemble piece than its sequels; Sellers has as much screen time as David Niven, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale; Robert Wagner has a decent enough role as Niven's nephew (Wagner's career was in the doldrums at the time but playing this charming con man here helped him establish a template which he subsequently used on television a lot).
Everyone gets into the spirit of slapstick - except for Cardinale, who was rarely more beautiful (she is dubbed beautifully). Capucine was the real surprise here, engaging in some pratfalls with aplomb. Didn't quite believe Cardinale would fall for David Niven so much she'd give back her jewel - then not say good bye at the end.
The film is set in the Italian Alps and in Rome, with beautiful women and lush sets and costumes - Edwards had just made Days of Wine and Roses so obviously decided to go to town. Terrific theme song.
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