The Pink Panther

Rating:
Summary: Takes awhile to get going
Review: David Niven's Sir Charles was supposed to be the original focus of this film, with Peter Ustinov slated to play Clouseau. The last-minute switch to Peter Sellars spawned some late changes to the film to make Clouseau the primary focus.

However, the first hour of the film contains much of the original Niven focus, and is rather plodding, not knowing whether it is supposed to be a drama with a bit of comedy or vice versa. The last hour, however, becomes more Sellars-oriented. It is clear that Clouseau's characacter is a work in progress, with more stumbling than bumbling, but still produces a lot of laughs. The ending is really bizarre and indicates the future of the Pink Panther franchise.

While not as good as some of its sequels, it is still a decent start to the series.

Rating:
Summary: A Real Steal
Review: "The Pink Panther" is an elegant comedy. That's something they seem to have forgotten how to make, nowadays. It is nothing like the sophomoric stuff churned out by the likes of Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, et al. It is not about somebody's school days, there are no cheerleaders in it, nor is there anybody called "Dude" in it. Instead, "The Pink Panther" features David Niven as a charming jewel thief called "The Phantom", Claudia Cardinale as Princess Dala, owner of the world's largest diamond, Peter Sellers as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, and Capucine as the Inspector's wife who just happens to also be the accomplice of "The Phantom".

Yes, as you may have guessed by now, this comedy actually has a plot. It also has lots of witty dialogue, some lovely European scenery, and Oscar-winning music by Henry Mancini. Even the animated credits were critically acclaimed, and the animated Pink Panther went on to a successful cartoon career. But don't think it's all style and finesse. There is also plenty of classic slapstick as well, most of it supplied by Sellers. It was this movie that introduced Inspector Clouseau (as played by Sellers) to the world. Sellers would go on to make several sequels in that role. Throw in a huge costume party with too many gorillas, a car chase, and a couple of busy evenings in the Inspector's Alpine hotel room, and you have a movie that manages to be both elegant and very funny at the same time. This should be in your video (or DVD) library.

Rating:
Summary: Pink Pather
Review: The Pink Panter movies are the best that I have ever watched. They are funny and can be watched over and over again. At least every month I watch them and every time it is like watching a new movie (the laughs never stop). Peter Sellers puts on a show not to be missed. These movie have carryed on through the sands of movie time and are a good watch for anyone who likes movies. I a avid movie watcher highly rate these priceless movies

Rating:
Summary: can i say boring?
Review: an ok title. wish i could get my money back. hardly one of the better pink panther titles. you only see the inspector for about 20 minutes and he's way to serious. i didnt laugh once. try some of the later titles but stay away from this one.

Rating:
Summary: The Most Humane
Review: This is by far the most emotional of the series, before the slapstick and puns. Clouseau's wife is having two affairs, and frames him to go to prison. And that's it. That's the end. He goes to prison for several years apparently. Maybe that's what drove him to the brink of buffoonery. And yet it's a beautiful, funny, insightful film. It was the best Sellers since 'Lolita', and maybe his best until 'Being There'. I love this movie because there's a sadness in the characters that none of the other films exhibit. Niven is robbing from someone heavily insured. Capucine is guilt-ridden at the conclusion. She still treats him very well. Robert Wagner is good-natured but lazy, and the princess knows she's being set up. It's a comedy of manners as much as a slapstick farce, with a double-shot of pathos. The only complaint is that a long, pointless musical number in the middle, with the singer staring right at the camera, slows down the action. But fast forward through it. It's such a beautiful film. Back when film could still kind of ache. I don't know, it still puts a tear in my eye.

Rating:
Summary: Iconoclastic and timeless
Review: The "Pink Panther" movies have the ability, if such a thing is possible, to hit you right where it hurts (in the solar plexus perhaps?). Who knows why they are so good. Sellers is the master of understated buffoonery, and you can't actually accuse him of ever being an idiot, no matter how great the temptation might occasionally be. If you know something of the Sellers background (i.e., his other movies; his Goon Show contribution; his interest in things esoteric; his somewhat disastrous family life; etc), you know you are not dealing with a lightweight, but rather a man of such intensity that if you push him just a tad too hard, well yes, he will break. And that underlies his comedy as well, so much so that at times it is questionable as to whether he can sustain the performance. And therein lies the Sellers magic: he can indeed take the strain and he is obviously determined to outlast all the various pressures that are being applied on and off the screen and, in the cinematic sense, he comes through wonderfully well. To what degree the colours are flying is a matter of individual perception and taste, but I have now been absorbing the work of this curious individual for so long, that I am almost (against my will) completely enamoured.

Of course, there is another element in the Pink Panther films that ought not to be totally overshadowed by Sellers unique performance. Blake Edwards masterminded the series and it was his equally unique ability to put together the immensely creative team (just look at the opening cartoon graphics, which have since become as timeless as Seller's Clouseau, if not more so), which gave Sellers his platform in the first place. Like so many good things, "The Pink Panther" is a group effort, based on the unusual ability of several fine professionals. Once you've taken the time to get bitten by the Seller's bug, you'll find there is a lot more beyond the marvellous but somewhat limited range of the Panther movies. Try the "The Party" and Seller's last film "Being There," for starters. Heaven forbid that you should go on for much longer without knowing him at all.

Rating:
Summary: Pink Panther
Review: This is the best of the Pink Panther movies that really started it all. The best part is that poor guy that stands in the street as all these cars go by. A must see and a must have for all Peter Sellers fans. The stars also include Robert Wagner, David Niven, and Capuccine as Peter Sellers wife who does a magnificent job. This movie is definitely one of the greatest comedies ever made.

Rating:
Summary: What was that you said?
Review: Anybody who grew up in the NY area in the 1970's and early 80's remembers that channel 5 used to show this (and many other great 60's and 70's films) on a regular basis. Ah, the memories...That sophisticated jet-set mood...that ominous yet soothing theme (encompassing everything you ever imagined great crime jazz to be; Mr. Mancini wrote the book)...the playfulness...the elegance of the production design and the character's wardrobes... that jam-session scene at the Princess' lodge. All this has stayed with me even after I bought the movie on videotape and had the option of watching it whenever I felt like it. SEE IT! Also grab a Shot In the Dark (the bridge between the posh feel of the first film and the chaos of the later ones) and P.P. Strikes Again. These comprise the best of the series.

Rating:
Summary: deliciously funny
Review: "Pink Panther" is as good as the next "A Shot in the Dark". Both are examples of how to make excellent comedies, with a sound story, a creatively hilarious and smart screenplay, a good set of characters, and a unique style of filming that elevates "slapstick comedy" to the highest level of sophistication. There are so many quotable lines that are well worth to write them down as you watch the movie. The interchange between the Princess and David Niven from their first meeting has not only humor but also wit and "serious" commentaries that can be easily overlooked if one is not paying a special attention to these scenes. The soundtrack song "Meglio Stasera(It had better be tonight)" is delicious and perfectly defines the mood of the film. Fran Jeffries, who sings it to a crowd gathered in a fireplace, is as delightful as the scene itself. Claudia Cardinale and Capucine are gorgeous and show style and charm in their roles. Please note the title sequences because they are as funny as the movie itself. The 60's represents , in my opinion, the highest point in fashion and general pop culture which truly reflects the highest level of sophistication and taste in a world that was gradually losing its innocence and cynicism was taking hold; in this context, this movie is one of the movies that best represent the 60's. I agree with the other reviewer that this movie should figure in the 100 best movies of any list. This DVD is great with a good quality of picture; check the trailer because it has a hysterically comical and very original mix with animation, which is not the case of modern movie trailers. I only wish there were a special DVD edition with Director Blake Edwards' commentary, and of others responsible of this movie, on a separate audio track.

Rating:
Summary: deliciously funny
Review: This first Pink Panther movie is as good as the next "A Shot in the Dark." Both are excellent films, with a sound story, a creatively hilarious and smart screenplay, a well-developed set of characters, and a unique style of filming that elevates "slapstick comedy" to the highest level of sophistication. there are so many quotable lines that are well-worth to write them down as you watch the movie. The soundtrack song "Meglio Stasera(It had better be tonight)"is excellent and written to fit perfectly into the theme and mood of the film. Fran Jeffries sings it very well to a crowd of people by a fireplace, and she is as delightful as this scene itself. Claudia Cardinale and Capucine show style and charm in their roles. The title sequence runs over 7 minutes and it is as good as the movie itself. The 60's represent, in my opinion, the highest point in fashion and general pop culture which truly reflects the highest level of sophistication and taste; in this context, this movie is one of the movies that best represent the 60's. I agree with the other viewer that this movie should figure in the 100 Best movies of any list. The DVD is great with the finest picture quality; check the trailer because it is hysterically comical and very original, not the case of modern movie trailers. This movie is ideal for a cozy evening with friends and your favorite martinis. I just wish there were a special DVD edition with Director Blake Edwards' commentary on separate track, and of others involved in the making of this masterpiece.