The Pink Panther (1963)
 Throughout his career, Peter Sellers won worldwide acclaim for
his amazing comedic performances in films like Dr. Strangelove
and Being There.
However, none of his other comic creations were as beloved by
audiences as Inspector Clouseau. Sellers starred as this bumbling
French detective in a series of comedies that became big hits in
the 1960's and 1970's, redefining slapstick comedy in the process.
The Inspector Clouseau character was introduced in 1963's The
Pink Panther. However, he was not the focus of this film.
Instead, the story was built around Sir Charles, a dashing playboy
who also happens to be a professional thief.
Sir Charles travels to an Italian ski resort to get access to
The Pink Panther - a giant diamond of astronomical value.
Since it
is in the possession of Princess Dala, Sir Charles begins
romancing her to get to the diamond. However, there is one thing
in Sir Charles' way: Inspector Jacques Clouseau, a French
detective who is hot on the trail of 'The Phantom'.
At first, this doesn't seem to be a problem. For one thing, Sir
Charles happens to be having an affair with Clouseau's unfaithful
wife, Simone. Thus, he is able to keep tabs on Clouseau at all
times and stay one step ahead.
Inspector Clouseau also happens to be the world's worst
detective. He is clumsy and inept, with a nasty habit of tripping
over anything within arms reach and possessing the ability to
unintentionally destroy almost any precious object he
touches.
As the story progresses, this very clumsiness helps Clouseau
throw a monkey wrench into Sir Charles' plans and he manages to
get his man in a memorable and funny way.
Although The Pink Panther was an ensemble piece, it was
clear to everyone that Peter Sellers stole the show as the
good-hearted but bumbling Inspector Clouseau. His comic timing and
unique gift for physical comedy made the Clouseau character a
favourite with all ages.
The film also benefited from a memorable music score by Henry
Mancini, featuring a distinctive sexy saxophone-led main theme
that became an instant standard.
There was also a funny animated title sequence featuring a
cartoon Pink Panther and an animated Clouseau that perfectly set
the tone for the film's lightly comedic mood.
Sellers' wild antics as Clouseau helped make The Pink
Panther a multi-million-dollar success all over the world. The
Pink Panther cartoon character also became a big hit with
audiences, which led to a series of animated shorts and a
Saturday-morning TV show all the Panther's own.
With all this success, it was inevitable there would be a Pink
Panther sequel. Audiences quickly received their next helping
of Clouseau's antics in 1964's A Shot In The Dark.
The role of Inspector Clouseau had been planned for Peter
Ustinov, but Sellers took over as a last-minute replacement,
growing a Victorian moustache as a sign of self-asserted
masculinity that gave him the key to the bumbling Sūreté
detective.
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