The Pink Panther

Comedic genius Peter Sellers first tickled the world pink with laughter as the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in director Blake Edwards’ riotously funny caper, The Pink Panther. David Niven stars as Sir Charles, an urbane British playboy who is secretly also the smooth criminal known as “The Phantom.” Trailed by the accident-prone French detective Clouseau among the jet set, the suave jewel thief sets his sights on stealing The Pink Panther –a large pink diamond whose name derives from its shimmering resemblance to a leaping feline – away from its owner, the lovely and feisty Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale). Robert Wagner and Capucine co-star, as Sir Charles’ sly nephew and Clouseau’s utterly unfaithful wife, Simone. Filmed on gorgeous European locations including Cortina d’Ampezzo, and filled with wild slapstick and Peter Sellers-fueled mayhem, The Pink Panther was a worldwide smash that launched a long-running film series and created a sensation with its animated opening credits introducing Henry Mancini’s unforgettable theme music accompanying the title cartoon character – a cool cat who became a beloved icon for all ages! (Dir. by Blake Edwards, 1963, USA, 115 mins., Not Rated)