The Pink Panther
Comedy, Crime
MGM / UA  (1963) 115 mins NR

7.2 (13,416 votes)
"Intensely Funny! Sellers At His Peak!" -Variety

Meet Inspector Jacques Clouseau, the bumbling French detective whose career is one gigantic banana peel. Showcasing the comic genius of Peter Sellers, this "delightful caper" (Leonard Maltin) brims with "winning charm" (The Film Daily) and clever slapstick. David Niven, Robert Wagner and Capucine co-star in the sidesplitting film that launched one of the greatest comedy series of all time!

Arriving at an Italian ski resort with a large diamond known as the Pink Panther, Princess Dala (Claudia Cardinale) encounters the suave Sir Charles (Niven), who also happens to be the notorious jewel thief The Phantom. Can Clouseau (Sellers), the clumsiest inspector ever to trip over a case, stop Sir Charles' plot...or will The Phantom steal the "cat" and leave Clouseau holding the bag?...

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Cast and Crew
Peter Sellers  ......  Insp. Jacques Clouseau
Robert Wagner  ......  George Lytton
David Niven  ......  Sir Charles Lytton
Capucine  ......  Simone Clouseau
Brenda De Banzie  ......  Angela Dunning
Fran Jeffries  ...... 
Director  .....  Blake Edwards
Producer  .....  Martin Jurow; Dick Crockett
Writer  .....  Blake Edwards; Maurice Richlin
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: In one of the bedroom scenes, the Inspector places his robe on a chair next to the bed. In the next shot the robe is gone and returns again the following shot. (more)

Trivia:
The role of Inspector Clouseau was originally offered to Peter Ustinov. Despite being relatively unknown internationally, Peter Sellers was offered the part, and was paid 90,000 pounds. (more)

Filming Locations:
Cortina d'Ampezzo, Belluno, Veneto, Italy (more)

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.
(more)

Awards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 5 nominations (more)