Peter Sellers returns to the role of Inspector Clouseau for the third time (following Alan Arkin’s single portrayal in the 1968 film named after the role) and is once again on the trail of the infamous burglar The Phantom.
When the most valuable diamond in the world, the famous Pink Panther, is stolen, the Lugash authorities call in the bumbling Inspector, much to the disbelief and frustration of Chief Inspector Dreyfuss (a wonderfully unhinged Herbert Lom). With a trademark monogrammed pink glove left at the scene, the culprit could only be Sir Charles Litton (Christopher Plummer), but The Phantom insists to his wife Claudette (Catherine Schell) that he’s retired from the cat burglary game. Clouseau follows Claudette Switzerland in the hope of trapping The Phantom.
Despite being one of the greatest comedy creations, Peter Sellers’ Clouseau is still very much a product of a certain time. Inappropriate at times but undeniably hilarious, there are scenes where Sellers plays opposite Catherine Schell where it’s hard to tell if her character is laughing or the actor is corpsing. Blake Edwards’ comedic direction is perfect and manages to present a heist sequence that is comfortably as good as anything from serious crime films. He also fills the screen with a wealth of talent when it comes to side characters. Familiar faces such as David Lodge and Graham Stark, John Bluthal, Peter Jones, and Victor Spinetti provide fantastic back-up to the main team. Burt Kwouk’ Cato – Clouseau’s assistant who is tasked with launching surprise attacks on his boss – is another welcome return despite the casual racism in the dialogue. Lom’s anguished Chief Inspector reaches his breaking point – something that comes to a head in the following film The Pink Panther Strikes Again – and once again shows Lom’s masterful comedic temperament.
The film is a series of hilarious set-pieces; some are silly set-ups but each of them lands even after multiple viewings. Imprint’s Blu-ray is a little light on the bonus features compared to their other releases, with an occasionally dry commentary from Jason Simos of The Peter Sellers Appreciation Society and a vintage featurette that boasts some sound issues (likely due to its age and source material). Luckily, the film stands up on its own.
