The Pink Panther (1963)

Directed by Blake Edwards

As a child, Princess Dala is given, by her father, the largest diamond in the world, in which if you stare into it can be seen a "Pink Panther" hence the name. However, now as a young woman, rebels in her home country have seized power and are demanding the return of the jewel. Dala relaxes on holiday in an exclusive skiing resort but noted British playboy, Sir Charles Lytton is in town. He is secretly "The Phantom" - infamous jewel thief who has eyes on the Pink Panther. Charles's playboy nephew George follows to the resort in an attempt to steal it and blame it on "The Phantom", not knowing that it's his uncle. On the Phantom's trail is Inspector Jacques Clouseau, from France, and his wife who, unknowingly to Jacques, is the lover of Charles and helper in the Phantom's crime. Jacques tries to stop the attempts but he is so clueless that when several attempts are made at a fantasy-dress party, Jacques looks everywhere but the right place...

Director

Blake Edwards

Writers

Blake Edwards

Maurice Richlin

Cast

David Niven - Sir Charles Lytton

Peter Sellers - Insp. Jacques Clouseau

Robert Wagner - George Lytton

Capucine - Simone Clouseau

Brenda De Banzie - Angela Dunning

Colin Gordon - Tucker

John Le Mesurier - Defense attorney

James Lanphier - Saloud

Guy Thomajan - Artoff

Michael Trubshawe - Felix Townes

Riccardo Billi - Aristotle Sarajos

Meri Welles - Monica Fawn

Martin Miller - Pierre Luigi

Fran Jeffries - Greek cousin

Claudia Cardinale - Princess Dala

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.