Review of The Pink Panther (1963) by Nur A — 26 Jun 2009

The film that started it all, complete with the famous character of Inspector Clouseau and the iconic animated Pink Panther - who went on to become one of the most famous cartoon shows - appearing in the opening credits, is a classic comedy, yet seemed to have a several bad aspects.

Although it is a classic and should be thaqnked for giving us a great comedy character, it is so painfully slow at times. I mean, so many scenes have no spark whatsoever and drag on spark-less for way too long, meaning the viewers interest will no doubt fall, as mine did. This could have easily been a 90 minute long film, but was pointlessly stretched to 113, just short of two whole hours! It takes ages for the plot to kick in, with some scenes adding no meat to the story and being rather void of any actual pliot relevence. I think the screenplay could of included so many more gags and had plenty of chance to do so but it obviously refused.

However, when it is funny, boy is it funny! There is an extremly funny scene set in a hotel room involving Clouseau, his wife, Niven's character Sir Charles Lytton and Robert Wagner's George Lytton amongst other humorous parts.

I have to admit, no matter how bland some scenes they are involved in are, the actors are consistently great. However, Sellers is never in a bland scene, as every part he is in is pure gold and he provides 80% of the films laughs down to his perfect comic timing and delivery alone.

The famous score is not only catchy and memorable (perhaps one of the most memorable out there), it suits the film so well too! It has a helping hand in creating both the humorous and mysterous feeling to the film.

Overall, this is a classic comedy that definitely deserves that recognition, with great acting and a fantastic score, yet carries many very noticable flaws.