You only live once... so see the Pink Panther twice!!!

Starring: David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine, Claudia Cardinale, Brenda de Banzie, Colin Gordon, John Le Mesurier, james Lanphier, Guy Thomajan, James Lanphier, Fran Jeffries

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"I am willing to bet you ten thousand francs, that the phantom is in Cortina at this very moment. Even, perhaps, in this very room." - Inspector Jacques Clouseau

Why watch this? The one that started them all. Blake Edwards' direction. Mancini's music. Sellers' Clouseau.

Plot Summary: The notorious jewel thief known as "The Phantom" sets his sights on a priceless diamond, which belongs to a princess on vacation at a ski resort. The bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau, determined to capture The Phantom, arrives at the same resort to investigate. Amidst the chaos, Clouseau's pursuit is complicated by the presence of multiple suspects and the schemes of others who also have their eyes on the valuable gem.

Dad's Preview: This initial entry in the franchise featured an ensemble cast, with its focus on a suave jewel thief portrayed by David Niven. During filming, director Blake Edwards realized that Peter Sellers, as the bumbling French police inspector Clouseau, was stealing all the scenes. Sequel films would be centered around Clouseau and his crime-solving antics. This film, and its comedic sequences, does stand on its own, as a funny who-done-it. The bedroom scenes are quit entertaining. I personally feel the Pink Panther films are best when Sellers is working his magic. This primer gives you a small sample of the hilarity to come.

The Mirisch Company, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises; United Artists