About Curse of the Pink Panther (HBO)

Directed by Blake Edwards, 'Curse of the Pink Panther' (1983) is a mystery comedy film - the seventh in the iconic Pink Panther series. The plot revolves around clumsy detective - Sergeant Clifton Sleigh who is tasked with finding the missing Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Despite his incompetence, Sleigh uncovers a larger plot, involves a character from previous films.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Tony Adams, and Geoff Freeman served as the unit production manager. Despite the complications faced due to Peter Sellers' death, who was the original Inspector Clouseau, the filmmakers managed to maintain the charm and humor of the film.

Actors

• David Niven as Sir Charles Litton, reprising his role with grace and style despite his deteriorating health during filming.
• Ted Wass portrayed the quirky Sergeant Clifton Sleigh, filling the shoes of Sellers’ character with his own brand of comedic charm.
• Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus stayed true to his role, providing many humorous moments with his interactions with Sleigh.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Despite originally playing Inspector Clouseau, Peter Sellers had died before this film was produced which led to the introduction of a new character, Sergeant Sleigh.
• This was David Niven's final film before his death in 1983.

Awards

'Curse of the Pink Panther' did not win any significant awards but was acknowledged and well-received for continuing the series after Peter Sellers' death.

Quotes

• “All men are fools, and only fools are men!” – Clifton Sleigh
• “I am not a fool, sir…and that is not a euphemism!” – Charles Dreyfus

Music, Soundtrack

• Henry Mancini fashioned the soundtrack, including the memorable Pink Panther theme.
• The film continues the tradition of orchestral music to amplify the humorous situations.