Return of the Pink Panther (HBO)

About Return of the Pink Panther (HBO)

The Return of the Pink Panther was released in 1975 and is a comedic detective tale. The story focuses on Inspector Jacques Clouseau (played by Peter Sellers), a clumsy but zealous detective who is on the case of the stolen Pink Panther diamond, missing from a museum in Lugash. The early lead suspect is the infamous jewel thief known as The Phantom, also known as Sir Charles Lytton, who swears he had nothing to do with the theft and commits to uncovering the real thief.

Making / Production

The film was written and directed by Blake Edwards. Henry Mancini composed the unforgettable soundtrack, and Geoffrey Unsworth and Ernest Day were behind the mastery of the film's cinematography. The film was produced by Blake Edwards, Tony Adams, and David H. DePatie.

Actors

• Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau: Sellers returned to his celebrated role with as much comedic genius as ever, portraying the zealous, bumbling detective.
• Christopher Plummer as Sir Charles Lytton: Plummer brilliantly played the suave and sophisticated notorious jewel thief.
• Catherine Schell as Lady Claudine Lytton: Schell shone in her role as the elegant Lady Lytton who gets entwined in the diamond heist investigation.
• Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus: Lom delivered a memorable performance as Clouseau's frustrated boss.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first Pink Panther film in 11 years, as well as Peter Sellers' first return to the role of Inspector Clouseau after nearly a decade.
• Although David Niven played Sir Charles Lytton in the first Pink Panther film, Christopher Plummer took over the role in this film, reportedly due to Niven's scheduling conflicts.
• The film is famous for its animated pink panther character, which is featured in the opening credits.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's catchy theme, "The Pink Panther Theme", was composed by Henry Mancini and has since become instantly recognizable.
• Mancini also composed the entire film score, incorporating both comic and suspenseful elements to complement the film's tone.
• The soundtrack album was released in 1975 and has become beloved among film soundtrack enthusiasts.

Quotes

• Inspector Jacques Clouseau: "I suspect everyone and I suspect no one."
• Sir Charles Lytton: "I believe you, but my returning to crime doubts."