A Shot in the Dark (1964)

About A Shot in the Dark

A Shot in the Dark is a mystery comedy film from 1964 based off the play L'idiote par Marcel Achard and the Broadway adaptation by Harry Kurnitz. The film's plot consists of Inspector Jacques Clouseau investigating the murder of a millionaire's chauffeur, where all evidence points towards the beautiful maid Maria. Despite this, Clouseau refuses to believe she could be guilty.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Blake Edwards from a screenplay by Edwards and William Peter Blatty. The story was retooled to fit into the Pink Panther series, becoming a sequel to the original 1963 film.

Actors

• Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau: Sellers played the iconic role of Clouseau, the bumbling and inept French detective who manages to stumble his way through his investigation.
• Elke Sommer as Maria Gambrelli: Sommer played the beautiful maid who is the prime suspect of the investigation.
• George Sanders as Benjamin Ballon: Sanders played the wealthy man whose chauffeur is murdered, drawing the attention of Clouseau.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This film marked the first appearance of Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Dreyfus, who would become a recurring character in later Pink Panther films.
• Though originally not intended as a sequel to The Pink Panther, the success of Peter Sellers' character led to this reimagining of the film.

Quotes

• Inspector Jacques Clouseau: "Facts, Hercule, facts! Nothing matters but the facts. Without them, the science of criminal investigation is nothing more than a guessing game."
• Maria Gambrelli: "Why do you think I killed him?" Inspector Jacques Clouseau: "It's an interesting idea, Maria, but unfortunately, I am a married man."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music was composed by the legendary Henry Mancini, who added a comedic touch to the crime investigation through his music.
• The soundtrack includes the now iconic "Theme by Inspector Clouseau."