Trail of the Pink Panther (1982)

About Trail of the Pink Panther

"Trail of the Pink Panther" is a British comedy film released in 1982- the seventh film in The Pink Panther series. Directed by Blake Edwards, it continues the adventures of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, portrayed by Peter Sellers. However, it uses a compilation of deleted scenes and outtakes from previous films because Sellers had passed away two years before its production. When the infamous Pink Panther Diamond once again gets stolen, the bumbling Inspector Clouseau sets on a mission to retrieve it. The middle of the film then shifts focus to a reporter covering Clouseau's story while the inspector mysteriously disappears.

Making / Production

The movie was uniquely created by Director Blake Edwards using unseen footage and outtakes of Sellers from previously filmed scenes. Just like the previous films in the series, this movie was filmed under the production company Amjo Productions.

Actors

• Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau: Sellers flawlessly reprised his role posthumously, bringing his usual comedic charm to the character.
• David Niven as Sir Charles Lytton: The original Pink Panther thief, Niven once again stirs up trouble with his suave persona.
• Joanna Lumley as Marie Jouvet: Lumley shines as the reporter attempting to unravel the mystery behind Clouseau's disappearance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was Peter Sellers' final role as Inspector Clouseau, as he had passed away two years before the release of the film.
• Despite the controversy around its making, the film was a commercial success, owing much to the enduring popularity of the beloved Inspector Clouseau character played by Sellers.

Awards

Although "Trail of the Pink Panther" didn't win any awards, it is still widely recognized for its unique production method as a tribute to the late Peter Sellers.

Quotes

• "Facts, Hercule, facts! Nothing matters but the facts. Without them the science of criminal investigation is nothing more than a guessing game." - Inspector Jacques Clouseau
• "He makes Inspector Clouseau look like a master detective." - Commissioner Dreyfus, talking about Clouseau

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Henry Mancini, a long-time collaborator of the series, known for creating the iconic "Pink Panther Theme".