A Shot in the Dark
…the picture that gets away with murder!
Overview
Inspector Jacques Clouseau, smitten with the accused maid Maria Gambrelli, unwittingly turns a straightforward murder investigation into a comedic series of mishaps, testing the patience of his irritable boss Charles Dreyfus as casualties mount.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
A Shot in the Dark was originally intended as a serious play adaptation, but Peter Sellers's comedic genius led to its transformation into a Clouseau vehicle. This film cemented Clouseau's character and cemented Peter Sellers as a comedy icon of the 60s, helping solidify his career. The film builds upon the popularity of slapstick in early comedy and showcases the British sense of humor which was gaining international traction.
- Peter Sellers's iconic performance as Inspector Clouseau, delivering slapstick brilliance and impeccable comedic timing.
- The cleverly constructed plot, filled with unexpected twists and turns that constantly keep the audience guessing.
- The witty dialogue and farcical situations create a consistently hilarious experience.
- It's a masterclass in physical comedy and comedic timing, influencing countless comedies that followed.
Fun Facts
- Although part of the Pink Panther series, the Pink Panther diamond is never mentioned or featured in 'A Shot in the Dark'.
- Elke Sommer, playing Maria Gambrelli, did not speak French at the time and had to learn her lines phonetically.
- Director Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers had a notoriously volatile relationship, marked by creative disagreements and on-set tension, despite their collaborative success.