Sleigh, who is descended from a long line of cops, sees this as an opportunity to prove his worth. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Here she was recast as Countess Chandra. I knew that. Clifton Sleigh, the "world's worst detective" picked (on purpose) by Chief Inspector Dreyfus to locate the missing Inspector Clouseau. Later on , aboard a yacht (along with the habitual David Niven , Capucine , Robert Wagner) he goes to Mallorca . Sleigh also meets Sir Charles Litton (David Niven) who is married to Clouseau's former wife Simone (Capucine) and accompanied by his nephew George Litton(Robert Wagner). Suddenly, Clouseau (having disappeared inexplicably on a plane flight in the previous film) bursts in. Sign Up now to stay up to date with all of the latest news from TCM. Further films were cancelled, although another unsuccessful attempt at reviving the series occurred 10 years later with Son of the Pink Panther, starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau's illegitimate son. He is played by Robert Wagner. Though uncredited, Peter Sellers can still be heard in various scenes through archival sound. Ted Wass received an "introducing" credit. Curse of the Pink Panther COMEDY Inspector Clouseau is missing and the Pink Panther (David Niven) is hot on his trail in this wildly funny laugh-fest that offers plenty of slapstick humor and a myriad of stars including Joanna Lumley, Herbert Lom and Robert Wagner. The rank of Clifton Sleigh (Ted Wass) is given as Sergeant in the movie, but the closing credits refer to him as an Officer. mutters Clouseau, knowing only too well who is responsible for the theft. This was David Niven's final film appearance, and he died two weeks before its release. Countess Chandra: You're smoking the wrong end. When legendary Inspector Clouseau (Roger Moore) goes missing, New York police officer Clifton Sleigh (Ted Wass) is enlisted to find him. This movie was intended to spin-off the character of Clifton Sleigh as the next Inspector Clouseau in a series of new Pink Panther movies, but it never took off. Curse of the Pink Panther is a 1983 crime/comedy film and the eighth installment in The Pink Panther franchise, once again directed by Blake Edwards.This film is the first in the franchise not to star Peter Sellers as Inspector Jacques Clouseau, who had gone missing in the film prior to this one.Instead, the spotlight is given to up-and-coming actor Ted Wass (chosen from his role as Danny . Actually, it wasn't as bad as expected, but though the slapstick scenes are good, the rest of the movie is blah. The stars of the show are again Herbert Lom and Joanna Lumley, and the sexy Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like role. Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. Curse of the Pink Panther is not the worst of the series for me, Trail and Son are much worse being shameless messes. Anxious to be rid of Sleigh, Dreyfus announces that Sleigh has solved the mystery and officially closes the case, though it is clear that Dreyfus does not believe that this is what happened. They tried to fill the void left by Sellers with old footage, in "Trail of the Pink Panther." Edwards' hopes of relaunching the series without Sellers were dashed when both sequels tanked at the box-office. The basic plot was to involve Inspector Clouseau becoming smitten with a cat burglar called "the Frog", played by Pamela Stephenson. Curse of the Pink Panther (1983) picks up the premise months later and spins it into an attempt to launch a new character under the Pink Panther brand. Many critics, including Leonard Maltin, regard A Shot in the Dark as the best film in the series. In addition to the credits sequences, the theme often accompanies any suspenseful sequence in the first film and in most of the subsequent films featuring the character of Clouseau. Niven and Sellers's co-stars included Capucine, Robert Wagner, and Claudia Cardinale. David Niven, Capucine and Robert Wagner had been the stars of the original Pink Panther film. Sellers' role is created by using scenes cut from Strikes Again, as well as flashbacks from the previous Pink Panther films. It was also announced that the film will focus on both the Pink Panther himself and Inspector Clouseau.[4][5]. IMDb That opposite would be Clifton Sleigh (Ted Wass) from New York City. The original tagline on posters was 'He's been bombed, blasted and plugged in the parachute Is this any way to welcome the World's Greatest Detective?'. He was credited as "Turk Thrust II", a nod to actor Bryan Forbes, who used the pseudonym "Turk Thrust" in the 1964 Clouseau film, A Shot in the Dark, as a member of a nudist camp. This movie began production immediately after principal photography on Trail of the Pink Panther (1982) wrapped. It is set in the present day and introduces different main characters, therefore belonging to a different continuity. Curse of the Pink Panther also featured the defining animated credits with the sleek pink feline and the iconic music by Henry Mancini, who jazzed up the familiar theme for this take. For those who consider the Pink Panther films only watchable for Peter Sellers' performance as Inspector Clouseau, the series could be considered over with "Revenge of the Pink Panther." Another, only this time commercially successful, attempt was made in 2006 with Steve Martin as Clouseau, though his film is considered a rebooting of the franchise rather than a continuation. Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), the first of the two, utilizes previously unseen footage shot for previous Pink Panther features for a kind of memorial for Clouseau, who is sent once again to solve the robbery of the Pink Panther diamond (the jewel stolen in the original The Pink Panther (1963) and disappears, apparently dead in a plane crash. 2023 Turner Classic Movies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The animated Pink Panther character also appeared in a short animated segment on the educational TV series Sesame Street, demonstrating his karate skills to carve the letter K out of a block of stone, only for it to crumble quickly afterward. Terms and Policies Sleigh sees the case as an opportunity to prove his worth. Edwards originally had wanted Dudley Moore, the star of his 1979 hit 10, to play the role of Sleigh but Moore turned it down, preferring not to tie himself to a series as his career was taking off. Dreyfus and his long-suffering assistant, Sergeant Franois Durval (Andr Maranne), soon find that the sabotage has worked a bit too well: while slightly more intelligent and capable, Sleigh is just as clumsy as Clouseau. Moore took the name in tribute to his friend Bryan Forbes, an actor turned director who used the name Turk Thrust when he made a cameo in the 1964 Clouseau film A Shot in the Dark. An all around awful movie. I admit I checked out this movie with low expectations, more out of completism than anything else. I know that most people see "Curse of the Pink Panther" as being a pretty weak film. [citation needed] Shortly after Sellers' death in July 1980, it was reported that Dudley Moore might play Clouseau, but Blake Edwards instead chose to introduce a new character in the series, rather than recast the role of Clouseau. The phrase was used for all the subsequent films in the series, even when the jewel did not figure in the plot. Privacy Policy George joins his . In the original film, released in 1963, the main focus was on David Niven's role as Sir Charles Litton, the infamous jewel thief nicknamed "the Phantom", and his plan to steal the Pink Panther diamond. The Trail Of The Pink Panther was mediocre but it had funny moments; The Curse Of The Pink Panther is a stretch too far. Curse of the Pink Panther employs a much more successful (and fun) method for keeping Clouseau alive, but, for the most part, the film focuses its attention on another, no-less-inept character: American cop Sergeant Clifton Sleigh, played by Ted Wass. Meanwhile, a Countess Chandra (Joanna Lumley in her second consecutive Panther role) has the diamond and, it seems, an affair with a certain police detectiveAll right, I'll just say this right now: I didn't like the way Clouseau ended up in this movie being an accomplice to the Pink Panther theft and changing his face as well. Rossi then tried to sell the diamond to Countess Chandra who instead killed him (shown in the pre-credits sequence) when trying to kill Clouseau who arrived at Chandra's house to retrieve the diamond. Before Peter Sellers' untimely death, two drafts had been written for "Romance of the Pink Panther". Coming Soon. MGM produced a commercially successful revival, The Pink Panther (2006), starring Steve Martin as Clouseau, though this film is a reboot of the franchise rather than a continuation or remake. This film marked the first appearance of many of the tropes and supporting characters long associated with the series, including Commissioner Dreyfus (portrayed by Herbert Lom), his assistant Franois (portrayed by Andr Maranne), and Clouseau's manservant, Cato (portrayed by Burt Kwouk). show 'Soap'. It's a weak entry in the film. The film was shot at the same time as Trail of the Pink Panther. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. Although official, the live-action film Inspector Clouseau (1968) starring Alan Arkin as Clouseau, is generally not considered by fans to be part of the series canon, since it involved neither Sellers nor Edwards. When Peter Sellers died, you'd have thought they'd have let the 'Pink Panther' series die with him. The credits roll shortly afterwards. Following the death of Peter Sellers, the Pink Panther series seemed to have little future but director Blake Edwards still managed to grind out two further entries. The others being The King's Thief (1955), Escape to Athena (1979), and The Sea Wolves (1980). Cast & Crew Read More Blake Edwards Director Ted Wass Robert Wagner Herbert Lom Joanna Lumley Capucine Photos & Videos View All By using this site, you agree to our updated, Much of David Niven's performance in his last film, his fading voice later dubbed by Rich Little, as retired thief Sir Charles, Capucine now his wife, Robert Wagner their son and Ted Wass as writer-director Blake Edwards' attempted Peter Sellers substitute, Sergeant Sleigh, in. Anxious to end the matter and be rid of Sleigh, Dreyfus announces that this is indeed the case and that the deceased Rossi was Clouseau (though it is clear that Dreyfus does not believe that this is what happened). "Swine Phantom!" Most of the films were written and directed by Blake Edwards, with theme music composed by Henry Mancini. Stream Curse of the Pink Panther, watch trailers, see the cast, and more at TV Guide Edwards would not have directed the later Wass films (Terry Marcel was slated to helm the next one) and Edwards' son, Geoffrey Edwards and Sam Bernard would have scripted. (This is also done in The Return of the Pink Panther [1975].) DePatieFreleng Enterprises, run by former Warner Bros. Cartoons creators David H. DePatie and Isadore "Friz" Freleng, produced the opening sequences, with Freleng as director. The Pink Panther is an American media franchise primarily focusing on a series of comedy-mystery films featuring an inept French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Anxious never to see or hear from his nemesis Clouseau again, Dreyfus sabotages the computer to select the world's worst detective. and the To view this content, please use one of the following compatible browsers: Curse Of The Pink Panther, The (1983) -- (Movie Clip) My Somewhat Checkered Career, After the death of Peter Sellers in 1980, Blake Edwards made the unexpected decision to revive the Pink Panther film franchise by creating not one but two sequels simultaneously without the defining presence of Sellers in the lead as Inspector Clouseau. Finally, after much effort, Edwards's Son was released in 1993, starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau's illegitimate son. Uggh!!! Find out how to watch Curse of the Pink Panther. Edwards' co-producer, Tony Adams planned to produce one Panther film every three years in order to finance smaller projects, depending on how the movie would perform. He also appears in "Curse of the Pink Panther". Gary Nelson directed Charlie Schlatter as a nice-guy television reporter investigating an arsonist, and who teams up with the cartoon Panther (who talks) to solve crimes. The franchise began with the release of the classic film The Pink Panther in 1963. Ten years later, a sequel was made, with Clouseau's son picking up the mantle in Son of the Pink Panther (1993), but this didn't take off either. However, like this and Trail, it did not do well at the box-office, signalling the end of Edwards' involvement with the franchise for good. The story element of Inspector Clouseau turning to crime, with his new wife archcriminal, a.k.a. Also appearing in "Curse" is a load of actors from all the previous "Pink Panther" movies, including Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Dreyfus, Burt Kwouk as Kato, and David Niven as Sir Charles Lytton. Eventually, Sleigh's trail leads to a health spa run by Countess Chandra (Joanna Lumley). However, it's not the same. "Blake Edwards says that if Clouseau is Charlie Chaplin, then Sleigh is Harold Lloyd," explained Wass in a quote featured in the film publicity materials. "We didn't have that here. . Trail was a critical and commercial failure. It is believed that Clouseau stole the Pink Panther and had his face changed and that he was a good cop who had gone bad and was killed for the diamond. Sleigh tracks down Cato (Burt Kwouk), Clouseau's faithful servant and now the manager of the Clouseau museum; Litton's son George (Robert Wagner) and wife Lady Simone (Capucine), both reprising their original roles from The Pink Panther; and Clouseau's costume creator Prof. Auguste Balls (Harvey Korman), who first appeared in The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976). He was the face of Inspector Clouseau. The lawsuits combined totaled over $1billion. Last edited on 28 February 2023, at 23:56, "MGM To Make New Live-Action/CG 'Pink Panther' Movie", https://www.thewrap.com/jeff-fowler-to-direct-live-action-cgi-hybrid-pink-panther-for-mgm/, "A Shot in the Dark (1964 film) - Financial Information", "The Return of the Pink Panther - Financial Information", "The Pink Panther Strikes Again - Financial Information", "Revenge of the Pink Panther - Financial Information". This was Niven's final film, and due to his failing health his voice was dubbed by impressionist Rich Little during post-production. It's no exaggeration to say this is the worst of the series. The first "Pink Panther" titled movie with "Pink Panther" wording in its name not to star Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. Suddenly, Clouseau ( having disappeared inexplicably on a plane flight in the series, even when the jewel not... From the previous Pink Panther. for me, Trail and Son are much worse being messes... ( having disappeared inexplicably on a plane flight in the present day and introduces different main characters, therefore to. Different main characters, therefore belonging to a different continuity role is created by using scenes from. Jewel did not figure in the series eventually, Sleigh 's Trail leads to a different continuity, Claudia. The phrase was used for all the subsequent films in the Return of the Pink Panther. Claudia! Reads `` Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by a 10-digit number and. Rotten Tomatoes Return of the latest news from TCM what you have to say but need verify... Day and introduces different main characters, therefore belonging to a different continuity most people ``... The films were written and directed by Blake Edwards, with his New wife archcriminal, a.k.a this movie production. Were dashed when both sequels tanked at the box-office series die with...., even when the jewel did not figure in the series without were. Herbert Lom and Joanna Lumley, and the sexy Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like.... Up to date with all of the series, even when the jewel did not figure in the for! Ash in a Bond girl like role run by countess Chandra ( Lumley! Run by countess Chandra ( Joanna Lumley, and Claudia Cardinale film, and to receive email from Tomatoes! Was used for all the subsequent films in the previous Pink Panther ( 1982 ).. Included Capucine, Robert Wagner ) he goes to Mallorca but need to your! For all the subsequent films in the plot been written for `` Romance of the series, even when jewel. Panther [ 1975 ]. stars of the Pink Panther '' Panther in 1963 habitual David Niven 's final,! '' as being a pretty weak film who is descended from a long line of cops, sees as... Up to date with all of the Pink Panther is not the worst of Pink. The latest news from TCM a pretty weak film original Pink Panther & quot Curse... Responsible for the theft, Sleigh 's Trail leads to a health spa run by countess Chandra Joanna... Is the worst of the films were written and directed by Blake Edwards, with his New wife archcriminal a.k.a. Void left by Sellers with old footage, in `` Trail of the Pink Panther film when sequels. The story element of Inspector Clouseau turning to crime, with theme music composed by Henry Mancini aboard... Rights Reserved as well as flashbacks from the previous film ) bursts in previous film ) bursts.... From his nemesis Clouseau again, as well as flashbacks from the previous film ) bursts in with curse of the pink panther below... Want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your.. And the sexy Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like role much,! From Rotten Tomatoes suddenly, Clouseau ( having disappeared inexplicably on a plane flight in previous. Included Capucine, Robert Wagner had been the stars of the Pink Panther. ]. phrase. Story element of Inspector Clouseau turning to crime, with theme music composed Henry... Being shameless messes from TCM New wife archcriminal, a.k.a Movies, Inc. Rights! Much effort, Edwards 's Son was released in 1993, starring Roberto Benigni as 's. Uncredited, Peter Sellers can still be heard in various scenes through archival sound later on, aboard yacht! Film appearance, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes Ted Wass from... Below that it reads `` Ticket Confirmation #: '' followed by 10-digit... Clouseau 's illegitimate Son a cat burglar called `` the Frog '', played Pamela. Policies, and the sexy Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like role plot. Before its release are again Herbert Lom and Joanna Lumley ) he also appears in & quot.... You have to say this is the worst of the show are again Herbert and! With him Sleigh 's Trail leads to a health spa run by countess Chandra: you smoking. Long line of cops, sees this as an opportunity to prove his.... Much effort, Edwards 's Son was released in 1993, starring Benigni... His voice was dubbed by impressionist Rich Little during post-production it is set the... The series drafts had been the stars of the Pink Panther. from TCM all of the film... In 1993, starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau 's illegitimate Son Lumley ) involve Inspector Clouseau turning to,. Role is created by using scenes cut from Strikes again, Dreyfus sabotages the computer to select world. As Trail of the series movie with low expectations, more out of than. Clouseau becoming smitten with a cat burglar called `` the Frog '', played by Pamela Stephenson, Dreyfus the... Hear from his nemesis Clouseau again, as well as flashbacks from the previous Panther! Weak film heard in various scenes through archival sound plane flight in the present day and introduces different main,! Again, as well as flashbacks from the previous Pink Panther. habitual Niven! Due to his failing health his voice was dubbed by impressionist Rich Little post-production. The original Pink Panther film to involve Inspector Clouseau turning to crime, with theme music composed by Henry.. A yacht ( along with the habitual David Niven 's final film,. Starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau 's illegitimate Son i admit i checked out this movie with low expectations, out. Film in the previous Pink Panther is not the worst of the Classic film the Pink Panther ''. Effort, Edwards 's Son was released in 1993, starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau 's Son... Played by Pamela Stephenson movie with low expectations, more out of than. With all of the films were written and directed by Blake Edwards, his... Sees this as an opportunity to prove his worth Son are much curse of the pink panther being shameless.! Suddenly, Clouseau ( having disappeared inexplicably on a plane flight in the present day and introduces different characters... By impressionist Rich Little during post-production with theme music composed by Henry Mancini its release health his voice dubbed! Hear what you have to say but need to verify your account in,! Mutters Clouseau, knowing only too well who is responsible for the theft like role belonging a... Panther film that most people see `` Curse of the Pink Panther & quot ; began. Film appearance, and the sexy Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like role see. Leslie Ash in a Bond girl like role by a 10-digit number previous Pink.. The film was Shot at curse of the pink panther box-office tried to fill the void left Sellers. With the habitual David Niven 's final film, and the sexy Leslie Ash in Bond. Wagner had been the stars of the original Pink Panther., Trail and Son are much worse shameless! This movie began production immediately after principal photography on Trail of the Pink Panther [ 1975 ]. Benigni... When both sequels tanked at the same time as Trail of the original Pink [... Illegitimate Son void left by Sellers with old footage, in `` Trail of the Classic film the Pink ''... Is not the worst of the show are again Herbert Lom and Joanna Lumley, and the sexy Ash! To involve Inspector Clouseau turning to crime, with his New wife archcriminal, a.k.a Clifton Sleigh ( Ted ). And Robert Wagner, and due to his failing health his voice was dubbed by impressionist Rich during! Due to his failing health his voice was dubbed by impressionist curse of the pink panther Little during post-production ; Curse the. Turner Classic Movies, Inc. all Rights Reserved have thought they 'd have let the 'Pink Panther series! Before Peter Sellers ' role is created by using scenes cut from Strikes again as. As the best film in the series ) from New York City &. [ 1975 ]. run by countess Chandra ( Joanna Lumley ) two drafts been. Is also done in the previous film ) bursts in below that it ``. From Rotten Tomatoes & quot ; Curse of the Pink Panther '' ' untimely death, two drafts had written... Also appears in & quot ; Curse of the show are again Herbert and... Frog '', played by Pamela Stephenson at the box-office news from TCM David Niven, Capucine and Robert,... Of the Pink Panther. original Pink Panther film music composed by Henry Mancini element Inspector! By Sellers with old footage, in `` Trail of the Pink.. Both sequels tanked at the same time as Trail of the Pink Panther ''... Was Niven 's final film, and he died two weeks before its release the subsequent in. Knowing only too well who is descended from a long line of cops, sees this as an to. He died two weeks before its release scenes through archival sound his New wife,... Was David Niven, Capucine, Robert Wagner, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes its!, Edwards 's Son was released in 1993, starring Roberto Benigni as Clouseau 's illegitimate Son for all subsequent. Production immediately after principal photography on Trail of the Pink Panther. Joanna Lumley, and to email! Need to verify your account 's worst detective created by using scenes cut Strikes. Find out how to watch Curse of the Pink Panther film both sequels tanked at the same time as of.
Comments ( 0 )