The Return of the Pink Panther

This is probably the Panther film that has the funniest gags of the series, but they are scattered disparately throughout. It's clear that Edwards and co. was spoofing James Bond here in the Sir Charles scenes (or, as others have pointed out, perhaps the Bond films were spoofing the Clouseau films?). I was never much of a fan of the Bond series, so naturally these were, perhaps, jokes I just didn't get. But there is much to like here for Peter Sellers fans as well. My favorite is his interrogation of the beggar and his "minkey" that ends with him so wrapped up in trivia that he ignores a bank robbery. As I said, the Sellers bits are what make the film really shine, but I could've done without the emphasis on the Christopher Plummer character (though I must admit I liked him as Sir Charles better than David Niven, in the first Panther film). Watch out for Catherine Schell not even trying to hide her amusement at Clouseau's antics! That's almost worth the price of admission itself...

Return Of The Pink Panther marked Peter Sellers first appearence as Inspector Closeau since A Shot In The Dark (1964) and kicked off a celebrated Pink Panther sequel trilogy. To follow was The Pink Panther Strikes Again and Revenge Of The Pink Panther. I say trilogy because of course 'Revenge' saw Sellers' last outing before his premature death.

This film is a refreshing return to the roots of the original with Closeau on the trail of the PP diamond after it is once again stolen by the infamous Phantom. The Phantom's alter-ego, Sir Charles Webb (Christopher Plummer taking over from David Niven), is naturally assusmed to be the culprit but he is in fact innocent and so joins in the search.

Steve, from the first page, is spot on with his review of the film. It is slow and quite dismal when Sellers is not on screen and the sub-plot involving Sir Charles is weak and uninteresting, which was not the case with Niven in the original but nevertheless Plummer is an inspired choice for the role. Actually, the whole story isn't really clear or upfront, just Sellers at his best. And when he is on the screen, its gleaming with hilarity with a genius at play.

The result is a comedy which has its obvious flaws but also one which has many, many memorable and rip-roaring laughs. Return Of The Pink Panther is an irrestible treat and a must-see. I'm just having trouble figuring out which is better - this or Strikes Again. They're both great!

"The Return of the Pink Panther" is the fourth movie in the "Pink Panther" franchise, marking Peter Sellers' return to what must be his signature role, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Previously, Alan Arkin had stepped into his shoes for one movie, apparently with bad results. In "Return," the fabled Pink Panther diamond is again stolen, with the Phantom's calling card monogrammed glove left as a clue. Clouseau goes back on the case, as does Sir Charles Lytton (Christopher Plummer, taking over for David Niven), the former Phantom himself. Anyway, this movie shows the progress of the "Panther" franchise, when the crazy characters and Clouseau's wacky mannerisms start to really show. Sellers brings slapstick to a fever pitch, making a shambles of everything in his path, not to mention the sanity of his superior, Chief Inspector Dreyfus, played by Herbert Lom. There are lots of funny scenes, including the one in which Clouseau is distracted from a bank robbery by a "blind" accordionist and his chimpanzee "minkey." It's definitely one of the better chapters in the "Pink Panther" saga.

I very much enjoy this installment of the series. Not very fond of any of the others. The Return of the Pink Panther just has it all in my opinion. You get a crime story, funny/stupid humor, Clouseau who still has no idea of what's going on(this just makes the movie what it is).

The fight between Clouseau and Kato in the apartment is hilarious. One has to wonder how long Kato was waiting in the refrigerator. The fight is just very slapstick and clumsy that it makes me and my girlfriend laugh every time we see it.

Another great point of the film is the numerous cars that Clouseau goes through. Loosing a few into a pool.

The mental breakdown of Herbert Lom's character is also one of the film's fine points.

This is -- my opinion -- the funniest of the series. I have always enjoyed it, and most likely will always enjoy it.

Out of all of the Pink Panther movies this one is my all time favorite.

Clouseau is at it again, bungling at his best. His boss who is on the edge for terminating him, indefinitely! And I don't mean by saying "You're FIRED!" I mean he's going to kill him! He called everyone aroud him "idiots" especially his assistant after he accidentally shoots off his nose. The fight scene between Kato and Clouseau was nothing more than mockery of the matial arts. Other than that I enjoyed every part of the movie.

10. Case CLOSED!