The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
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The Return of the Pink Panther Movie Review
The Return of the Pink Panther is a 1975 comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers and Christopher Plummer. It is another stellar entry in this fun franchise.
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“Cato is in hospital.
They nearly blew his little yellow skin off!“
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When the famous jewel and national treasure of Lugash, the Pink Panther, is stolen once again, Inspector Clouseau sets off on a mission to nab the notorious thief. Unlike the previous two entries in the franchise, this one is much less serious and even goofier. It’s also quicker in pace for the most part and overall funnier.
There was a clear shift in this movie where Clouseau is much dumber, goofier and his French accent is much more pronounced. I personally liked this choice as I am always in favor of more is funnier in comedies, but those who aren’t undoubtedly will not be the target audience here.
Peter Sellers is so amazing here that he entirely stole the show from everybody else. Christopher Plummer is very memorable and suave in a charismatic turn, but ultimately most of his scenes felt very slow and ultimately dull. The movie’s momentum did grind to a halt whenever the focus was shifted from Clouseau and that is the biggest issue here.
Still, the movie is so terrific when he is around that the film shines in the area of humor. Unlike both of its predecessors, the ending was inferior, but the leading up to the ending was fantastic. My favorite scene is that entire Swiss Alps section that seemed like he came into an alternate crazy reality where people are even dumber than he is and everything is more ridiculous. The taxi driver literally running on foot after a car was unexpected and hilarious while the robbing of Clouseau in the most casual of fashions was just brilliant.
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The Return of the Pink Panther is also excellent in the scenes with Herbert Lom. He acts out his anger and frustration flawlessly. Cato is once again a ridiculous racial stereotype, but it’s almost impossible not to laugh during those scenes with the finale being particularly devastating. The pacing is off here and gone is the art, though the opening is incredibly intense, but the humor has never been better.
