On S List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
6/18
6/18:
A Shot in the Dark is a more improved and funnier picture than the prequel
The Pink Panther.
During the 37th Academy Awards, when David Niven walked on the stage to present an award, the
The Pink Panther
theme was being played. He requested it to be changed, stating, "That was not really my film." His sentiment is absolutely
true. It was Peter Sellers' despite his supporting role. Hence, he got the lead and the most screen time
for the sequel with a completely revamped cast.
Hence, it's better than the original for two reasons: unpredictable physical comedy and very good
writing. Interestingly, for the screenplay, Blake Edwards collaborated with William Peter Blatty who would
publish a novel in 1971 entitled The Exorcist.
Some of the best moments are Clouseau's fly being ripped off from the key that's still attached to the drawer, his hand
stuck in the spinning globe which led him to say, "Look, I've got Africa all over my hand now," and his brilliant
deduction: "Then I submit, Inspector Ballon, that you arrived home, found Miguel with Maria Gambrelli, and killed him
in a rit of fealous jage!"
Another thing I like is how everybody is at ease. Nobody exaggerates anything or tries to create comedy in an obvious way
like the other film. That's why I laughed many times because I didn't expect them, so I frequently rewinded the funny parts.
Unfortunately, there's a long lull during the second half which puts a big damper on my predicted rating of '9'. The jokes
need to be nonstop in order to sustain the lively pace. If that's not possible, it'll be a good idea to cut down the
running length by eliminating the nudist colony skit.
It's too bad the Pink Panther character wasn't used for the opening credits again. That's a big mistake. Instead,
Inspector Clouseau is featured which is okay by me. By the way, I have
to say he's an idiot which explains why the original French play was called L'Idiote.
All in all, because of Peter Sellers who's at his funniest, A Shot in the Dark is way better than
The Pink Panther.