A Shot in the Dark (1964)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: A Shot in the Dark is often regarded as the best of the Pink Panther sequels, and Peter Sellers gives a top-notch performance that makes slapstick buffoonery memorable.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as Jacques Clouseau
as Maria Gambrelli
as Benjamin Ballon
as Charles Dreyfus
as Dominique Ballon
as Hercule Lajoy
as Francois
as Henri LaFarge
as Mme. Lafarge
as Pierre
as Dudu
as Georges
as Simone
as Maurice
as Kato
as Camp Receptionist
as Charlie
as Doctor
as Psychoanalyst
as Game Warden
as Taxi Driver
as Gendarme
as Gendarme
as Kazak Dancer
as Gendarme
as Balding Customer
as Soprano
Critic Reviews for A Shot in the Dark
All Critics (32) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (2) | DVD (2)
This isn't quite up to the original, but it has its moments.
The original Pink Panther movie, and perhaps even the best. Sellars is, obviously, stellar.
Sometimes the narrative is subordinated to individual bits of business and running gags but Sellers' skill as a comedian again is demonstrated.
First of the Pink Panther sequels, establishing Sellers' incompetent Inspector Clouseau as a viable series character, and prompting Blake Edwards into an unchallenging downhill coast for far too long.
Perhaps the series' most effervescent entry.
It is mad, but the wonderful dexterity and the air of perpetually buttressed dignity with which Mr. Sellers plays his role make what could quickly be monotonous enjoyable to the end.
Audience Reviews for A Shot in the Dark
Peter Sellers deftly portrays the infamous Inspector Clouseau, long on posturing, short on investigative results, smitten with the beautiful, sexually charged Elke Sommers, the only suspect in two murder cases where she was discovered with the murder weapons in hand both times. Can he possibly clear her name?! There's mucho sneaking around in dark hallways here, accompanied by Henry Mancini's catchy jazzy sneaking around dark hallways theme music, as well as the smiles you expect.
Super Reviewer
Jacques Clouseau investigates a murder in an upper class Parisian residence, protecting the prime suspect for whom he has a crush. Broad comedy at its best, A Shot in the Dark features Peter Sellers reprising his most famous role. Sellers is great as Clouseau, and many of the physical gags are well choreographed and fun. If nothing else this film proves that the nudity-hiding bits in Austin Powers were thoroughly unoriginal. The film doesn't say anything, but it doesn't try to. Overall, this film is fun to watch, and that's about it.
Super Reviewer
A clever, well-made, funny entry into the 'Pink Panther' series, with the bumbling Inspector Clouseau (the legendary Peter Sellers) being called to investigate a murder in Paris, and how he continually finds ways to screw up the case. While occasionally too silly and stupid, this movie for the most part is a hilarious blast, with a Sellers-esque turn that is crowd-pleasing and irrefutably hysterical. It is not as good as 'Pink Panther', but director Blake Edwards finds ways to keep it interesting, especially when the pace threatens to drag down the movie to a screeching halt. If you like an old-school, clean style of humor, look no further than this movie.
Super Reviewer
A Shot in the Dark Quotes
| Inspector Jacques Clouseau: | [Accusing a suspect, millionaire Benjamin Ballon] And I submit, Inspector Ballon, that you arrived home, found Miguel with Maria Gambrelli, and killed him in a rit of fealous jage! |
| Inspector Jacques Clouseau: | I believe everything and I believe nothing. I suspect everyone and I suspect no one. |
| Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus: | Give me ten men like Clouseau and I could destroy the world. |
| Inspector Jacques Clouseau: | Francois, would you call a doctor? I just cut off my thumb. |