Pink Panther [DVD]

Peter Sellers's third outing as the bumbling but prideful Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the 1975 Blake Edwards revival of the Sellers-Clouseau connection, "The Return of the Pink Panther," is indeed funny enough. However, it falls a bit short compared to its predecessors, "The Pink Panther" and "A Shot in the Dark," both made in 1964.

The most interesting screen time in the film is actually given to costar Christopher Plummer, who portrays a retired cat burglar accused by Clouseau of getting back into the business. This plotline introduces a "To Catch a Thief" vibe to the proceedings.

Herbert Lom is hilarious as Clouseau's psychologically eroding boss, while the ritualistic collisions between Clouseau and his valet, Cato (Burt Kwouk), are prime examples of Blake Edwards's delicious comic timing.

The film may not quite reach the heights of the earlier Sellers-Clouseau outings, but it still manages to deliver a healthy dose of laughs, thanks in no small part to the outstanding performances and the director's skilled handling of the material.

As reviewer Tom Keogh notes, "The Return of the Pink Panther" may not be the strongest entry in the series, but it remains a worthy addition to the beloved franchise, featuring the iconic Clouseau character in all his bumbling, prideful glory.

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