Book Review - The Pink Panther: A Complete History

In the 1960s, Blake Edwards introduced Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in the film The Pink Panther.  It was a big hit and spawned an even more amusing sequel, A Shot in the Dark.  Eleven years later, both Edwards’ and Sellers’ careers were at low ebb so they teamed up to make Return of the Pink Panther.  When that became an even bigger hit than the 60s films, two more Panther films were made with Sellers as Clouseau. The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) is generally considered to be the best of them all. 

Howard Maxford’s new book from McFarland carefully examines the Pink Panther series, including all of the films as well as the later Saturday morning cartoon series.  We get info on Edwards, Sellers, Henry Mancini who did the immortal theme song, and the wonderful supporting cast including Herbert Lom and Burt Kwouk.

We learn that Sellers turned down the role in the 1968 film Inspector Clouseau, and it was taken by Alan Arkin.  As good as he was, Sellers had established the character too strongly, there was no congribution from Blake Edwards,  and the film didn’t even use the Mancini music. Thus it was unsuccessful.  The Clouseau character did not cinematically come to life again until 1975 when Edwards was asked to do another Pink Panther movie, and stated he would only do so if Sellers agreed to play Clouseau. 

Author Maxford explains in detail the entire series, and offers fascinating information on the initial ideas, the production, the audience reaction, and the character’s successful resurrection.  The mid 1970s were a much different time than the early 1960s, but the characters and concepts managed to adapt and live on.  This book explains how and why.  The films continue to hold up, and have generated a new fan base in the 21st century, despite some dated elements that were very much a part of their time.  But the characters, the comic conflicts, the absurdity, and the wild slapstick are timeless.

The Pink Panther films are very entertaining but they also have a truly fascinating history.  This book provides that brilliantly, and it is highly recommended for fans of the series, of Sellers, of Edwards, and of filmmaking during the 60s and 70s.  There is much to offer any library, research center, or casual fan

The book can be found at this link: CLOUSEAU