Watch The Return of the Pink Panther

The Return of the Pink Panther is a 1975 comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and starring Peter Sellers, Christopher Plummer, and Catherine Schell. This film is the fourth installment in the Pink Panther series and marks the return of the character Inspector Clouseau, portrayed by Peter Sellers. The story begins with the theft of the Pink Panther diamond, the symbol of the fictional country of Lugash, which is about to be sold to a wealthy businessman. The theft is attributed to the notorious Phantom, a renowned thief who seems to have returned to crime after a long period of inactivity. In an effort to recover the diamond, Inspector Clouseau is tasked with investigating the case, much to the chagrin of his superior, Chief Inspector Dreyfus.

Clouseau's investigation leads him to a number of suspects, including the wealthy businessman, the beautiful Lady Lytton (Catherine Schell), and a mysterious figure known as the Fat Man. Along the way, Clouseau hilariously bungles his way through various situations, including a disastrous encounter with a motorcycle gang and a hilarious scene in which he interrogates a group of blind beggars.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the Phantom is someone who is very close to the case, leading to a surprising twist at the end of the film. Throughout the movie, Clouseau's antics are contrasted with the more serious efforts of Sir Charles Litton (Christopher Plummer), a suave thief who is also trying to recover the diamond.

One of the highlights of the film is Peter Sellers' performance as Clouseau. His physical comedy and exaggerated French accent are legendary and have become synonymous with the Pink Panther franchise. In this film, Sellers delivers a tour-de-force performance, bringing Inspector Clouseau to life once again and providing audiences with a slew of memorable moments.

While Sellers is undoubtedly the star of the film, his supporting cast also delivers strong performances. Christopher Plummer is suave and sophisticated as Sir Charles Litton, adding an air of charm and class to the proceedings. Catherine Schell is stunningly beautiful as Lady Lytton, and she delivers a nuanced performance that keeps the audience guessing as to her true motives.

In addition to the performances, the film boasts a witty screenplay and stylish direction by Blake Edwards. The film's opening credits, set to Henry Mancini's iconic Pink Panther theme, are a particular highlight, setting the tone for the film's blend of humor and sophistication.

Overall, The Return of the Pink Panther is a hilarious and entertaining comedy that ranks among the best films in the Pink Panther franchise. With Peter Sellers at the top of his game and a talented supporting cast, the film delivers plenty of laughs and thrills, making it a must-see for fans of the series and fans of comedy in general.

The Return of the Pink Panther is a 1975 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 61.