Is there anyone out there who hasn't seen The Pink Panther? If you shyly raised your hand, get out there and pick up a copy this weekend and bring your Kleenexes. Not for crying, of course, but for wiping tears of laughter from your eyes.This is the first of nine installments, not including the Leslie Nielson remakes, and all but the final three star Peter Sellers as the bumbling French detective Inspector Clouseau. With an endless supply of slapstick jokes, expected but still hilarious gags, and 60s sex references, the Pink Panther movies are unforgettable and a staple in everyone's childhood. David Niven, Capucine, Claudia Cardinale, and Robert Wagner round out the cast in the first movie, so if you want to see Herbert Lom and Burt Wouk as the stock characters you remember from the rest of the series, you'll have to wait for the sequel A Shot in the Dark. Just so you know, David Niven is the real lead in this first movie, playing a suave, dashing, charming ladies' man-in other words, playing who he plays best. Peter Sellers had a much smaller part, but he was such a hit with audiences that the rest of the series increased his part and made him the lead! So, while this first movie might not be the one with the most jokes, it's still very funny and cute.

THE PINK PANTHER is the first in the long-running series of comedies starring the hapless Inspector Clouseau, as played by Peter Sellers in his most famous role. The surprise here is that Clouseau is merely a supporting character while the typically suave David Niven plays the lead character. The hunt is on for a jewel thief, but along the way the emphasis is very much on flirtation, Bond-style romancing of the ladies, and some slapstick humour. I actually found this film far less funny than I was expecting, despite the strong production values and Niven's winning performance. Sellers is, as ever, something of an acquired taste, best taken in small doses.

Before John Hughes became the Master of Absurd Physical comedy, there was Blake Edwards. Although bumbling Inspector Clouseau was introduced in this movie, make no mistake that David Niven, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale play major roles and greatly add to the romantic glitz and glamour portrayed in this lavishly produced film. Filmed on location mainly in Italy, but also in Paris and Hollywood. Beautiful cinematography and sparkling music from Henry Mancini. The nightclub "song" adds to the excitement and does not detract as such "numbers" usually do. Simone and The Princess dress up in elegant and sporty clothing. The formal parties are a knockout. Except for early James Bond, nobody dresses that way anymore! Two celebrated international thieves have the time of their lives seducing women, stealing paintings and the fabulous "Pink Panther" Diamond. Not as much slapstick here as later entries, that almost fail as they become too much about just The Inspector, so it may be a bit slow for younger viewers. It has been compared with Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief". Follow this up with a viewing of "A Shot in the Dark" for a brilliant rainy afternoon double-feature. Great Pink Panther animated titles, too!

Bumbling and conceited French police inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) tries to catch The Phantom, a daring jewel thief whose identity and features are unknown - and is acting right under his nose.I will not say anything bad about Peter Sellers, or director Blake Edwards. But I will say this film is not necessarily as funny as it could be. Some parts, especially those around the costume party, are rather humorous (the zebra stripes joke is corny but funny). The rest? I don't know... it seems like they were going for a PG-rated sex comedy, and ended up with some creepy dialogue. What should be romantic comes across as creepy, because it clearly has someone being taken advantage of...