The Pink Panther Strikes Again is a 1976 comedy film and the fifth film in The Pink Panther series. Its plot begins three years after the conclusion of "The Return of the Pink Panther." The film was released in India in English under the same name. After escaping from an insane asylum, Charles Dreyfus sends 26 assassins on the trail of Inspector Clouseau. Unused footage from the film was later included in "Trail of the Pink Panther" (1982), released after Peter Sellers's death. The film received mixed reviews but was a commercial success, grossing $75 million at the box office.
Plot
The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) is a comedy film and the fifth installment in The Pink Panther series. The plot revolves around the following key elements:
- Chief Inspector Dreyfuss, played by Peter Sellers, escapes from an insane asylum.
- Dreyfuss captures a scientist to help him build an ultimate weapon as a means of killing Inspector Clouseau, played by Herbert Lom.
- The film features 26 assassins sent by Dreyfuss on the trail of Inspector Clouseau.
- The plot includes several humorous scenes and situations, such as Clouseau's struggle with a shark in the water and his encounter with a gigantic version of the Pink Panther character.
- The film also features the character Cato, played by Lesley-Anne Down, who attacks Clouseau and Olga, played by Burt Kwouk, during a seduction scene.
Trailer
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Cast
- Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau
- Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Dreyfus
- Lesley-Anne Down as Olga Bariosova
- Burt Kwouk as Cato Fong
- Colin Blakely as Alec Drummond
- Leonard Rossiter as Quinlan
- André Maranne as François
- Byron Kane as Secretary of State
- Dick Crockett as Stunt Arranger
Some additional details to note:
- The role of Olga Bariosova was originally played by Maud Adams, but she was replaced.
- Scenes featuring Harvey Korman and Marne Maitland were filmed but deleted.
- Omar Sharif makes an uncredited appearance as an Egyptian assassin.
- Tom Jones sings the Oscar-nominated song "Come to Me" (but isn't part of the cast).
Director: Blake Edwards
Writer: Frank Waldman, Blake Edwards
Box Office Gross: $33,833,201
Distributor: United Artists
Genre: Comedy
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 17, 1976
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 12, 2017
Theme
The theme of The Pink Panther Strikes Again revolves around comedy, slapstick humor, and the classic battle of wits between Inspector Clouseau and Chief Inspector Dreyfus. The film maintains the familiar elements of the Pink Panther series, including puns, one-dimensional bad guys, and exaggerated comedic situations.
Reception
The film received mixed reviews, with some critics considering it a letdown compared to previous installments in the series. However, it was a commercial success, grossing $75 million at the box office.
Settings
The film features various settings, including an insane asylum from which Chief Inspector Dreyfus escapes, as well as locations where the comedic confrontations between Inspector Clouseau and Dreyfus take place. The settings contribute to the film's comedic and dramatic elements.
Visual Styles and Techniques
The visual style of the film is characterized by its use of slapstick humor, exaggerated physical comedy, and comedic timing. The techniques employed include visual gags, physical comedy, and humorous interactions between the characters, contributing to the film's comedic appeal.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- The film features the song "Come to Me," with lyrics by Don Black, which was nominated for an Academy Award.
- Unused footage from the film was later included in "Trail of the Pink Panther" (1982), released after Peter Sellers's death.
