A Shot in the Dark (1964)

Today's movie of the day = A Shot in the Dark. It is the second in the series of Inspector Clouseau / Pink Panther films.

Thank goodness they figured out that the heart and soul of the films is Peter Sellers. Actually, him and Chief Inspector Dreyfuss. Kato is also a key component to some good laughs.

This one centers on an apparently easy to solve murder but Clouseau ends up falling for the primary suspect. He's also the only one who suspects that there is more going on than meets the eye.

He's still a clumsy oaf but it is one of the charming characteristics he possesses. They jump right into the humor this time around. He also has his new assistant, Hercule. (I wonder if it is a nod to Poirot). Thankfully they put Sellers in full Sellers mode in this film so it was both funny and fun to watch. Oh, and I also forgot that this was the beginning of his MASTERFUL disguises, HA!

I have to add in the recognition of Chief Inspector Dreyfuss as well because his 'leadership' of Clouseau is one of those great memorable ones in film. Dreyfuss can't stand the tomfoolery of Clouseau, so much so that it gives him his characteristic eye tic.

There are a lot of great scenes in this one. The mystery is still a little weak on giving clues but it's still better than the original Pink Panther film. From Clouseau falling into a fountain to ending up at a nudist colony, he shines.

I'd pretty much say to skip the first Pink Panther film and instead to just start with this one. If you couldn't tell, I'm recommending this one!

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