A Shot in the Dark (1964)

*Get the film on Amazon here*

My favorite Inspector Clouseau film has the nitwit investigating a series of murders at a mansion owned by Benjamin Ballon (George Sanders). The maid Maria (Elke Sommer) is suspected, and Clouseau falls for her despite the overwhelming evidence that she is guilty.

A wonderful balance of slapstick and characterization, with classic scenes all around. In "Son of Pink Panther," Claudia Cardinale plays Maria, confusing anyone who followed the series. This film also first introduced Clouseau's boss Charles Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) and manservant Kato (Burt Kwouk). Followed by the non-series entry "Inspector Clouseau" with Alan Arkin, and "The Return of the Pink Panther."

Stats:
(1964) 102 min. (* * * * *) out of five stars
-Directed by Blake Edwards
-Screenplay by Blake Edwards and William Peter Blatty, based on the stage play by Harry Kurnitz, from the play "L'Idiote" by Marcel Achard
-Cast: Peter Sellers, Elke Sommer, George Sanders, Herbert Lom, Tracy Reed, Graham Stark, Burt Kwouk, Moira Redmond, Vanda Godsell, Maurice Kaufmann, Ann Lynn, David Lodge, Martin Benson
(Not Rated)
*BAFTA*
-Best British Costume-Colour (lost to "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes")