THE REAL PINK PANTHER!

Don't get me wrong. I am a huge fan of Steve Martin; he's a genuine genius. But personally, I can't see the 2006 version of "The Pink Panther" for one very obvious reason. For me, there was only one Inspector Jacques Clouseau--and that was the late Peter Sellers! I would be missing him throughout the show. So, I have chosen "the original article"--if you will. And when I say "original;" I mean it! This was shot in 1963 and began the entire series thereafter. Warning! This is so damn hilarious!! Here's Le Plot: Princess Dala is given, the largest diamond in the world by her Dad. What's special about this diamond ring is that when you peer into it, you can see a "Pink Panther". See? Okay. Now, what else? Well...
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Some kooks have seized power in her country and are demanding the return of the jewel. Princess Dala decides to relax on holiday in an exclusive skiing resort BUT noted British playboy, Sir Charles Lytton is in town. He is secretly "The Phantom" ---an infamous jewel thief who has eyes on the Pink Panther! Charles's playboy nephew George follows them to the resort with a plan to steal the ring and then blame it on "The Phantom", not knowing that it's his uncle! (I know)...Bwahahahahahaha!!
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This is where Inspector Jacques Clouseau, from France, and his wife (who, unknowingly to Jacques, is the lover of Charles and helper in the Phantom's crime) enter the picture. Oy! Jacques feels that he is on "The Phantom's" trail and tries to stop the attempts but he is so clueless that when several attempts are made at a fantasy-dress party, the results are side-splitting!...
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Here's the cast: David Niven: Sir Charles Lytton; Peter Sellers: Insp. Jacques Clouseau; Robert Wagner: George Lytton; Capucine: Simone Clouseau; Brenda De Banzie:Angela Dunning (as Brenda de Banzie); Colin Gordon: Tucker; John Le Mesurier: Defense attorney (as John LeMesurier); James Lanphier: Saloud; Guy Thomajan: Artoff; Michael Trubshawe: Felix Townes
Riccardo Billi: Aristotle Sarajos: Meri Welles: Monica Fawn (as Meri Wells); Martin Miller: Pierre Luigi; Fran Jeffries: Greek 'cousin'; Claudia Cardinale: Princess Dala. Directed by: the incomparable Blake Edwards; Writing credits: Maurice Richlin (screenplay) and Blake Edwards (screenplay).
Riccardo Billi: Aristotle Sarajos: Meri Welles: Monica Fawn (as Meri Wells); Martin Miller: Pierre Luigi; Fran Jeffries: Greek 'cousin'; Claudia Cardinale: Princess Dala. Directed by: the incomparable Blake Edwards; Writing credits: Maurice Richlin (screenplay) and Blake Edwards (screenplay).
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Listening to: Joni Mitchell: "Taming the Tiger"



14 Comments:
I adore Peter Sellers! In fact, we were watching Murder by Death tonight (my favorite comedy ever!!) and it was mentioned what a comedic genius he was! I haven't seen the new Pink Panther yet - son't know if I could bring myself to.
I absolutely agree 100%. Peter Sellers will always be the only Pink Panther. He was absolutely perfect for it.
I can't believe yesterday was your Birthday and I didn't know that. Happy Birthday a little late my friend. I also didn'thave much inernet yesteday. Rushed through everything before the scheduled crash. Oh, and thanks for sharing your birthday present to yourself yesterday! Amazing unknown fact: today is my birthday. How funny is that?
I too love the original Peter Sellers movies. One of these days I will have to tell you about interviewing some of the original people from the Panther movies.
Happy belated B-Day Michael! I hope it was AWESOME. I wish you a year of every one of your dreams coming true!
I love Peter Sellers, but want to see this new movie, too.
I am going to see the new PP, but I just know I'll be comparing Martin to Sellers throughout the viewing. Sellers was a blast in those movies and an unforgettable actor and person as well. He was a real "character."
Pink Panther!!, oh yes..., I went also to see the late and new remake with Steve Martin and I must admit that I laughed a lot...with him...
On the other hand...I prefer....Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau
I too prefer Peter Sellers and like you, will not go see the one currently in the theatre... Steve Martin is a funny guy, but... you're right, it's just not the same at all!
Heather: You're the first one to mention "Murder by Death". I watched that with a girlfriend some time ago on video and she was looped (my fault) and kept singing that hysterical La Vie En Rose with "La, La-La-La-La-La-La____!" She wouldn't stop! Thanks for reminding me!
Denny: Some remakes should be left alone. For my Birthday I picked up the Original "Shaft" with Richard Roundtree, and about 5 others. I'm glad they never followed through with a sequel to "10". But I did see "Basic Instinct II". Something tells me you'd enjoy that, Denny!
Bud: I just found that out from our mutual friend Golfwidow. So, of course I'll stop by!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND CELEBRATE, MY FRIEND!
LisaBinDaCity: I'd love to just sit and listen to your stories about all these fantastic people you've met. That would be fun! Thanks for the BD wish!!!
PBS: There's no denying Steve's talents. Did you know he has a PhD in Philosophy? True!
Carolyn: He was Hysterical keeping a straight face explaining that even though he screwed up, it was all part of his "strategy". Meanwhile, pots and pans are falling on the floor. I loved it! He died much too soon---much too soon!!And like so many, he is missed.
Romasanta: Me too!
City Girl: Yeah,sounds like you understand what I mean. I'm not boycotting Steve. He is so multi-talented. But to me it would be like seeing a remake of "10" with someone playing the late Dudley Moore. Impossible! I have enough trouble with all these James Bonds (Great Escape Movies). Roger Moore was my favorite Bond. I can just hear him directing Moneypenny: I'll need a flight to the States as soon as possible. Pan Am, of course". YAY!
Sean Connery will always be my favorite James Bond.
PG: "My name is Pussy Galore."
JB: "I must be dreaming."
A well endowed woman introduces herself:
P: "Hi, I'm Plenty."
Bond, looking at her cleavage: "But of course you are."
I have never seen a Pink Pather movie.
Thomas: I almost fell off my chair! Hysterical. And what about "Octopussy" with Maude Adams and that underground bunker of eligible women--all "10"'s of course--which would probably be the death of me! Great Dialogue, although we'll miss Que. Killed in an automobile accident in London, I think.
Teresa: You and Michael can watch this one! It's Prrrfect! lol!
Happy late birthday!!!
HEATHER: YOU WERE THE ONE ENTRY I NEEDED TO MAKE MY NUMBERS (SEE BELOW POST!) SO I'M WRITING MR. TRUMP IN THE MORNING! THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING. I SEE MANY SYNERGIES HERE. LOL, HEATHER!!
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