THE PINK PANTHER
RETURNS TO THE SCREEN
In a week or two we will
once again meet up with the famous "Pink Panther" on the screen--this
time without Peter Sellers, but rather with the actor who has the most
realistic chance of coming close to Sellers' performance, Steve Martin.
As a child of parents who love this series of films, I'm impatiently
waiting to see the new movie. For those who aren't familiar with the
series, this impatience may make no sense. However, I suggest you give
the film a try--here's some background to get you started.
The first "Pink Panther"
movie appeared in 1963. Blake Edwards directed it. "Pink Panther" is
actually the name of a diamond that a thief called "the Phantom" is
attempting to steal. And the Phantom's accomplice is none other than the
wife of Inspector Clouseau, the man who is trying to catch the thief,
and who has no idea about the latter's relationship with his wife. The
movie is actually a very good 1960s-type romantic comedy. It received
five nominations and two Oscars. The music, including the famous "Pink
Panther" theme, was composed by Henry Mancini.
Initially, in making the
film, Edwards had been intending to produce a sequel based on Sir
Charles Litton's Phantom character, but Sellers's Inspector Clouseau
stole viewers' hearts. Eight movies featuring Inspector Clouseau were
made, and four of them dealt with the Pink Panther. In 1964, the cartoon
version of the "Pink Panther" appeared.
In 1975, "The Return of
the Pink Panther" introduced audiences to another memorable character,
Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus. In 1976, with "The Pink Panther Strikes
Again," the series continued, but in this film, the actual Pink Panther--the
diamond--was never mentioned. By this time, the name Pink Panther had
become so closely connected with the Clouseau character that Edwards
continued to use it in the titles of the sequels. "The Revenge of the
Pink Panther," produced in 1978, was more or less a continuation of the
previous film.
Now, the "Pink Panther"
is returning to the screen, with Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau.
Clouseau is a magical role--Sellers brought the Inspector to life in
such a way that he became legendary. I hope that Martin's performance in
the role will give us another excellent comedy, and also that in this
movie we'll again see the Pink Panther diamond. In a couple of weeks,
the movie will probably come to theaters here, and I hope all of you
will enjoy a good laugh.
Have a nice week!
Sıla Türkü Kural (EE/IV)
turku@ug.bilkent.edu.tr
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