Trail of the Pink Panther (1982)

Directed by Blake Edwards. Starring Joanna Lumley, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Robert Loggia, Richard Mulligan, David Niven, Burt Kwouk, Graham Stark, André Maranne, Capucine, Ronald Fraser, Colin Blakely, Harvey Korman. [PG]

Not even death can slow down Peter Sellers playing Inspector Clouseau, as two years after the actor’s passing, an original “story” is jerry-rigged out of the spare parts found from previous Pink Panther pictures, primarily outtakes and deleted scenes that had previously gone unseen. Either way, the posthumous “greatest hits” are a mixed bag lacking context, and it’s clear why the cutting room floor material had been excised in the first place—consider the “nose” bit near the beginning where the punchline can be seen coming a mile away, and the filmmakers still botch it. Clouseau is working on a case when his plane disappears; enter television reporter Lumley, who interviews characters from his past who knew him best, and when she’s heard from them all, the movie just sorta…ends. Not even the novelty of bare breasts in a PG-rated movie makes it worth a glimpse. Indeed, the fact that there are entries in this series with fewer laughs is disgraceful but true, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more unnecessary or pointless outing. Clouseau also appears via double (John Taylor) and through child actors during flashbacks to his youth. Writer/director Edwards’ wife, Julie Andrews, makes a cameo appearance, while ailing Niven’s voice is dubbed by impressionist Rich Little! Followed by Curse of the Pink Panther.

25/100