Interesting Rowan Atkinson turned down the role, considering he went on to do a similar character with the Johnny English movies.

The original Pink Panther movies has more confusing continuity than the X-Men franchise!

I've never seen a Pink Panther movie but I've long been curious about its confusing history. This was a wonderful analysis!

Seeing these attempts to reboot a popular film character really makes me want to see you review the disastrous 1967 Casino Royale film where they tried to make a comedy Bond film.

What's completely missed with all the non-Seller's movies was that everything was "too whacky" and way over exaggerated. Seller's, while silly, played everything fairly straight and serious, even while delivering slap-stick dialogue. Save for a few instances, such as the fights with Kato, it was mostly dead-pa... even then, the fights were delivered with a sort of over aggressive seriousness. I think the Steve Martin Pink Panthers would have benefit a lot with Martin using far less exaggerated faces/actions.

It truly is remarkable that Blake Edwards "had been inspired by the success of the POLICE ACADEMY films" even though those films were still a year away from release when CURSE was made. I didn't realize that among Blake's many talents as a filmmaker, one was the ability to see into the industry's future.

Steve Martin's Pink Panther was filmed to be more raunchy. A studio exec couldnt figure out why the end product was the way it was when he thought the origin of the film was the cartoons. They had to go back and re-shoot and re-edit the film to give it a family friendly rating.

Goeffrey Rush, who played Sellers in his biography was pretty amazing, and there were few scenes where he was Clouseau and looked fantastic. I think the Pink Panther reboot is doable without Sellers, but they really need to change their mindset, Clouseau doesn't have to be the funniest and most quirkiest character in the movie, he have to be played absolutely straight, but the stuff he is doing when put in absurd situations are funny. This is the same situation for me, like it was with Lesie Nielsen, for most time in Police Squad/Naked Gun he was playing straight un policeman who neve reacted with funny faces (sometimes he did tho). And for me that would work.

My grandfather built Peter Sellers' swimming pool at his mansion way back in the 60s. Said he was quite a strange man in real life, a bit of a troubled man but funny and friendly when they worked on his property. Swimming pool is still there last I heard.

John Cleese is a treasure. I'm glad he kept working so many years

I know they weren't the most popular, and rightly so, but I love the Steve Martin Panter movies. As a kid who was born in the 70's and came up through the 80's, my affection for Steve Martin cannot be overstated. I'd watch Martin read a phone book for 2 hours and thank the guy who sold me the ticket to see it.

You, sir, are a master of your craft. Of all of the KZfaqrs doing their documentaries, film reviews, and the such, you are heads above. I look forward to seeing your breakout to bigger and better things.

Kevin Kline is actually known as Kevin Decline in Hollywood for his pickiness in selecting film roles.

What made Peter Sellers work as Closseau was that he played the man with utter confidence and most importantly competence . Clousseau saw himself as a total professional not as a bumbler, stumbler and fool. This is what set sellers apart from others.

I’m glad I’m not alone on enjoying that first Steve Martin one.

If nothing else, the animated version didn't seem to skip a beat- it kept chugging with successful reboots as recent as the last decade, only stopping seemingly due to MGM going through bankruptcy.

Being a kid born in 2002, I grew up with the remakes and the cartoon so the remake holds a special place in my heart, but I also love the original movies. Also John Cleese being in the second remake just makes me favor if even more because Cleese has and always will be my favorite British comedy actor.

Dreyfus falling out the window multiple times made me laugh a lot for some reason.

Trail to the Pink Panther feels like a high budget STOOGEMANIA.

This "Pink Panther" series reminds me of the documentaries that studios used to put in the extras of DVD's but stopped doing. Thank you for the amazing content!

I’m interested in seeing how the new reboot directed by Jeff Fowler goes, it’ll be interesting to see them combine the cartoons with the movies for the first time

I still like the Steve Martin films, I don't feel that they're trying to truly replicate Seller's style and all.

Kicking off a new series about another bumbler by having a legitimate reason for him to be selected for a mission to find Clouseau is actually a really smart tactic.. in theory.

I think I got my first exposure to Sellers through his episode of the Muppet Show... just thought I'd throw that out there for extra research purposes.

Was at christian camp in the summer of 1975, and EVERYONE was talking about the hilarious bumbling character in "The Return of the Pink Panther". The Minkey scene, Cato Fong scenes, telephone repair man, hotel room cleaner scene, etc. My point is, even almost ten years later, with no former reference (most kids didn't see pervious films). The film was a complete successes - at least with all the kids at CYC camp. NOTE - got back from camp in that year 1975, and a friend wanted to go see the summer blockbuster. So lucky 10 year old me agrees - and proceeded to have to living shit scared out of me. Jaws and I didn't like each other at first. Regards

Roger Moore playing Roger Moore as Inspector Closeau is right on key with Roger Moore playing Roger Moore as James Bond in the Cannonball Run.

Peter Sellers was a singular talent, no one else like him before or since.

6:12 - Considering that the first Police Academy film didn't premiere until nearly a YEAR after Curse of the Pink Panther, I don't see how that's possible.

I kinda wish John Ritter had done a Panther movie. He was a brilliant physical comedian himself!!!!

There is one crucial ingredient Sellers had not only in this series but throughout his career. Unstoppable charisma. I remember seeing Return and Strikes Again in packed theatres and believe me, the audience all but LAPPED UP everything he did. Peter also got more mileage out of comic stillness than anyone since his silent clown heroes. He and Edwards were, for a time, a perfect match. Really fine work on this series!

A Shot in the Dark will always be my favorite of the series.

Can you please do an episode about the Police Academy films?

aw man I didn't know roger moore died 4 years ago. I saw this guy who actually GOT an autographed picture of Sean Connery signed by Roger Moore, and that might have been the greatest nerdcomplishment in history, but if I could have gotten a picture of _Sellers_ signed by Moore...

This channel is one of the best movie-essay-channels on KZfaq. Thanks for your excellent work!

Can you now make a video about Blake Edwards. How he made classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The party. But still made films (around the 80’s) such as Blind Date, Skin Deep, etc.

What I liked about the Martin Clouseau is when the audience learns he could understand Chinese. However, nothing about his Pink Panthere made me want to see the sequel, and I have yet to do so.

Roger Moore as the character to me COMPLETELY works. It is great to see him ham it up and he plays the part beautifully. He and Herbert Lom are the only reasons to watch Curse.

no clue how you're able to consistently put out these high-quality, long-form mini documentaries but I love the channel. you're very good at what you do

Honestly, I would have loved to see a Pink Panther series continued by Roger Moore

This was a great video. I think we all knew no one could beat Peter Sellers in the role. He was fantastic in it along with Dr Strangelove.

I heard Rowan Atkinson was also considered for Curse of the Pink Panther. When he was considered for Curse it was before Mr. Bean and Blackadder made him a household name, Blake Edwards had seen him in Not the 9 O'clock News. When he was considered for Son he had become alot more well known but I'm glad he turned it down.

Thank you for saying the hand drawn animation was so much better than the CGI.

You were kinder to the post Sellers PP movies than I thought you would be, Joe.

Have you ever seen Condor Man? It was one of my favourites as a child.

I think Mike Myers COULD have pulled off the role of Inspector Clouseau, he's certainly shown that potential in his other roles, particularly the Austin Powers movies. But it would need a good script and a great director who really understands the franchise as well. I think I would have also liked to see Gene Wilder or Jerry Lewis take on this kind of role when they were at the peak of their careers - Jerry Lewis in particular might have been well suited to this kind of physical comedy. But Peter Sellers is the one who really made that role, and even though I think there are a few other actors who could take over from him, it would be hard for any of them to properly pay homage to his original portrayal while still adding something to make the character their own. Steve Martin is a magnificent actor who certainly deserves a place when you talk about great comedians, but personally I don't see him as quite the right actor for the role. Even so, credit where it's due and they could certainly have done much worse with their casting.

Alright damnit, here! Take my subscribe. you've broken me with your intricate videos essays and faceted love for classic comedies!

It was an unfortunate turn of events when Myers was dropped from the role.

I remember watching the first Pink Panther movie (I think) with my grandma when I was little and being confused where’s the Pink Panther and why are we following this detective guy? I watched the Pink Panther cartoons before the film.

Kevin Kline seems like the obvious choice for Clouseau, not Dreyfus

Your channel is making some of the best mini-docs I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. Thank you for preserving history for all ♥👊

The Clouseau character should have died with Sellers. I've only seen the first of the Martin films and while it wasn't awful and had some good moments it was just a bit sad. As for Rowan Atkinson, isnt Johnny English about as Clouseau-esque as you can get without bringing the Clouseau character into it? I think the Johnny English series shows you can do the Clouseau act without the character, which is so associated with Sellers.

Looks like I need to watch "Son of the Pink Panther". It actually looks like it's worthwhile. The casting of John Cleese in the remake sequel seems like it was perfect; I'll have to watch that one as well. As for Peter Sellers, I get the feeling, based on his acting and on interviews I've watched, that he was one of those comedy actors who either could keep creating comedy and characters so that all that energy has an outlet, or he could instead have spent his time in an insane asylum. I feel the same about Jonathan Winters and some other comedians/entertainers. They are so talented but at the same time I get the vibe that they are troubled mentally and emotionally, and could easily become unhinged at a moment's notice. Thanks for another enjoyable video.

I feel like I have to add this: this is such a wonderful little documentary on this series. Well done! For a series that's so well known of, there's a surprising amount that most people will be aware of re. the "other films" and I've always thought it strange that there's not more documentaries or books covering this. But you have done a fantastic job on this 👍👍

Fun fact, Cato was going to return in the Steve Martin remake and to be played by Jackie Chan, but because of political incorrectness Cato was replaced by Ponton.

I feel Curse was the best attempt and continuing the series. If they had a second shot and stayed in New York with all new characters it could have worked. Also, I love Roger Moore's cameo and the scene worked for me.

As a kid Return, Revenge and Strikes Again were my favorites but the continuity always confused me. Thanks for clearing it up.

These have been great, man! I had some close family friends that were living encyclopedias for old school comedy; they were in love with Sellers and this series, but I’d never looked into them myself. Thank you for providing such great context for all of these - now I have a few films to add to the watch list.

I would love a video on Seller's career! These movies were a staple of mine growing up. I must have seen the movies up to Trail more times than I can remember and was thrilled when they released the blu ray set a while ago. Keep up the great work!

Every time I watch one of your videos I can't get enough of your love and dedication for cinema. Your channel is truly an underrated gem.

I really enjoyed watching your review and commentary of the pink panther series! Been a huge fan since I was a kid. Bravo. Great job on this! 👏🏻

I always really enjoyed Son of the Pink Panther and never quite understood why it was so hated. I also was pleasantly surprised by how much I laughed at the first Steve Martin film (still haven't seen the second one). It has its issues but it was so much fun seeing Steve Martin go back to his silly, absurdist roots, He clearly really enjoyed it.

I miss the days when Steve Martin made Steve Martin movies. Now, he makes Peter Sellers movies, or Phil Silvers movies, or Jack Lemmon movies... Why can't he do something like Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid again instead of yet another reboot.

Very good retrospective. I'd like to see similar video of the Police Academy series.

Thank you for producing these great videos! It was nice to get the full story! When I was a kid my family and I used to roll with laughter in front of the television watching these movies! Nobody better than Peter Sellers! in fact people in my family still “quote some of the sellers lines from the Peter Sellers movies!

I am so glad there is a second part to this subject

My English teacher(here in Brazil) Showed us this Hamburger scene, I have great nostalgia with it

You did a phenomenal job with these.

That was an absolutely brilliant episode. Well done.

Jean Reno, the only person who keeps the Steve Martin Pink Panther films tolerable. He was also one of the better things of Roland Emmerich’s Zilla too which is still better than the Polygon Pictures Godzilla Anime Trilogy.

I first saw "Return of the Pink Panther" in the theater at the tender age of 6 and had no idea why it was so funny, only that it was ridiculously funny, and I can't think of any movie that has made my father laugh so hard as this one. Honestly, I think it was that one movie that carried the entire series and the 5 attempts to reboot.

wonderful videos on the Pink Panther series and its reboots. i had no idea the main role had went to so many others over the decades. love this channel. you sir are under valued and i think this channel will blow up sooner than later

Ted Wass I remember from Soap, the fantastic soap opera parody from the 70s. He was also Blossom's dad.

I'm curious to see whatever happened to that Romance of the Pink Panther script.

I honestly really enjoyed the first Steve Martin reboot film, but you can't replace Sellers as Clouseau. Let's hope this wonderful franchise is revived soon

Great job! Thanks for both the Pink Panther vids.

I’m hooked on your videos. Fantastic presentations.

"I guess Kevin Kline declined returning..." Kevin deKlined.

Another great video by Hats off entertainment

Great job! Thank you for this.

I like Benigni in the role in Son Of, and I remember the first trailer I saw for it does feature the Sellers Clouseau character being killed in an exploding warehouse. A nation mourns and in comes the Benigni story. It even has a flash of someone wearing a Sellers Clouseau mask before the bomb goes off. All of this must of been excised before the actual release as non of it is in the finished film.

and the Salty Sea Dog scene is one of my absolute favorites

Hats off you should see The Magic Christian (1969) starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr it's a really weird one that i love

I remember watching the series as a kid. We tried to watch them in order, starting with a shot in the dark. When we got to the trail of the pink panther I was so disappointed by the format, and I didn't figure out until the end of the movie that Peter Sellers had died. We also rented The Party on a whim, because of Sellers. That's worth watching for any Sellers fan. I thought Son of the Pink Panther wasn't too bad. I think they should have explored that concept a bit more. Great video series. I learned quite a bit, and now I feel the need to go re-watch the films.

Have you seen the OSS 117 movies? They're like the real spiritual successors to Pink Panther, I thought. Sure they're riffing on Bond, but the main character is basically Cluseau in all his ineptness and extreme confidence.

So John Cleese was doing a muted Basil Fawlty impression?

Excellent job!!! I look forward to a video on Peter Sellers if you choose to make one 👍

Tomlin was great in her role considering how much of a joke people make about censoring now, but the best bit about that once you think about it is that the scene makes fun of how Clouseau is not PC....in a movie about a French detective who has been played in order by a Brit, an American, the Brit again and another American all doing the most horrific French accents you can imagine. That and my head was playing it out that Miss Frizzle was lecturing Clouseau and finally met her match on weirdness.

The Hamburger scene is latterly the only thing I remember from the Steve Martin movies.

I really love your videos, keep up the good work

EXCELLENT minidoc on the franchise. Well edited and narrated. Thank you, Joe! Imo, I think Myers would've nailed it.

I remember renting Trail of the Pink Panther when I was in my early 20s, having grown up on the previous three installments during my childhood. I had no idea what was in store for me with this film. I can only describe it as around the mid-way point through the film, I had this slightly creepy feeling that something was missing. It was then that I realized that Inspector Cluseau wasn't in the film past the 30 minute mark. I wondered why, got bored very quickly, and didn't finish the film. 10 years later I mistakenly learned that Peter Sellers died during filming, which gave me a chill up my spine. But, I became bothered when I found out the truth...that Trail of the Pink Panther was a complete sellout.

Peter Sellers has made me laugh since I first saw his movied as a kid in 90s. I've never watch, trail, curse, son, or any movie that didn't involve him as Inspector Cleausue. He was a comedic genius. Thanks for a great two part series!

Me and my family love the Steve Martin version. Many laughs from his own comedic style.

Funny thing about Rich Little dubbing over Niven's voice. You see, there were a couple Pink Panther cartoons where they decided to have him talk (not to be confused with the 1990's TV series where he was voiced by Matt Frewer). To be cute, they wanted to give him a David Niven voice, as somehow someone thought that the panther personified was the antagonist of the first film. So they cast Rich to do a Niven impression. Didn't last long. Anyway, I'm very curious what the "reboot" is going to be like if the movie's about Clouseau directly interacting with the Panther, something they did do in the 90's series. And if they're going that route, I'm going to be disappointed if Mr. Jaws and the Ant and Aardvark don't at least have a cameo.

Interestingly, enough, Steve Martin in an interview said that Peter Sellers was always one of his idols, so him taking over a character he played, does fitting, and he also honors sellers as well

Well done, glad I subscribed.

It should be noted that after it was finished, the Steve Martin, Panther film was shelved for a rumored drastic re-editing. Supposedly an advance screening went very badly.

Great videos, love them

I really like Steve Martin and agree the reboot wasn't terrible but I think Kevin Kline might actually have been a fun Clouseau.

I was just thinking about a film idea where the inspector interacts with the Pink Panther character. I actually feel surprisingly hopeful for this new reboot idea. Hopefully it’ll get a good balance between what made the live action films work with the style and charm of the animated shorts/specials.