The Pink Panther - by Howard Maxford (Paperback)

About the Book

" Screen legend Peter Sellers first pratfalled onto the silver screen as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in 1963 in The Pink Panther, the success of which helped to turn him into an international comedy superstar. Since then there have been a further ten Panthers, among them such classics as A Shot in the Dark, The Return of the Pink Panther and The Pink Panther Strikes Again, each of which is examined in detail in this all-encompassing study. This book features exclusive interviews with many of those involved in their making, among them writer-director Blake Edwards, producer Tony Adams, composer Henry Mancini, cinematographer Christopher Challis and co-stars Herbert Lom (Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus), Graham Stark (Dr. Auguste Balls) and Burt Kwouk (Cato), as well as Peter Ustinov (the original choice to play Clouseau) and Julie Andrews (Edwards' wife). Packed with production details, including budgets, shooting schedules and publicity campaigns, the book also covers the theatrical cartoon shorts and the popular Saturday morning TV show derived from the first film's celebrated animated credit sequence, and contains many revealing behind-the-scenes anecdotes that lift the lid on the often-hilarious incidents that occurred during the shooting of the movies. It also reveals the darker side of its troubled leading man, whose fits of giggles alternated with black moods that eventually led to Sellers and Edwards agreeing never to work together again"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Peter Sellers first pratfalled onto the silver screen as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in 1963's The Pink Panther, turning him into an international comedy superstar. Ten films followed, such as A Shot in the Dark, The Return of the Pink Panther and The Pink Panther Strikes Again. This comprehensive history of the Panther phenomenon features behind-the-scenes anecdotes and exclusive interviews with key figures, including writer-director Blake Edwards, producer Tony Adams, composer Henry Mancini, cinematographer Christopher Challis and co-stars Herbert Lom (Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus), Graham Stark (Dr. Auguste Balls) and Burt Kwouk (Cato), as well as Peter Ustinov (the original choice for Clouseau) and Julie Andrews (Edwards' wife). Packed with details on budgets, shooting schedules and publicity campaigns, the book also covers the theatrical cartoon shorts and the popular Saturday morning TV program inspired by the first film's celebrated animated credit sequence. It also reveals the darker side of its troubled leading man, which eventually led to Sellers and Edwards agreeing never to work together again.

Review Quotes

"Maxford effectively analyzes the plots and characters of each film, complete with reminiscences from cast, crew, and family... Fans of the films will appreciate the photos and original promotional materials, along with Maxford's honest criticisms and affection."--Library Journal

"Laugh again--and learn things you didn't know--with The Pink Panther: A Complete History."--The Media Tourist

About the Author

Howard Maxford is a freelance entertainment journalist who has contributed reviews, interviews, features and retrospectives to a variety of UK magazines, including Film Review, What's On in London, Starburst, Shivers, Gold, Replay, Tower Records' Top, London After Dark, Video Now and HMV Choice. He lives in South London.