My Movie Review on A Shot in the Dark

Greetings and salutations, my friends.

This is your top-of-the-line film, TV show, and episode reporter here with another review.

Today, for the sixth installment of my "Spook Spectacular" series, I'm gonna give you guys my take of "A Shot in the Dark".

Here's the rundown of it:

When a Spanish chauffeur named Miguel Ostos is murdered at the house of Benjamin and Dominique Ballon, all evidence seems to point towards the killer being a maid named Maria Gambrelli.

Unwittingly, bumbling French detective Jacques Clouseau is assigned to the case. When he confronts Gambrelli, though, she claims to him that she has no idea how Osto was murdered and that she didn't do it. Believing that Maria was framed despite the evidence against her, Clouseau goes all-out in proving that she's innocent.

Will Clouseau succeed in his complex investigation? Or will Maria be forever convicted?

Following my previous analysis on "The Pink Panther (1963)", I wanted to get my reviews on the rest of the Pink Panther films starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau out as soon as possible. I figured that "A Shot in the Dark" was the perfect movie to review during the Halloween season because it's a murder-mystery, and murder can definitely be quite scary.

Admittedly, the one element I found myself having an issue with was the depiction of a nudist colony, as well as with Clouseau and Gambrelli being naked part of the time. I'm thankful that the most private of parts were covered throughout the film, but all the same...the moment as a whole was rather inappropriate.

Other than that, though, I really must say that this movie was as enjoyable as I remembered it being.

For instance, the direction by Blake Edwards, and the screenplay by him and William Peter Blatty, were quite a handsome package.

When it came to making the film as thrilling, unpredictable, and suspenseful as possible, Edwards definitely didn't mess around. The overall mystery was grippingly intriguing, and the story itself held together perfectly while still taking things in surprising directions. Plus, the comedy aspect of the movie was hilariously well-done, especially the gags revolving around Clouseau and Commissioner Charles Dreyfus.

Tha animation created for the opening credits was neatly-crafted, if I may add. Visual-wise, it may not be great enough to give the animation used for its predecessor a run for its money. But, Depatie-Freleng's work in this movie is witty and fun, and it greatly succeeded their work in the first film too.

Likewise, the music by Henry Mancini was as melodiously-grand as ever. I love how his score was able to deeply match the setting of the film, which was in France; as well as the melodies he made for the country-based restaurants Clouseau and Gambrelli went to for dinner. Plus, whenever there was a scene that was made to be deeply suspenseful and thrilling, there was an increase in crescendo strong enough to run down the spine.

Finally, the performances of the cast, casting, characters, and character development were fantastic.

Among the cast members, Peter Sellers once again stole the show with his portrayal of Clouseau. Every moment with him was irresistibly hysterical, and his portrayal showcased a sense of upgrading from supporting to lead level. The performances of George Sanders as Benjamin Ballon, Herbert Lom as Charles Dreyfus, and Burt Kwouk as Cato were outstanding as well. Plus, Clouseau, Gambrelli, the Ballons, Dreyfus, and Cato had dynamic development.

In the end, "A Shot in the Dark" isn't what I would classify as the very best of the Pink Panther series, mainly because of that one moment I singled out and how surprisingly adult the film is in some ways. But, everything about this movie is enjoyable to watch and very worthwhile.

So, I rate "A Shot in the Dark" 4½ out of 5 stars.