From Stage to Screen: The Making of “A Shot in the Dark” (1964)

March 11, 2025 11

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“A Shot in the Dark,” the second film in the Pink Panther series, hit theaters in 1964, solidifying Peter Sellers’s portrayal of the endearingly inept Inspector Jacques Clouseau. While audiences roared with laughter at Clouseau’s antics, few knew the film’s journey from a French stage play to a British-American cinematic triumph.

The film’s origins lie in Marcel Achard’s 1960 French play, “L’Idiote,” which was adapted into the Broadway play “A Shot in the Dark” by Harry Kurnitz in 1961. The film adaptation was initially planned without Clouseau, but fate and director Blake Edwards intervened.

Fresh off the success of “The Pink Panther” (1963), Edwards saw the potential of incorporating the bumbling detective into the murder mystery plot. He rewrote the script with William Peter Blatty, later known for “The Exorcist,” transforming the narrative into a Pink Panther sequel.

This creative decision led to casting changes, with Walter Matthau and Sophia Loren departing the project. Elke Sommer stepped into the female lead as the captivating Maria Gambrelli, a maid accused of murder.

Interestingly, “A Shot in the Dark” was filmed before “The Pink Panther” but released later the same year. Principal photography took place at MGM-British Studios in Borehamwood, England, with scenes also shot in Paris and London.

The film introduced several elements that became hallmarks of the Pink Panther series. Cato (Burt Kwouk), Clouseau’s manservant, debuted with his signature surprise attacks designed to keep the Inspector alert. The film also marked the first appearance of Commissioner Dreyfus (Herbert Lom), Clouseau’s exasperated superior, whose frustration with the detective provided countless comedic moments.

Despite on-set clashes between Sellers and Edwards, “A Shot in the Dark” proved a critical and commercial success. It not only laid the foundation for future sequels but also established the Pink Panther series as a comedy classic and cemented Clouseau’s place in cinematic history, setting the stage for more exciting adventures.