A Shot In The Dark (1964)****

Shot in the Dark is the sequel to 1963's Pink Panther and in some ways is superior to that original film. Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) is back, this time investigating a murder where the beautiful Maria (Elke Sommer) is the main suspect. As the film continues and the body count rises Clouseau's persistent claim that Maria is innocent drives his boss, Insp. Dreyfuss (Herbert Lom) insane.

The thing about Shot in the Dark is that Peter Sellers doesn't have to play second fiddle to David Niven. In the original Panther film Sellers was a bumbling idiot scapegoat, but in this film he's a bumbling idiot but he's funny. Sellers runs with the role and truly defines who Clouseau is. Peter Sellers turns a film that is typical '60's camp and gives us a brilliant performance that highlights the film under the direction of Blake Edwards.

Yes, the Pink Panther started it all, but Shot in the Dark is the film that cemented the persona of Inspector Clouseau.