MPL News:
The Pink Panther screens at Mesa Public Library Jan. 3.
The Pink Panther (1963, not rated, 1 hr, 55 min) was intended as a comedy about a jewel thief, centering on David Niven in that role. As filming progressed, director Blake Edwards realized that Peter Sellers was stealing each scene. As a result, Inspector Clouseau’s role was extended through the sequels.
A princess (Claudia Cardinale), who owns the largest diamond in the world; the diamond has a flaw, in the shape of a pink panther. The princess is on holiday at a ski resort in Northern Italy, accompanied by the diamond. A wealthy British playboy (David Niven), secretly the jewel thief known as The Phantom, scheming to steal the diamond.
The Phantom’s nephew (Robert Wagner), another (seemingly) wealthy playboy, also plots to steal the diamond! Not realizing his uncle is the famous thief, the nephew, plans to let The Phantom take the blame. Enter French police inspector Jacques Clouseau (Peter Sellers), on The Phantom’s trail. Every move Inspector Clouseau makes is bumbling and inept. Despite his blundering, Inspector Clouseau catches The Phantom and his nephew- and they are put on trial! But one plot twist after another leads to suspicion falling on Inspector Clouseau himself.
Does Inspector Clouseau extract himself from this mess? Find out when The Pink Panther screens at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, in the upstairs meeting room at Mesa Public Library. This is part of the ongoing Free Film Series sponsored by Friends of Los Alamos County Libraries.
The film Ponyo (2008, rated G, 1 hr, 41 min), written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, will be shown Feb. 7. Follow the library on the Los Alamos County Community Services Department page on Facebook and go to the library’s Events calendar for more information.
