Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Real Pink Panther by Robert Sellers on April 28, 2025
Genres: Non Fiction
Pages: 205
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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The Pink Panther series is one of the most enduring and financially successful franchises in movie history, beginning with 1963’s The Pink Panther, which introduced audiences to the iconic Inspector Clouseau, unforgettably played by Peter Sellers.
Drawing on previously unseen material and ‘exclusive’ interviews with stars of the films and crew members, along with friends and colleagues of Peter Sellers, Robert Sellers presents, for the very first time, the untold story and some of the secrets behind the Pink Panther films.
The original Pink Panther movie proved popular enough to spawn eight sequels. The films also inspired a popular animated TV series based on the pink panther cartoon character that appeared in the film’s credit sequences. There were also spin-off toys, games, clothes, even breakfast cereal. In the 2000s, comedy legend Steve Martin twice stepped into the role of Inspector Clouseau.
But behind the laughs, there was madness and darkness, and at the series’ heart was one of cinema’s most tragic Peter Sellers. A comedic genius, Sellers could be temperamental, unprofessional, and unpredictable. Add to that a heart problem Sellers feared could kill him at any moment.
Slapstick comedy, jewel heists, espionage, and talented acting characterized the rollicking Pink Panther film franchise. Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers made the movies memorable over a few decades from the 60s-80s and they remain entertaining classics. When I spotted this look behind the scenes to the films and stories of the principal people involved, I had to give Robert Sellers (no relation) latest book a go.
As a kid, I enjoyed the Pink Panther cartoon and Henry Mancini’s musical score more than the live action movies, but a revisit to them as a teen, enjoying the fun of VHS movie rentals, caught me when I was better able to appreciate Peter Sellers’ screwball antics and the sheer entertainment value of the original film and its successors. I recognized the big name acting talent filling the roles and the genius of Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers movie making.
I’d heard rumors at the time that Peter Sellers was not an easy actor to work with and there were big clashes between him and Blake Edwards over the films and this was confirmed here. Their explosive encounters were pretty epic and it was amazing the films even got made. It was hard on everyone involved, especially the other actors and the crew, but all admitted that both Edwards and Sellers were great talents and for all the problems, they made good movies.
I think I’ve personally watched only the first four in the series and I learned something I was unaware of. After Peter Sellers’ death, the company went on to make two more Pink Panther movies with other actors. Unfortunately, this attempt didn’t take and the Pink Panther movies fizzled out until a couple decades later when a remake was attempted and had decent success with Steve Martin in the Clouseau role.
I appreciated that Robert Sellers is a pro writer already in the area of films and film industry for years so he had been able to catch up with the actors and crew in the films before they passed away, getting their perspectives on working with Edwards and Sellers and on making these movies.
These were big moneymakers even beyond the movies to the extras like toys, collectibles, even cereal. It made the people involved rich and also showed what the movies were like on the inside, but film industry at the time.
There were slow points in the book and matters that were more interesting than others, but I liked the organization and style of the writing.
So, The Real Pink Panther made me nostalgic for watching the movies again, but also gave me a less rose-colored view of the people involved in making the films. A balanced view and easy reading experience, satisfying curiosity and film-fandom interest.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
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Oh this looks fun Sophia 😁
Yes! I had the itch to watch Pink Panther all over again. 🙂
I had heard that Sellers was difficult to work with, but I loved the movies and do a re-watch every once in a while. So hilarious! He was the best Clouseau! Steve Martin didn’t hold a candle.
Yeah, I remember snatches in the entertainment news about him, too. I agree. Peter Sellers is the quintessential Clouseau. 🙂 I need to dig up these movies again.
I liked the Pink Panther as a kid too. How fun.
Yes! I just couldn’t resist, Mary. 🙂
I loved watching the original movies with my dad when I was young. I wonder if I’d still find the slapstick humor as funny now. I never watched the Steve Martin ones. Cool read.
How cool you have a fun memory with your dad! Yeah, I thought the movies were funny in my teen years, but I wonder if I would now. I feel nostalgic toward them especially after reading the book and seeing what it was like for the actors and production crews.