Filmmaker Blake Edwards’ 1975 return to his hit “Pink Panther” film series is scheduled to bring bumbling French police Inspector Jacques Clouseau back to downtown Peoria’s nonprofit Apollo Theater this Saturday, June 5th.
Starring Peter Sellers as Clouseau, “The Return of the Pink Panther” also brings back Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Dreyfus and Burt Kwouk as zany manservant Cato, plus music director Henry Mancini, the notorious Sir Charles Litton (with Christopher Plummer taking over the role established by David Niven) and the object of the titles: the famous “Pink Panther” diamond.
It’s the fourth in the “Pink Panther” series, but 1968’s “Inspector Clouseau” starred Alan Arkin as Clouseau and did not involve Edwards or Mancini.
Here, the diamond again is stolen and clues point to Litton (AKA “The Phantom”). But he’s surprised since he didn’t do it. Clouseau is clueless and haplessly provokes his boss to the point where the Chief Inspector plots his detective’s departure – permanently.
The 113-minute comedy co-stars Catherine Schell as Lady Litton.
There have been 11 “Pink Panther” comedies, including two Steve Martin vehicles in the 21st century. The Apollo has previously screened “The Pink Panther” (1963) and “A Shot in the Dark” (1964).
Showtime is at 7:00 p.m., and the nonprofit Apollo’s suggested donation is $5 and $4 for kids, students and seniors. For details call (309) 673-4343.
