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Reviews
The Return of the Pink Panther (1975)
Clouseau Syndrone
As a preamble I must confess that Sellers' mere appearance on screen as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau reduces me to tears of laughter. My dear late wife would admonish me when often I alone in the theater would burst into laughter when Clouseau would merely saunter onto the screen in his smug superior fashion as in the beginning of this movie in the organ grinder scene. Sellers, in the sequels to the Shot in the Dark movie really camped up Clouseau, especially the fractured "French" accent which even the other characters cannot fathom. Make no mistake, this movie is all about Sellers and Clouseau doing physical, farcical, and dialog comedy. Also hilarious is Herbert Lom's portrayal of Dreyfous, Clouseau's boss, who is eventually driven literally mad by Clouseau as the Panther movies progress. This movie is superior to the later sequels and even if you are not a Sellers fan worth seeing. For those of you who are fans of Sellers, this is a must see movie revolving around one of the most funny, iconic, comedic characters ever portrayed on film.
Sands of the Kalahari (1965)
Sucker for survival films
I saw this movie when I was a young man and loved it. I have long been a big fan of survival movies and books. Nordof and Hall's book "Men Against the Sea" in the Bounty Trilogy hooked me on this genre. Kalahari is populated with accomplished actors but Whitman's villainous and selfish Character stands out. My brother and I always discuss the movie and its' campy side, in particular Whitman's bare chest and the callous treatment by diamond mine security police when an almost dead survivor makes it to the sea and help. The last scene is notable as Whitman, now a killer, is left behind to the mercy of baboons whom he hated and killed in the movie. This is shown in a retreating aerial shot and is haunting and effective. This is not a "great" movie but is very entertaining, well acted, and suspenseful.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)
A great funny movie which showcases the talents of many comic actors
I saw the original version of this movie in Cinerama and loved it. I laughed the whole movie and still laugh today when I see it. I particularly liked the Winters' demolition of the nerds service station. Terry Thomas was a hoot as the proper Englishman. The dialog and physical comedy are both funny. As a Sid Caesar fan, the hardware store farce and his temper tantrums against inanimate obstacles reminds me of myself and is hilarious. Dick Shawn, his unsmiling girlfriend, his sobbing pursuit of his "Mama" and other antics are funny as heck. The use of cameos and the cast of comedy icons really makes this movie one to see for younger people to get a good sampling of the comedic talent in that era. Merman was great in her portrayal of the harpy mother-in-law putting her famous vocal pipes to good use. Tracy, as the beleaguered father with the world weary face was a joy to watch. At the risk of sounding stuffy, the movie was and is still funny without the use of profanity and bathroom humor, which to me are the two crutches of comedians and comedy writers who lack true creativity and talent. If you haven't seen this movies and like farcical comedy see it by all means.