Word: inspector
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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...obviously, is Peter Sellers' bumbling Inspector Clouseau. Sellers, the most brilliant impersonator in movies, scores highest in constricted caracatures where much is made of a given character's lack of awareness (particularly personal awareness--a lack of self-consciousness). In other words, Sellers is at his best when he is smallest, and Clouseau's oblivious, unfazed determination is the perfect vehicle for him. But whenever these little men become romantic, as in Edwards' The Party or Strikes Again, Sellers begins to take himself more seriously (his narcissism, unfortunately, bleeds through even when these characters fumble their love-making attempts...
...familiar, likable actors: the recently-revived Dyan Cannon (better than ever these days) as Clouseau's tag-along; the smooth, stylishly resonant Robert Webber (also not around in the last few years and also better than ever) as the heavy; and Herbert Lom, in the best of his Inspector Dreyfuss portrayals. There was too much of Lom in Strikes Again, and Edwards directed him badly, but here he's wired to short-circuit on sight of Clouseau, toppling over in hilarious catatonia...
...this entry, Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau has never been balmier, and Dyan Cannon gives new blouse to the word blowsy as a sharpshooting businessman's castoff mistress. The movie has more plot than Birth of a Nation, and there is no sign anywhere (save during the credits) of a panther; but those who have battered their thought processes through four previous PPs could care less: they just want more, if possible without paraquat...
Orson Welles Cinema I--1001 Mass Ave--Dear Inspector...
There are several fine acting performances in this film--most notably Ventura's as the cool, savvy inspector. Ventura has a striking physical presence which he uses well to convey the grave sense of urgency that dominates the picture. His ability to keep his cool contrasts effectively with the surrounding madness. Fernando Rey as the pragmatic Minister of Justice and Max Von Sydow as the fanatically authoritarian Chief Justice also play their roles convincingly...