Ten (1979)

Ten (1979)

Orion etc.

October 5, 1979

Comedy

DVD
C-

I of course had heard of this movie since the time but never tried to watch it before.  Bumped up a notch for casting, but the main character is pretty unsympathetic, his stalking aside.  Blake Edwards wrote and directed.

The Pink Panther (1963)

The Pink Panther (1963)

United Artists

December 18, 1963

Crime Comedy
DVD
C+

I grew up watching the Pink Panther movies, both the '60s originals and the '70s revivals (after a seven-year gap), but I honestly couldn't have described them beyond memorable opening cartoon credits (leading to the TV cartoon, which I of course also watched), attractive European women, and bumbling Inspector Clouseau, played by Peter Sellers.  So it was interesting revisiting the movie that launched it all, because it does contain those elements, but it's basically a standard '60s caper comedy that I'd give a C or less to if not for that silky yet playful Mancini score that I can hear echoes of on the soundtracks of everything from Bikini Beach to Down with Love.  Anyway, Sellers does establish his iconic role, but he's onscreen less than David Niven.  Blake Edwards directed and co-wrote, which is probably why there's a lot of suggested sex and that very amoral double ending.

The Party (1968)

The Party (1968)

United Artists

April 4, 1968

Comedy
DVD

D+

I like the '60s trappings, but it's a bit painful watching Sellers play this much of a bumbling idiot, especially in brownface Indian (from India) makeup.  Blake Edwards directed and co-wrote.