# The Pink Panther

> 1963 film by Blake Edwards

**Wikidata**: [Q1131556](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1131556)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pink_Panther_(1963_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-pink-panther-q1131556

## Summary
The Pink Panther is a 1963 comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, marking the first installment in the iconic film series of the same name. It combines elements of heist and comedy genres and was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. The film launched the enduring legacy of the Pink Panther character, becoming a cultural touchstone.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: January 1, 1963.
- **Director**: Blake Edwards.
- **Production Companies**: The Mirisch Company (founded 1957, based in the U.S.) and United Artists (founded February 5, 1919, headquartered in New York City).
- **Genres**: Heist film and comedy film.
- **Series**: Part of *The Pink Panther* film series (sitelink count: 39).
- **Preservation**: Added to the National Film Registry (established 1988) for cultural significance.
- **Preceded By**: None (first in the series).
- **Succeeded By**: *A Shot in the Dark* (1964), also directed by Blake Edwards.
- **Aliases**: *Pink Panther*, *La Panthère rose*, *La Panthere rose*.
- **Sitelink Count**: 43 (Wikipedia title: *The Pink Panther* (1963 film)).

## FAQs
- **Who directed The Pink Panther?** Blake Edwards directed the 1963 film, which initiated the long-running series.
- **What genres does the film belong to?** It is classified as both a heist film and a comedy film, blending intricate theft plots with humor.
- **Is The Pink Panther part of a larger series?** Yes, it is the first film in *The Pink Panther* series, which includes multiple sequels and spin-offs.
- **Why was the film preserved?** It was selected for the National Film Registry in recognition of its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.
- **What companies produced the film?** The Mirisch Company and United Artists co-produced the film, both based in the United States.

## Why It Matters
The Pink Panther is significant for launching a beloved film franchise that spanned decades, popularizing the iconic Pink Panther character, and influencing comedic filmmaking. Its inclusion in the National Film Registry underscores its enduring impact on American cinema. The film’s blend of sophisticated humor and stylish heist elements helped redefine the comedy genre, while its success paved the way for future installments and adaptations, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.

## Notable For
- First film in *The Pink Panther* series, establishing the franchise’s tone and characters.
- Successfully merged heist film tropes with comedy, creating a unique genre hybrid.
- Features an iconic score and the debut of the animated Pink Panther cartoon character.
- Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognizing its cultural importance.
- Spawned a long-running series with multiple sequels, including *A Shot in the Dark* (1964).

## Body

### Production Background
The Pink Panther was produced by **The Mirisch Company** (founded in 1957, headquartered in the U.S.) and **United Artists** (established February 5, 1919, in New York City). Both companies played pivotal roles in mid-20th-century American cinema, with United Artists contributing to the film’s distribution.

### Release and Legacy
Released on **January 1, 1963**, the film was directed by **Blake Edwards**, who also helmed its 1964 sequel *A Shot in the Dark*. The movie’s success led to a franchise spanning 11 films, solidifying its place in comedy history. Its preservation in the **National Film Registry** (established in 1988) highlights its lasting influence.

### Genre and Style
As a **heist film**, it features an intricate plot centered on the theft of the titular diamond. Simultaneously, it is a **comedy film**, emphasizing humor through physical comedy and witty dialogue. This dual classification helped broaden its appeal and critical acclaim.

### Related Works
The film is part of *The Pink Panther* series, which includes sequels, remakes, and animated adaptations. Its immediate successor, *A Shot in the Dark* (1964), also directed by Edwards, continued the franchise’s momentum. The series’ sitelink count of 39 reflects its widespread recognition.

### Preservation and Cultural Impact
Inclusion in the **National Film Registry** (1988) ensured the film’s preservation by the Library of Congress. This designation, reserved for films deemed culturally significant, underscores its role in American cinematic heritage. The registry’s annual selections began in 1988, with *The Pink Panther* joining other landmark films in representing historical and artistic achievements.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057413/)
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3. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/rozowa-pantera)
4. [Source](http://www.adorocinema.com/filmes/filme-15189/)
5. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film698549.html)
6. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057413/fullcredits)
7. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze
8. Letterboxd
9. The Movie Database
10. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
11. The Pink Panther. Rotten Tomatoes
12. Google Knowledge Graph
13. The Pink Panther
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15. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/the-pink-panther/)
16. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
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21. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/7272-9E7F-ECE6-72B4-6065-1)
22. Danish Film Database
23. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/85075)
24. Trakt.tv
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