The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)
This is the 5th film in the pink panther series although the continuity is somewhat confused as there is one film made without Sellers or director Blake Edwards being involved. In the interviening films the character of Dreyfus has been introduced as Clouseau's superior and in the 4th film was driven insane by Clouseau's blundering. Strikes Again opens with Dreyfus about to be released from the nut house before Clouseau turns up to put in a good word for him and sends him back over the edge. Once insane again Dreyfus because a criminal mastermind and holds the world to ransom in exchange for the head of his nemesis.
There is a fairly big drop off in quality when comparing this film to the original. What I think is the biggest problem here is that when you make Clouseau the main character and the antagonist also insane there is no contrast to play off, no straight man. The plot itself is fairly stupid and does not really provide a coherent frame work for the comedy, there are some laughs but they are fewer in number and fit less naturally into the story.
3/5 worth watching if you are a fan of the series but not worth seeking out otherwise.
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