Princess Dala (Cardinale) possesses one of the world's most precious diamonds, which is known as the Pink Panther (so called because an image of a pink panther may be seen if one stares into the diamond). Suave jewel thief Sir Charles Lytton (Niven), also known as the Phantom, is in hot pursuit of the diamond. Meanwhile, the bungling French detective, Inspector Clouseau (Sellers), pursues Sir Charles, who has successfully eluded him for 15 years. Little does Clouseau know, his own wife (Capucine) is having an affair with Sir Charles. To complicate matters, Lytton's nephew (Robert Wagner) arrives on the scene to follow in his uncle's footsteps. What follows is classic farce and slapstick. It is hard to believe today that the star of The Pink Panther was supposed to be David Niven. Peter Sellers, who was relatively unknown to American audiences at the time, stole the movie with his characterisation of Inspector Clouseau, and his popularity led to numerous sequels. Henry Mancini's theme music is instantly recognisable. The film also popularised the animated pink panther that appears during the screen credits (which led to its own TV series in 1969).