A Shot in the Dark (1964 film) because Sellers is a clever comedian and never that painful to take. But enough is enough already." Richard L. Coe of "The Washington Post" called it "a hardworking comedy," adding "While the lines are bright and sometimes blue, the real fun comes from sight gags, an old if neglected film ingredient." "The Monthly Film Bulletin" wrote, "Where "The Pink Panther" had style and a certain subtlety, its successor ... can substitute only slapstick of the crudest kind. As the bumbling inspector, Sellers is this time absolutely out of hand, his principal—and endlessly repeated—gag being to fall with a resounding splash
A Shot in the Dark (Homicide: Life on the Street) was also adapted from true-life events in Simon's book, although "Homicide" writers added the twist of Crosetti taking the case personally based on his close friendship with the victim. Edie Falco made a guest appearance in "A Shot in the Dark" as Officer Thormann's wife Eva. Fontana cast Falco after watching her performance in "Laws of Gravity" (1992). Fontana said of her, "She's an actress who's unadorned by any embroidery. She does everything with such simplicity and honesty, it's breathtaking." Falco was a struggling actor at the time, and said her salary from one "Homicide" episode paid for one month's