Curse of the Pink Panther by Roger Moore—as Clouseau himself—at the end of the film. This was David Niven's final film appearance, and he died shortly before its release. This film marked Herbert Lom's sixth outing as Chief Inspector Dreyfus. He would reprise the role one last time in "Son of the Pink Panther" (1993). The prized Pink Panther jewel would not return until "The Pink Panther" reboot in 2006. This film featured the sixth "Panther" appearance of Clouseau's trusty manservant Cato (Burt Kwouk). Cato and Dreyfus debuted in "A Shot in the Dark" (1964). The film was a box office bomb and got negative
The Return of the Pink Panther disliked the idea and offered to buy Edwards out of the second commitment. Edwards wanted to make a second movie; however, in order to help restore his tainted reputation in Hollywood. Grade said he then suggested making a new Pink Panther film and Edwards agreed, if Sellers would also agree to do it. Grade managed to talk Sellers into it and the project was on. UA agreed to give "The Return of the Pink Panther" to Grade in exchange for world distribution and a share of the profits; thereafter, Grade's company would permanently own worldwide rights to the film. Grade