A Shot in the Dark

N.p. N.p., 1963. First Draft script for the 1964 film.

Based on Harry Kurnitz's 1961 American stage adaptation of Marcel Achard's 1960 French play "L'Idiote." One of the funniest films of the 1960s, and the defining installment in the well-loved Pink Panther series. While "A Shot in the Dark" was ably preceded by "The Pink Panther" in 1963, it was the first film to feature the series' underrated maestro: Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Dreyfus (foil to Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau), and the first to truly define the style of the side-splitting installments that would follow. The only script for this film we have ever handled.

Fuchsia wrappers with a die-cut title window in the British style. Title page present, dated 14th October 1963, noted as First Draft, with credit for director Blake Edwards. 173 leaves, with last page of text numbered 170. Mimeograph duplication on eye-rest green stock, rectos only, with several pink revision pages dated October 17, 1963. Pages about Fine, wrapper Near Fine, bound internally with two silver brads, with a worn title label affixed to the binding.

[Book #167069]