The Inspector
Encyclopedia
The Inspector is a series of 1960s theatrical cartoons produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises
and released through United Artists
. The titular character is based on Jacques Clouseau
, a comical French police officer who is the main character in the Pink Panther
series of films.
's Commissioner Dreyfus character) who holds him in well-deserved contempt.
Pat Harrington, Jr.
, provided the voice (and voiceover narration) for the Inspector and, with the exception of one cartoon, his assistant, a French gendarme
named Deux-Deux (common nickname in French for Eduard or Eduardo). In Spain, the character was named "Totó", and in the Mexican dubbing, Dodó. The name in the English version of the cartoon sounds like Ju-Du. The frustrated Commissioner was voiced by Larry Storch
in the first two cartoons, Paul Frees
in most of the following ones, and Marvin Miller
in the final few cartoons. The first cartoon, The Great DeGaulle Stone Operation
, was the short featured before screenings of the James Bond
film Thunderball
.
While the Inspector character design remained basically the same throughout the DePatie-Freleng shorts, and was used in the opening credit sequence of the 1968 live-action film Inspector Clouseau (which had Alan Arkin
standing in for Peter Sellers as the title character), the Inspector featured in the opening titles of the later Pink Panther features changed dramatically over the years.
The music used for the titles of the cartoon was the song "A Shot in the Dark" by Henry Mancini
, borrowed from the 1964 feature film of the same name
(the second entry in the Pink Panther film series). The other music in the shows was composed initially by William Lava
, then by Walter Greene
later on. Two shorts had their own unique version of the theme music, Napoleon Blown-Aparte and Cock-A-Doodle Deux Deux.
All 34 entries appeared during the inaugural season (1969-1970) of The Pink Panther Show
. For new bumper sequences, The Inspector (now voiced by Marvin Miller
) is featured trying to capture The Pink Panther
. Reruns of The Inspector and The Pink Panther Show currently air on the channels Boomerang
, This TV
and Animania
.
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
/20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
.
A DVD set titled Pink Panther and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection released on January 27, 2009 MGM Home Entertainment
contains the first set of 17 shorts and a volume 2 containing the last 17 shorts.
voiced by Brian George
. The Inspector often works alongside the Pink Panther when he is depicted in the law enforcement.
DePatie-Freleng Enterprises
DePatie-Freleng Enterprises was a Hollywood-based animation production company, active from 1963 to 1981. They produced theatrical cartoons, animated series, commercials, title sequences and television specials. Notable among these is The Pink Panther film titles and cartoon shorts and the Dr....
and released through United Artists
United Artists
United Artists Corporation is an American film studio. The original studio of that name was founded in 1919 by D. W. Griffith, Charles Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks....
. The titular character is based on Jacques Clouseau
Inspector Clouseau
Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau is a fictional character in Blake Edwards' The Pink Panther series. In most of the films, he was played by Peter Sellers, with one film in which he was played by Alan Arkin and one in which he was played by an uncredited Roger Moore...
, a comical French police officer who is the main character in the Pink Panther
The Pink Panther
The Pink Panther is a series of comedy films featuring the bungling French police detective Jacques Clouseau that began in 1963 with the release of the film of the same name. The role was originated by, and is most closely associated with, Peter Sellers...
series of films.
Plot
Although the titular character was never given a name, in contrast to the completely inept Inspector Clouseau, the cartoon character was generally competent, if prone to moments of bad judgement. The cartoons' humor came from the sometimes surreal villains and situations the Inspector was exposed to, with a healthy dose of stylized cartoon slapstick. Through these difficult circumstances, criminals often get the better of him and he must face the wrath of his ill-tempered, bullying Commissioner (who is clearly based on Herbert LomHerbert Lom
Herbert Lom is a Czech film actor, best known for his role as former Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus in the Pink Panther movie series.-Life and career:...
's Commissioner Dreyfus character) who holds him in well-deserved contempt.
Pat Harrington, Jr.
Pat Harrington, Jr., is an American voice, stage, and television actor most popularly known for his role as building superintendent "Schneider" on the CBS sitcom One Day At A Time. He is the son of Pat Harrington, Sr.- Biography :...
, provided the voice (and voiceover narration) for the Inspector and, with the exception of one cartoon, his assistant, a French gendarme
Gendarme
A Gendarme is a member of a gendarmerie; the word is often incorrectly used to refer to any French policeman or pikeman.Gendarme can also mean:* Gendarme , French medieval or early modern cavalryman...
named Deux-Deux (common nickname in French for Eduard or Eduardo). In Spain, the character was named "Totó", and in the Mexican dubbing, Dodó. The name in the English version of the cartoon sounds like Ju-Du. The frustrated Commissioner was voiced by Larry Storch
Larry Storch
Lawrence Samuel "Larry" Storch is an American actor best known for his comic television roles, including voice-over work for top cartoon shows, including Mr...
in the first two cartoons, Paul Frees
Paul Frees
Paul Frees was an American voice actor and character actor.-Biography:He was born Solomon Hersh Frees in Chicago...
in most of the following ones, and Marvin Miller
Marvin Miller
Marvin Julian Miller is a former executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association , from 1966 to 1982. Under Miller's direction, the players' union was transformed into one of the strongest unions in the United States...
in the final few cartoons. The first cartoon, The Great DeGaulle Stone Operation
The Great DeGaulle Stone Operation
The Great De Gaulle Stone Operation was the first short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. On release, it was attached to the James Bond film Thunderball .The title is a play on words, being both a pun on the term, "gallstone", and a...
, was the short featured before screenings of the James Bond
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
film Thunderball
Thunderball (film)
Thunderball is the fourth spy film in the James Bond series starring Sean Connery as the fictional MI6 agent James Bond. It is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Ian Fleming, which in turn was based on an original screenplay by Jack Whittingham...
.
While the Inspector character design remained basically the same throughout the DePatie-Freleng shorts, and was used in the opening credit sequence of the 1968 live-action film Inspector Clouseau (which had Alan Arkin
Alan Arkin
Alan Wolf Arkin is an American actor, director, musician and singer. He is known for starring in such films as Wait Until Dark, The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Catch-22, The In-Laws, Edward Scissorhands, Glengarry Glen Ross, Marley & Me, and...
standing in for Peter Sellers as the title character), the Inspector featured in the opening titles of the later Pink Panther features changed dramatically over the years.
The music used for the titles of the cartoon was the song "A Shot in the Dark" by Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini
Henry Mancini was an American composer, conductor and arranger, best remembered for his film and television scores. He won a record number of Grammy Awards , plus a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously in 1995...
, borrowed from the 1964 feature film of the same name
A Shot in the Dark (1964 film)
A Shot in the Dark is a 1964 comedy film directed by Blake Edwards and is the second installment in the Pink Panther series. Peter Sellers is featured again as Inspector Jacques Clouseau of the French Sûreté...
(the second entry in the Pink Panther film series). The other music in the shows was composed initially by William Lava
William Lava
William "Bill" B. Lava was a musical composer and arranger who worked on the Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies animated cartoons from 1962 onwards, replacing the deceased Milt Franklyn. Lava's music was very different from that of Franklyn and previous composer Carl Stalling...
, then by Walter Greene
Walter Greene
Walter Greene was a film and television composer who worked on numerous productions for over 30 years.-Career:...
later on. Two shorts had their own unique version of the theme music, Napoleon Blown-Aparte and Cock-A-Doodle Deux Deux.
All 34 entries appeared during the inaugural season (1969-1970) of The Pink Panther Show
The Pink Panther Show
The Pink Panther Show is a showcase of cartoon shorts produced by David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng between 1969 and 1979. The television series was produced by Mirisch Films and DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, and was broadcast on two American TV networks:...
. For new bumper sequences, The Inspector (now voiced by Marvin Miller
Marvin Miller (actor)
Marvin Elliott Miller was an American film and voice-over actor. Possessing a deep, baritone voice, he began his career in radio in St. Louis, Missouri before becoming a Hollywood actor...
) is featured trying to capture The Pink Panther
The Pink Panther (character)
The Pink Panther is the main and title character in the opening and closing credit sequences of every film in The Pink Panther series except for A Shot in the Dark and Inspector Clouseau. His popularity spawned a series of theatrical shorts, merchandise, a comic book, and television cartoons...
. Reruns of The Inspector and The Pink Panther Show currently air on the channels Boomerang
Boomerang (TV channel)
Boomerang is a 24-hour American cable television channel owned by Turner Broadcasting System, a division of Time Warner. Boomerang specializes in reruns of animated programming from Time Warner's extensive archives, including pre-1986 MGM, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises...
, This TV
This TV
This TV is a United States general entertainment television network, with a large emphasis in its programming on movies....
and Animania
Animania HD
Animania HD was an American television network that showed animation from the newest series, specials and anime produced in high definition to cartoon classics re-mastered into HD. Programming included original series Pet Alien, Ratz, Lola & Virginia as well as classic cartoons like The Pink...
.
List of shorts
NOTE: The initials after each title indicate the director. FF=Friz Freleng, GC=Gerry Chiniquy, RM=Robert McKimson, GS=George Singer.1965
- 01 The Great DeGaulle Stone OperationThe Great DeGaulle Stone OperationThe Great De Gaulle Stone Operation was the first short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. On release, it was attached to the James Bond film Thunderball .The title is a play on words, being both a pun on the term, "gallstone", and a...
12/21/65 (FF, co-directed by GC) - The Inspector guards the famous diamond from the three-headed jewel thief (the Brothers Matz-O'Reilly, individually named Weft, Wight and Wong).
1966
- 02 Reaux, Reaux, Reaux Your BoatReaux, Reaux, Reaux Your BoatReaux, Reaux, Reaux Your Boat is the second short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:...
2/1/66 (GC) - The Inspector is after the notorious smuggler Captain Clamity (a clam with legs). - 03 Napoleon Blown-AparteNapoleon Blown-AparteNapoleon Blown-Aparte is the third short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:...
2/2/66 (GC) - A mad bomber escapes from Le Prison and wants to get even with the man who put him there, the Commissioner. With an endless supply of bombs, he keeps blowing the Commissioner up, with the Inspector's unwitting help. In the end the villain is revealed to be an anthropomorphic bomb who detonates himself. - 04 Cirrhosis of the LouvreCirrhosis of the LouvreCirrhosis of the Louvre is the fourth short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:...
3/9/66 (GC) - The Blotch (a red blob of paint) threatens to steal all the paintings from the Louvre. - 05 Plastered in ParisPlastered in ParisPlastered in Paris is the fifth short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Laugh track:...
4/5/66 (GC) - The Inspector chases the man known as "X" around the world. "X" turns out to be Capitan Dumont, their new physical training instructor. - 06 Cock-A-Doodle Deux DeuxCock-A-Doodle Deux DeuxCock-A-Doodle Deux Deux is the sixth short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Laugh track:...
6/15/66 (RM) - The huge diamond 'The Plymouth Rock' has been stolen and the suspects are chickens. - 07 Ape Suzette 6/24/66 (GC) - The Inspector thinks he is fighting a little man but an ape gets in all the punches.
- 08 The Pique Poquette of Paris 8/25/66 (GS) - Spider Pierre (who has four arms and a spider-web gun) picks pockets, especially those of the Inspector.
- 09 Sicque! Sicque! Sicque! 9/23/66 (GS) - In the house of a mad scientist, Deux Deux drinks a flask of something and keeps changing into a big green monster who beats up and shoots the Inspector.
- 10 That's No Lady, That's Notre Dame 10/26/66 (GS) - Trying to catch a purse snatcher, the Inspector disguises himself as a woman and falls afoul of the Commissioner's wife.
- 11 Unsafe and Seine 11/9/66 (GS) - The Inspector is told his life is in danger and he must meet with an agent.
- 12 Toulouse La Trick 12/30/66 (RM) - The Inspector handcuffs himself to Toulouse Le Moose and throws away the key so he cannot escape him. Toulouse drags the handcuffed Inspector through very rough terrain.
1967
- 13 Sacre Bleu CrossSacre Bleu CrossLa Feet's Defeat is the thirteenth short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969-Plot:...
2/1/67 (GC) - When they go after Hassan the Assassin, Deux-Deux gives The Inspector an unlucky rabbit's foot. - 14 Le Quiet Squad 5/17/67 (RM) - The Commissioner is overworked and needs absolute quiet or he goes into uncontrolled fits of temper. The Inspector is assigned to look after him, but has trouble with a noisy cat.
- 15 Bomb Voyage 5/22/67 (RM) - The Inspector and Deux-Deux go to the planet Yornova to rescue the Commissioner, who has been kidnapped by aliens.
- 16 Le Pig-Al PatrolLe Pig-Al PatrolLe Pig-Al Patrol is the sixteenth short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:The Inspector tries to stop a band of motorcyclists lead by "Pig Al" from disturbing the peace....
5/24/67 (GC) - The Inspector is sent after biker Pig Al and his biker gang. - 17 Le Bowser Bagger 5/30/67 (GC) - The Inspector is given Private Bowser, a very energetic dog, in his efforts to track down a thief.
- 18 Le Escape Goat 6/29/67 (GC) - Sacked for letting Louie Le Fink escape, the Inspector tries to stop Le Fink from taking vengeance on the Commissioner, but ends up becoming part of the manhunt himself.
- 19 Le Cop on Le Rocks 7/3/67 (GS) - The Inspector is mistaken for a bank robber who is his double.
- 20 Crow De Guerre 8/16/67 (GC) - The Inspector is continually outwitted by a crow that steals jewels.
- 21 Canadian Can-CanCanadian Can-CanCanadian Can-Can is the 21st short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:...
9/20/67 (GC) - Sent to Canada on an exchange programme, the Inspector is sent after Two-Faced Harry, who has an "innocent" face on his front and an evil face on his back. - 22 Tour De Farce 10/25/67 (GC) - Through his own fault, the Inspector is stranded on Deserted Island with the convict Mack Le Truck, who is trying to kill him.
- 23 The Shooting of Caribou Lou 12/20/67 (GC) - On holiday in Canada as a Mountie, the Inspector is kidnapped by the diminutive but aggressive fur trapper Caribou Lou.
1968
- 24 London DerriereLondon DerriereLondon Derriere is the 24th short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969.-Plot:...
2/7/68 (GC) - Having chased jewel thief Louie Le Swine around the world, the Inspector tries to nab him in London. Unfortunately, he runs afoul of the no-gun laws and a British Police Captain. - 25 Les Miserobots 3/21/68 (GC) - The Inspector is fired after being replaced by an efficient police robot. He tries to destroy it, but his attempts backfire. In the end the robot does such a good job that the Commissioner loses his job as well, and joins the Inspector in a skid-row soup kitchen.
- 26 Transylvania Mania 3/26/68 (GC) - The Inspector is sent to find a scientist who is making monsters without a licence. The scientist is a vampire who needs a brain for his latest monster, and the Inspector arrives at just the right moment.
- 27 Bear De Guerre 4/26/68 (GC) - The Inspector goes quail hunting but runs afoul of a disagreeable bear.
- 28 Cherche Le Phantom 6/13/68 (GC) - The Inspector looks for the Phantom, and finds the crook is an escaped gorilla who happens to be an opera buff.
- 29 Le Great Dane Robbery 7/7/68 (GC) - A stolen code book is hidden in an embassy, with a very large dog named "Tiny" guarding it.
- 30 La Feet's DefeatLa Feet's DefeatLa Feet's Defeat is the thirty-first short in the Inspector series of theatrical cartoons. A total of 34 entries were produced between 1965 and 1969-Notes:...
7/24/68 (GC) - The Inspector and Deux-Deux follow the footprints of Muddy La Feet and encounter many booby traps, which Deux-Deux sets off. The crook turns out to be the Commissioner, playing a prank on the Inspector. This is the only time that the Inspector accepts Deux-Deux's Spanish. - 31 Le Ball and Chain Gang 7/24/68 (GC) - The Inspector tries to get into the house of an argumentative couple.
1969
- 32 French Freud 1/22/69 (GC) - A crooked Russian actress and her "maid" (i.e. husband in drag) are trying to kill the Inspector to get at the Du Barry diamond, which he is guarding under his hat.
- 33 Pierre and Cottage Cheese 2/26/69 (GC) - The Inspector takes the very bad advice of a Chinese robot on how to break into a house where Dirty Pierre Le Punk is reportedly hiding.
- 34 Carte Blanched 5/14/69 (GC) - The Inspector has a guilty conscience over an unreturned shopping cart (apparently brought on by a malignant voiceover), which everyone thinks he has stolen.
Voices
- Pat Harrington, Jr.Pat Harrington, Jr.Pat Harrington, Jr., is an American voice, stage, and television actor most popularly known for his role as building superintendent "Schneider" on the CBS sitcom One Day At A Time. He is the son of Pat Harrington, Sr.- Biography :...
- The Inspector, Deux-Deux - Paul FreesPaul FreesPaul Frees was an American voice actor and character actor.-Biography:He was born Solomon Hersh Frees in Chicago...
- The Commissioner (1966–1967) - Don MessickDon MessickDonald Earl "Don" Messick was an American voice actor best known for his work for Hanna-Barbera. Perhaps his most well-known voice creations include Scooby-Doo, Papa Smurf, and Dr. Benton Quest....
- Deux-Deux (La Feet's Defeat) - Larry StorchLarry StorchLawrence Samuel "Larry" Storch is an American actor best known for his comic television roles, including voice-over work for top cartoon shows, including Mr...
- The Commissioner (1965–1966) (The Great DeGaulle Stone Operation, Napoleon Blown-Aparte) - Marvin MillerMarvin Miller (actor)Marvin Elliott Miller was an American film and voice-over actor. Possessing a deep, baritone voice, he began his career in radio in St. Louis, Missouri before becoming a Hollywood actor...
- The Commissioner (1967, 1968–1969), The Inspector, Deux Deux (The Pink Panther Show) - Mark Skor - The Commissioner (1967) (Canadian Can-Can)
DVD release
A DVD containing the first seventeen shorts was released on March 4, 2008 from MGM Home EntertainmentMGM Home Entertainment
MGM Home Entertainment is the home video and DVD arm of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.-History:The home video division of MGM started in 1979 as MGM Home Video, releasing all the movies and TV shows by MGM. In 1980, MGM joined forces with CBS Video Enterprises, the home video division of the CBS television...
/20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is the home video distribution arm of the 20th Century Fox film studio. It was established in 1976 as Magnetic Video Corporation, and later as 20th Century Fox Video, CBS/Fox Video and FoxVideo, Inc....
.
A DVD set titled Pink Panther and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection released on January 27, 2009 MGM Home Entertainment
MGM Home Entertainment
MGM Home Entertainment is the home video and DVD arm of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.-History:The home video division of MGM started in 1979 as MGM Home Video, releasing all the movies and TV shows by MGM. In 1980, MGM joined forces with CBS Video Enterprises, the home video division of the CBS television...
contains the first set of 17 shorts and a volume 2 containing the last 17 shorts.
Other appearances
The Inspector also appears in the 1993-95 syndicated TV series, The Pink PantherThe Pink Panther (1993 TV series)
The Pink Panther is a 1993 animated television series. It was credited as a co-production of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Animation, Mirisch-Geoffrey DePatie-Freleng and United Artists .-Plot:This version stars the legendary hip feline in new adventures...
voiced by Brian George
Brian George
Brian George is a British-Israeli actor and voice actor for Indian accents, who typically plays guest roles for characters of South Asian descent. Perhaps his most famous role is as Pakistani restaurateur Babu Bhatt on Seinfeld.-Early life:...
. The Inspector often works alongside the Pink Panther when he is depicted in the law enforcement.