The Pink Panther is a 1963 American comedy film directed by Blake Edwards, who co-wrote the script with Maurice Richlin. Produced by The Mirisch Company and distributed by United Artists, it is the first installment in The Pink Panther franchise. A co-production between Italy and United States, it stars an ensemble cast led by David Niven, Peter Sellers, Robert Wagner, Capucine and Claudia Cardinale. Its story follows Inspector Jacques Clouseau (Sellers) as he travels from Paris to Cortina d'Ampezzo to catch a notorious jewel thief known as "The Phantom" (Niven) before he is able to steal a priceless diamond known as "The Pink Panther".