7. The Pink Panther
For a long time I was embarrassed to admit that as a child, I could not understand why The Pink Panther movie only featured the cartoon character briefly. Thankfully now that Im older I know that I was not the only one and the credit sequence to this movie, the first in the series is the reason why so many of us wandered about the cartoon panther. Being made in the early 60s this is most certainly a pioneer in the production of opening credits, incorporating an animated sequence into a live action film, yet presenting the tone that the rest of the moviee and series would follow. Viewed in hindsight this credit sequence also presents an interesting juxtaposition from the sequels that would follow, like the rest of the film Inspector Clouseau is present but he is not the lead. As the camera zooms in on the Pink Panther diamond, an image of the panther comes to life and backed up by the iconic theme song, begins to take part in the credit sequence. Clouseau appears briefly-chasing after the panther- but unlike later sequences, which would play up the game of cat and mouse, the rest of the credits were about the panther. Due to the lack of Clouseau the panther is the butt of the joke, a mischievous, egomaniacal idiot. He is constantly trying to get attention by vandalising the credits with his name and taking part in a number of activities, only to be thwarted and made to look the fool. His attempt to conduct an orchestra is thwarted, a photo opportunity is ruined and a gun that he tries to fire after messing with Blake Edwardss credit blows up in his face.