The recent remake of the 1960s caper Gambit, starring Colin Firth, Alan Rickman and Cameron Diaz, has drawn comparisons to the work to Blake Edwards, whose Pink Panther films continue to bring joy to millions. While Gambit’s reviews have been decidedly lukewarm it has performed fairly handsomely at the box office, meaning that it’s only a matter of time before Hollywood’s ruthless remake machine turns on Edwards’ back catalogue.

The question is: which of Edwards’ films could perhaps prove worthwhile as a remake? Obviously the Pink Panther series is out of the picture, at least for now, with the two Steve Martin films failing to set the world alight. And while there are many talented young actresses out there who could step into Audrey Hepburn’s shoes, a remake of Breakfast at Tiffany’s is unlikely considering the Oscar success of the original. At the very least, the powers-that-be might wait and see how Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatbsy will fare before making a decision.

Much of Edwards’ back catalogue hasn’t had the attention it deserves. Far too few people have experienced his gritty side in Days of Wine and Roses, or seen the slow-motion-running-on-a-beach done properly in 10. But there is one film nestled among the Pink Panthers that has gained enough attention to make a remake a distinct possibility. That film is The Party, Edwards’ third collaboration with Peter Sellers which is equal parts a tribute to silent films and a good old-fashioned farce.

So is now the time for Hollywood to come back to The Party, or could that result in the mother of all hangovers (pun intended)?

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