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A Shot in the Dark

(1964, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Funny Pink Panther sequal. Older tweens+.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–12

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Inspector Clouseau was never such a lust-driven character as he is here, even though his detective instincts turn out to be correct. Aside from Clouseau's low-key assistant Hercule (Graham Stark, an offscreen buddy of Peter Sellers), everyone else seems to be a caricature, stereotype or buffoon.
  • Violence:

    Numerous murders, all slapsticky and practically bloodless.
  • Sex:

    Mostly euphemistic or discreet talk, in old-time Hollywood fashion, even making light of a possible rape. Inspector Clouseau attempts to go to bed with comely heroine. Comical revelation of multiple adultery in the household where the murder takes place. A nudist-camp scene of the "Austin Powers" variety, with strategically-placed foliage and props hiding all the danger zones.
  • Language:

    No expletives, but one character has a name that sounds exactly like "doo-doo."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Social drinking in a series of night-club settings, leading to one inebriated idyll (and death via poisoned vodka).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About A Shot in the Dark

Parents need to know that Inspector Clouseau attempts to go to bed with the comely heroine. A possible rape is made light of. There is a comical revelation of multiple adultery in the household where a murder takes place. There are numerous murders, all slapsticky and practically bloodless.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the movie's dated and dark-comedy elements. It might be strange for modern audiences to hear rape, marital infidelity, and multiple murder being lighthearted laugh-getters.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Very Good

    This movie was hilarious. Aside from some sexual content, this is a great movie for the entire family. I couldn't stop laughing when I watched it.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in District of Columbia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I laughed!

    Hilarious!

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