A Shot in the Dark follows the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau (played by Peter Sellers) as he tries to solve a murder case involving a wealthy man named Benjamin Ballon (played by George Sanders) and his maid, Maria Gambrelli (played by Elke Sommer). Despite all evidence pointing to Maria as the killer, Clouseau believes in her innocence and attempts to clear her name.
Complicating matters is the fact that Clouseau himself is romantically interested in Maria, leading to a series of mishaps as he tries to protect her. Meanwhile, the real killer continues to evade detection, leading to a surprise twist ending.
Along with Sellers, the film features a talented cast that includes Sanders, Sommer, and Herbert Lom as Clouseau's long-suffering superior, Commissioner Charles Dreyfus. The movie's blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and suspenseful mystery helped make it a hit with audiences and cemented the Pink Panther franchise as a lasting cultural phenomenon.