Animation.

The opening title sequence of the Return of the Pink Panther is done in animation although the rest of the film is not. It shows the main character, the detective, and also the missing diamond he tries to find in the movie, the Pink Panther, shown in the title sequence as the very literal interpretation of an actual panther that is pink.


Most of the opening shows the panther putting on a bit of a spectacle and later involved in a wild goose chase with the detective. Because the opening credits are shown as cartoon characters or in animation, it gives the movie that light-hearted, humorous feel.

Because the opening sequence is done in animation, it is made clear from the very start what kind of movie this is. The audience is aware that it is suitable for the entire family and due to the good use of animation to clearly portray the panthers whimsicality and the detectives daftness, they are made very aware that it is a comedy from very early on.

Examples of the animation having a comedic effect are when the panther leaves a button for the detective to push and when he does, ends up covered in a head of suds. Or even something as simple as just moving the eyebrow of the pink panther in a waggling motion.