Photos of David Niven and Claudia Cardinale Skiing at Cortina d’Ampezzo During the Filming of “The Pink Panther” (1963)

In January 1963, David Niven and Claudia Cardinale were captured in the picturesque ski resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo during the filming of The Pink Panther. The film, directed by Blake Edwards, would go on to become one of the most iconic comedies of the 1960s, with Niven and Cardinale playing alongside Peter Sellers in this timeless caper. The location in the Italian Alps was perfect for blending the glamorous world of Hollywood with the laid-back, après-ski atmosphere of the time. In the images, both stars effortlessly embody the charm and elegance of the period, with a perfect mix of high-fashion style and casual winter leisure.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” has long been a favorite retreat for the rich and famous, and the location served as an idyllic backdrop for a movie that blended high society and slapstick comedy. The film’s production in the winter of 1963 also coincided with the growing popularity of European ski resorts among celebrities and the burgeoning trend of luxury winter holidays. Niven, already an established British actor known for his suave charm, and Cardinale, a rising Italian starlet, perfectly represented the cosmopolitan flair that the film and its setting demanded. The playful chemistry between the two on and off-screen added to the allure of the movie, making it one of the most memorable films of its era.

The Pink Panther was released in 1964 and would become a defining moment in cinema history. The film’s success not only established Peter Sellers’ portrayal of the bumbling Inspector Clouseau as an iconic role, but it also cemented Niven and Cardinale’s places in the annals of Hollywood legend. The film’s influence extended far beyond its release, spawning a franchise that would carry the charm of these characters well into the 1970s and beyond.