A Shot in the Dark

Late at night, gunshots echo from Maria's room and Miguel Ostos is found murdered. The household is on edge as residents hide and spy on each other. Inspector Clouseau arrives with Hercule Lajoy, but Commissioner Dreyfus immediately removes him to avoid bungling the case.

The following day, Clouseau is reinstated to lead the investigation, after Dreyfus is pressured by Ballon's influence. He discusses the case with his assistant and insists Maria is innocent, though she remains under surveillance. He arranges for her release from prison to keep her under watch while the case unfolds.

Georges is found dead in the Ballons' greenhouse, a grim clue that widens the mystery. Maria remains under suspicion as evidence appears to implicate her. Clouseau maintains his belief in her innocence while the investigation broadens.

Dudu is killed at a nudist camp, further muddying the case. The investigators again lean toward Maria as the apparent culprit, despite Clouseau's insistence of her innocence. Dreyfus grows more frustrated by the mounting contradictions.

Henri is discovered dead in the closet of Maria's bedroom, a shocking turn that seems to point back at the accused. Clouseau is briefly removed from the case as the trail grows colder. The tension tightens as more clues accumulate against Maria.

Dreyfus begins to suspect Ballon is hiding facts and possibly sheltering someone with Maria's help. Clouseau's theory of Maria's innocence worries the Commissioner, deepening the conflict between them. The investigation becomes a political and personal storm.

Dreyfus orders Clouseau back on the case and the Inspector's nerves begin to fracture at the prospect of an evening with Maria. He experiences a mounting breakdown as the case spirals toward danger. His dedication keeps him stubbornly pursuing the truth.

That night, a stalker makes several abortive attempts on Clouseau's life at multiple locations. The attacks cause chaos and the deaths of several innocents. The heightened danger surrounds the investigation and raises the stakes.

Clouseau confronts the entire Ballon household, hoping to provoke the killer into revealing themselves. The plan backfires in a shocking twist, as the evidence reveals that Maria is innocent in all four murders. The truth behind the deaths begins to surface.

Dominique confesses to Miguel's murder, mistaking him for her husband. Madame LaFarge admits to Georges's murder due to an affair; Simone confesses to Dudu's murder to preserve her relationship; Ballon admits to Henri's murder as part of his hidden affair. Pierre reveals Maurice's blackmailing scheme against Ballon.

It is revealed that Dreyfus himself has been the stalker targeting Clouseau. He plants a bomb in Clouseau's car as the tension peaks. The Inspector remains unaware of the danger as the plan moves toward its climax.

Hercule cuts the lights, plunging the scene into chaos as the Ballons, Madame LaFarge, Pierre, Simone, and Maurice rush to escape in Clouseau's car. The car explodes when they drive away, killing them all and shattering any remaining certainty about innocence. Clouseau's plan seems to end in tragedy.

With the attackers gone and the truth exposed, Dreyfus loses his sanity and is dragged away by Hercule. Clouseau embraces Maria and proclaims her innocent, finally vindicated by the unraveling of the case. The resolution restores Clouseau's faith in his own instincts, though the end remains chaotic.

As Clouseau and Maria share a rare moment of relief, their kiss is interrupted when Cato launches a sudden attack. The moment underscores the continued rivalry and comic tension between Clouseau and his manservant. The case ends on a note of unresolved personal complications.