Beyonce: Behind the Scenes of 'Pink Panther'

June 4, 2004 -- On the set of the new Pink Panther movie, Beyoncé Knowles has grown to admire the ability of co-star Steve Martin to both star in the movie and make changes in the script as he goes along.

"You know, his mind is always working," Knowles said.

Martin plays the starring role of Inspector Clouseau and is co-writing the script of the new movie, which comes out next summer. Beyoncé plays — surprise — a pop singer and Clouseau's love interest.

Even off the set, she sounds a bit enamored with Martin.

"First of all he, he's so professional," Knowles said. "And he clicked into his character, and it's amazing to watch that before your eyes."

During rehearsals, Martin would change from actor to writer.

"We would do certain things, and he would change it just on the spot and pull out his computer and that's amazing, because I love writers, and I would love to do that one day," Knowles said.

When Martin watches Knowles perform, he is also taken back.

"I see incredible freshness," Martin said. "And I don't mean freshness, forwardness. I mean freshness like a flower. And a great spontaneity and great youth, energy and charm."

Then, in the middle of his gushing, Martin can't resist making a wisecrack.

"Wait, I was talking about myself," he joked.

For his latest role, Martin morphs into the distinctively French — and decidedly mustached — Inspector Clouseau, on the hunt for the infamous Pink Panther diamond. Knowles plays pop superstar Xania, who is set on capturing Clouseau's heart and always dressed to kill.

"They did a great job, the best costumes," Knowles said. "It's one of the things that attracted me to this. They brought some of the sketches and I was like, 'Oh my God!'"

Lighting Up the Screen

Both say they have natural on-screen chemistry.

"Well I think she's nuts about me," Martin joked.

"Yes, yes, yes," Knowles said, laughing. "You're very, very sexy."

In addition to being a pop star, Knowles' character is also a possible murder suspect — but an attractive one.