Watch Percy

Percy is a 1971 British comedy film directed by Ralph Thomas and starring Hywel Bennett, Denholm Elliott, Elke Sommer, and Britt Ekland. The film tells the story of Edwin (Hywel Bennett), a naive young man who gets a penis transplant after accidentally severing his own. He becomes the subject of media attention as he struggles to adjust to life with his new member, encountering a range of comical situations along the way.

The movie opens with Edwin, a lowly bank clerk who is deeply embarrassed by his small penis, and who is also thoroughly in love with his colleague, Angela (Britt Ekland). One day, after a mishap with a pair of scissors, Edwin is left without his manhood. After an unsuccessful search for a suitable donor, he ends up receiving a new penis from a deceased American, whose widow and daughter are less than thrilled with the idea.

As soon as Edwin's operation becomes public knowledge, he becomes a media sensation. He is hounded by reporters and exploited by celebrity agents, who want him to appear in various shows and interviews. Meanwhile, Edwin's love for Angela is complicated by the presence of the media, his unusual anatomy, and a new love interest, Helga (Elke Sommer), a glamorous German model who becomes infatuated with him.

As Edwin struggles to adjust to his new life, he finds himself embroiled in a series of absurd and often hilarious situations. He becomes the target of a gang of thugs who accost him in a public toilet, participates in a cheesy game show, and becomes a pawn in a complex political scheme involving Helga's father, a powerful German politician.

Despite the farcical nature of the film, which frequently borders on the absurd, it also touches on more serious themes. Edwin's initial insecurity and shame about his body is contrasted with his newfound confidence and self-assurance after the operation. The media frenzy surrounding his surgery raises questions about privacy and the rights of individuals, while the relationship between Helga and her father highlights the tensions between politics and personal integrity.

The film's cast is excellent, with Hywel Bennett delivering a nuanced portrayal of the hapless Edwin. Denholm Elliott is hilarious as Edwin's doctor, who grapples with the ethical questions raised by the transplant, while Elke Sommer is suitably glamorous and seductive. Britt Ekland is also excellent in her role as Angela, capturing both the warmth and vulnerability of her character.

Ultimately, Percy is a lighthearted romp that manages to combine humor with a gentle exploration of a range of complex themes. The film's underlying message of acceptance and self-love is delivered with a light touch, and the movie as a whole is sure to raise a few laughs for even the most serious-minded viewer.