Watch Percy's Progress

Percy's Progress is a British comedy film from 1974 that tells the story of a shy and reserved young man named Percy Edward Anthony who, after winning the lottery, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual exploration. The movie begins with Percy (Leigh Lawson) leading a mundane and unremarkable life as a librarian, but things change when he wins an unexpected fortune in the lottery. Suddenly, he has the means to pursue his wildest dreams, including a quest to lose his virginity.

Percy's first attempt at sex with a prostitute ends in disaster, and even his subsequent encounters with a variety of sexually liberated women don't quite go as planned. But despite these setbacks, Percy remains determined to learn the ways of the world and embrace his newfound freedom.

Throughout the film, Percy is guided by various mentors, including a German nymphomaniac (Elke Sommer) and a wise old man named Edwin (Denholm Elliott), both of whom help him navigate the seemingly insurmountable challenges of his journey.

As Percy's experiences become more and more extreme, he begins to question whether the pursuit of pleasure and sensation is really worth sacrificing his own values and beliefs. At the same time, he must confront the fact that his newfound wealth has attracted the attention of unscrupulous con artists and opportunists, who threaten to undo all of his hard-won gains.

Percy's Progress is a bawdy and irreverent film that satirizes the sexual mores of the era while also exploring deeper themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness. Leigh Lawson delivers a nuanced and sympathetic performance as Percy, a character who is both charming and pitiable, and the supporting cast is equally strong, with Elke Sommer and Denholm Elliott in particular providing excellent comedic and dramatic support.

Overall, Percy's Progress is a funny, poignant, and thought-provoking film that offers a window into the social and cultural upheavals of its time while also providing a timeless meditation on the nature of human desire and fulfillment.