Percy's Progress

Percy's Progress, released in 1974, provides a distinct slice of what British comedy looked like in the 1970s. An offbeat farce that dips its toes into irreverent satire and broad humor, this movie is led by versatile actors Leigh Lawson, Elke Sommer, and Denholm Elliott.

Percy's Progress is actually a sequel to the 1971 British comedy "Percy". Leigh Lawson steps into the shoes of the titular character, Percy Edward Anthony, taking over from Hywel Bennett who played this character in the original movie. Percy, who in the first film had undergone the world's first penis transplant, is caught up in an outrageous tale combined with sexual and political satire.

The premise of Percy's Progress is absolutely fantastical, even by comedic standards, thus making it all the more intriguing. The absurdity of the scenario can best be described as a comedic take on post-apocalyptic narratives. The plot gets moving when a freak accident with an experimental foodstuff plunges the world into an international crisis of impotence. Demonstrating the fear of cultural and biological sterility in a farcical way, this film explores themes that reflect deeper socio-political issues of the time.

Leigh Lawson plays the role of Percy with an endearingly cheeky persona deftly slipping between wistfully reflective to physical comedy. The narrative hinges on Percy's status as the world's last "potent" man, drawing comedic mileage from the awkward situations that ensue. His journey takes him from an average Londoner to an international celebrity overnight, offering plentiful setups for comic interplay and social commentary.

Denholm Elliott, known for his performances in Indiana Jones and A Room with a View, impresses the audience with his role as the ambivalent Sir Emmanuel Whitbread, a man struggling with the moral implications of his actions and their effects on society. The other noteworthy performance is from Elke Sommer – the captivating German actress who dazzles as the sensual Clarissa, adding an element of charm and wit to the movie.

With a distinctly British sense of humor that leans into the absurd, Percy's Progress also operates as a sly social satire. The film is not just about laughs but also reflects the anxieties and tensions of the '70s, concerning the notions of masculinity, sexual freedom, and the looming shadow of large-scale industrialisation, all presented with a tongue-in-cheek approach.

While the film is a comedy, it explores the concepts of fame, exploitation, and masculinity, presenting a societal critique wrapped in humor. The influence of government, the media's role in exploiting personal narrative for spectacle, and the absurdity of fame are all lampooned in this comedy gem.

Director Ralph Thomas, known for his work on Doctor series, blends ribald humor and social commentary in Percy's Progress seamlessly. A distinctive aspect of the movie is its early '70s aesthetic which immerses the viewer in that era right from the set designs to the costume styling.

The movie features a score by music director Roy Budd, a proven maestro providing an unforgettable infusion of funk and jazz rhythms. His eclectic music infuses humour and spirit into the storytelling process and enhances the absurd and whimsical tone of the film.

While Percy's Progress does have adult themes and sexual humor, it is an example of how the British film industry in the '70s was not afraid to experiment with bold and off-the-beaten-path themes. It is important to note that its comedy is definitely a product of its time, echoing the more laidback and freewheeling tone of that era's humor. However, for those who appreciate British wit and social satire, the movie is a delightful slice of risqué and irreverent fun.

To sum it up, Percy's Progress is distinct in its style – a sexual comedy that gleefully plays with political and social satire while retaining its charm. It's a quirky, somewhat bawdy, sample of '70s British comedy, offering more than a few laughs along the way. For fans of this era of cinematography, the movie provides a wonderful portrayal of the time, blending social commentary with a heavy dose of humor and encapsulating the energy, tension, and, most importantly, the spirit of the decade.