Percy's Progress (1974) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Percy's attempt to escape public and governmental control is repeatedly undermined as others treat his perceived physical distinction as a national or commercial resource.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Private Scandal Made Public

Percy's divorce hearing exposes his affairs, including his relationship with Clarissa. Investigator Jeffcott confronts him as his private life becomes entangled with legal trouble.

Key Events

• Divorce Hearing Exposes Affairs — Percy's divorce hearing makes his numerous affairs, including his relationship with Clarissa, public. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Clarissa Location: Courtroom
• Jeffcott Confronts Percy — Investigator Jeffcott confronts Percy amid the fallout from his private life becoming public. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Jeffcott Location: Unspecified

A National Concern Emerges

A government-linked investigation finds male rabbits impotent, causing alarm and efforts to reach Dr. Klein. Dr. Anderson brings news that makes Percy's perceived potency a public and political issue.

Key Events

• Rabbit Tests Reveal Impotence — A government-linked investigation finds that male rabbits are impotent, alarming officials. Characters: Dr. Anderson / Australian TV Lady, Dr. Klein Location: Unspecified
• Officials Seek Dr. Klein — The rabbit-test discovery prompts frantic efforts to reach Dr. Klein. Characters: Dr. Anderson / Australian TV Lady, Dr. Klein Location: Unspecified
• Anderson Delivers the News — Dr. Anderson brings news that makes Percy's perceived potency a public concern. Characters: Dr. Anderson / Australian TV Lady, Percy Edward Anthony Location: Unspecified

The State Claims Percy

The Prime Minister and associates treat Percy as a source of national pride, while the press and crowds join the excitement. Percy resists being used, but officials continue to pursue and manage him.

Key Events

• Percy Becomes a National Resource — The Prime Minister and associates treat Percy's supposed distinction as a source of national pride. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Prime Minister Location: Unspecified
• Public Excitement Grows — The press and crowds join the excitement surrounding Percy. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Prime Minister Location: Unspecified
• Percy Rejects State Use — Percy resists being used for England or its institutions. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Prime Minister Location: Unspecified
• Authorities Pursue Percy — Officials continue pursuing Percy and manage his movements as though his body belongs to the Crown. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Prime Minister Location: Unspecified

A Disappearance That Fails

Percy stages his death at sea to escape attention and wonders whether he might eventually find Clarissa. His disappearance does not end the pursuit, and he is drawn into another scheme.

Key Events

• Percy Stages His Death — Percy stages his death at sea in an attempt to disappear from public attention. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony Location: At sea
• Percy Hopes to Find Clarissa — After disappearing, Percy wonders whether he might eventually find Clarissa. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Clarissa Location: Unspecified
• Crowds Still Call for Percy — Percy's disappearance does not end public attention; people still gather and call for him. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony Location: Unspecified

A New Unresolved Arrangement

Percy is transported under guard while his pursuers try to prevent him from escaping. He is introduced to Miss Hanson and Stavos Mammonian, whose investment interest is left unresolved.

Key Events

• Percy Is Caught in Another Scheme — Percy is caught up in another scheme despite his attempt to escape attention. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony Location: Unspecified
• Guarded Transport — Percy is transported under guard with an older woman while his pursuers try to prevent his escape. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony Location: In transit
• Mammonian Assesses Percy — Percy is introduced to Miss Hanson and Stavos Mammonian, who considers him a potential investment. Characters: Percy Edward Anthony, Miss Hanson, Stavos Mammonian Location: Unspecified

Story Breakdown

• Scandal and Scrutiny — Percy's private affairs become public, drawing legal attention.
  • Divorce Hearing — The hearing reveals Percy's numerous affairs, including his relationship with Clarissa.
  • Jeffcott's Confrontation — Investigator Jeffcott confronts Percy amid his legal troubles.
• Rabbit Test Alarm — A government-linked finding prompts concern and an urgent search for Dr. Klein.
  • Impotent Rabbits — The investigation finds that male rabbits are impotent.
  • Urgent Contact — Officials make frantic efforts to reach Dr. Klein.
• Percy as Resource — Officials turn Percy's perceived potency into a public and political matter.
  • Anderson's News — Dr. Anderson brings news of the rabbit investigation.
  • National Pride — The Prime Minister and associates regard Percy as a source of national pride.
• Public Attention Swells — The press and crowds join the excitement surrounding Percy.
  • Press Interest — The press participates in the public attention around Percy.
  • Crowds Gather — People gather and call for Percy, including after his attempted disappearance.
• Resistance and Pursuit — Percy resists state control, but authorities continue to pursue and manage him.
  • Rejecting State Use — Percy resists being used for England or its institutions.
  • Managed Movements — Officials treat his movements as though his body belongs to the Crown.
• Staged Disappearance — Percy attempts to leave public attention behind, while retaining hope of finding Clarissa.
  • Death at Sea — Percy stages his death at sea in an attempt to disappear.
  • Thoughts of Clarissa — After disappearing, Percy wonders whether he might eventually find Clarissa.
• Another Scheme — Percy's disappearance does not prevent him from being caught up in further plans.
  • Pursuit Continues — People continue to call for Percy, and he becomes caught up in another scheme.
  • Guarded Transport — Percy is transported under guard while pursuers try to prevent his escape.
• Investment Proposal — The closing events introduce a possible commercial interest in Percy but do not resolve its purpose.
  • Meeting Miss Hanson — Percy is introduced to Miss Hanson during the closing events.
  • Mammonian's Assessment — Stavos Mammonian assesses Percy as a potential investment.

Directed by

Ralph Thomas

Key Cast

• Leigh Lawson — Percy Edward Anthony
• Elke Sommer — Clarissa
• Denholm Elliott — Sir Emmanuel Whitbread
• Judy Geeson — Dr. Fairweather
• Harry H. Corbett — Prime Minister