What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton

The play is a farcical comedy that delves into the chaotic world of Dr. Prentice, a psychiatrist, whose attempts to seduce his attractive prospective secretary, Geraldine Barclay, spiral out of control with the unexpected arrival of his wife, the government inspector Dr. Rance, and a bellboy who blackmails him. Set in a psychiatric clinic, the plot involves mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and ludicrous misunderstandings. The narrative satirizes the absurdities of psychiatry, sexual mores, and the British establishment, culminating in a whirlwind of comic situations that challenge social norms and the concept of "normalcy."

The 6120th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 64

Since this book was first published in 1969, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 64.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.