16mm Film WHAT THE PEEPER SAW (1972) Britt Ekland Deliciously Bizarre Thriller

Description

On the auction block is a rare, mint 16mm print of WHAT THE PEEPER SAW (1972) starring Britt Ekland, Mark Lester, Hardy Kruger, Lilli Palmer, Harry Andrews, and Conchita Montes.  Lester is perfectly cast as a troubled and creepy (
really
creepy) 12-year-old who has lost his mother to a heart attack.  Ekland is the gorgeous new 22-year-old bride to Lester’s 42-year-old father (Kruger).
In some ways this is a very disturbing film.
At first it takes the approach of a new stepmother reaching out to help her troubled stepchild.
However, she soon realizes he is far more disturbed than previously thought.
Not only is he inclined toward thievery and violence (he was expelled from school for torturing and killing a cat) but he also has a penchant for voyeurism and has even cut a hole in the ceiling so he can spy on his parents’ sex lives.
He is one sick kid.
Through her own detective work, Ekland discovers much of this and eventually confronts the boy, who admits his mother’s death was not an “accident.”
In an incredible scene, Ekland strips nude in front of the boy to coerce a confession.
She finally convinces her husband (who’s essentially in denial) to take the boy to a psychiatrist.
But Ekland’s own session with the psychiatrist is where the film goes completely off the rails with one great twist after another.
It’s amazing in some ways that this film even got past the censors as there are some bona fide sexual moments between Ekland and Lester.
This film serves as a showcase for the beauty of Britt Ekland.  She is seen in all manner of sexy attire and has numerous moments of nudity; but perhaps the highlight of the film is Lilli Palmer, who has one big scene.  Palmer, who was fifty-seven years old at the time, plays the psychiatrist, Dr. Viorne.  The scene between her and Ekland is easily the acting highlight of the film as Ekland is overpowered by her seemingly all-knowing personality.  Ekland is great in this scene but Palmer is brilliant.  And even at the age of 57, playing next to one of the most gorgeous women in the world at the time, the beauty of Lilli Palmer is unmistakable.  Wow…  From this point in the film onward, the viewer is unsure of what is real and what is delusional.  We don’t want to give it all away, but the last ten minutes of this film are spellbinding, leaving you with one final twist at film’s end.
What the Peeper Saw
starts slow and then builds momentum until it crashes into its amazing climax.  A must for all collectors of ‘70s psychological thrillers.
Regarding the print:
What can we say…this print is in fantastic, mint condition, with very little (if any) wear.  No hairlines; no emulsion scratches—it’s just a gorgeous print. Also, the LPP color is beautiful as well.
This print appears to be uncut and clocks in at approx. 95 minutes. It begins with the opening credits and doesn't have the pre-credits nude bathing scene but there is no splice so it's possible that the pre-credit nude bathing scene was specifically shot for one of the film's re-releases. If anyone more familiar with the film can explain this please contact me as I'm curious.
So overall this is a VERY desirable film print and quite difficult to find in 16mm anymore, let alone in this kind of great condition.
It would be an excellent acquisition for your 16mm collection—so get you bids in before the auction clock runs out!
No Vinegar Smell. Comes mounted on three 1600ft. reels.
Halloween will be here before you know it.  Time to add to your collection!
U.S. Copyright records seem to indicate there’s no actual renewal registration on this film.
As always, the pictures above are all from the actual film being offered and were taken while the print was running on a projector. Film is much sharper than pictures indicate. Some pictures might be more out of focus than others due to the camera used NOT the actual print. We don't ever use stock photos.
Any questions at all feel free to ask and thanks for looking!