Wilt (film)

Wilt is a 1989 British black comedy film directed by Michael Winner and starring Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith, Alison Steadman, and Diana Quick. It is based on the 1976 novel Wilt by Tom Sharpe.

The film follows Henry Wilt (Griff Rhys Jones), a perpetually frustrated teacher of liberal studies at a technical college. He is henpecked by his domineering wife, Eva (Alison Steadman), who is obsessed with self-improvement and radical lifestyle changes. His life takes a bizarre turn when, following a disastrous couples weekend at a "creative living" retreat, Eva disappears.

Wilt becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance, as he had previously fantasized about murdering her and had been seen with an inflatable doll that resembled her. Inspector Flint (Mel Smith), a bumbling and increasingly suspicious police officer, relentlessly investigates Wilt, who tries desperately to prove his innocence and figure out what happened to his wife.

The humor of the film derives from the absurd situations Wilt finds himself in, the ineptitude of the police investigation, and the satire of middle-class aspirations and pretension. The film is known for its farcical elements and dark comedic tone.