After a successful experiment on Algernon, a mouse whose level of intelligence thanks to that procedure dramatically increased, the scientists decided to go further - the next "guinea pig" is Charles, a mentally retarded young man. The experiment is again successful. But what happens after it?
Charlie Gordon is mentally handicapped and all he wants in life is to be a genius. When he gets picked for experimental surgery it looks like his dream may finally come true. But the surgery has side effects that could could kill Charlie. Can Charlie survive being just plain old "Charlie Gordon" and will his newfound romance survive this test of character?
An experiment on a simpleton turns him into a genius. When he discovers what has been done to him he struggles with whether or not what was done to him was right.