Movie spotlight
A disgraced school master, Benjamin Twist, is mistaken for a tough prison governor and assigned the charge of a prison for particularly hardened criminals. Believing he is being sent to a school rather than a prison, he celebrates accordingly only to find that his drunkenness accidently lands him on the wrong side of the prison bars. The Governorship is eventually restored to him, and he sets about popularising himself amongst the convicts by turning a blind eye to their shady dealings.
A boxer is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to prison. Inside, he faces the harsh realities of prison life and the corruption within the system. He must find a way to survive and clear his name, using his strength and resilience to overcome the challenges.
Convict 99 is a lesser-known film from the late 1930s, notable primarily for featuring the famous boxer Max Schmeling in a leading role. While it offered a glimpse into prison drama, its storytelling and performances were generally considered unremarkable by contemporary standards, fitting into the B-movie category of its era.
Features an unusual casting choice with boxer Max Schmeling in the lead.
The film provides a standard, somewhat melodramatic portrayal of prison life.
Lacks the depth and polish of more prominent crime dramas of the period.
Google audience: Audience reception data for Convict 99 is not readily available, but its limited release and era suggest it was not a widely discussed film among general audiences.
The film marks the acting debut of German boxing legend Max Schmeling, who was a world heavyweight champion and a significant cultural figure in Germany at the time.
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When it turns out that "Twist" (Will Hay) is no good as an headmaster he is turfed out and looking for a new job! An administrative mix up sees him appointed the governor a prison, and after another which sees him temporarily behind the bar...