From tacky but thoughtful to pointless to disgusting, the three "Penitentiary" films prove the existence of metaphorical quicksand in film franchises that should not have continued after part one. The first film was obvious exploitation but had elements that indicated a thoughtful process in writing it. Part two isn't even set in prison, but was watchable if quickly forgettable.
Part three is an unintentional remake of "Freaks" (1932) where an extremely strong midget (Raymond Kessler) is turned into a monster to violently beat and rape new inmates, nearly killing Leon Isaac Kennedy, his third and fortunately last go round as boxer "Too Sweet" who only gains control at the end of their initial encounter.
Joining in this unnecessary entry is Anthony Geary whose fame on daytime TV was never matched on nighttime TV or in the movies, and he's the real monster here, basically a male version of Hope Emerson from "Caged". A prisoner with power, he runs his cellblock, has a live-in drag queen boyfriend (Jim Bailey), and even his own throne in his curtained off cell. He's horrible in this part, smug and scornful, a real chore to watch. Definitely one you can afford to miss. Messy and unpleasant.
Part three is an unintentional remake of "Freaks" (1932) where an extremely strong midget (Raymond Kessler) is turned into a monster to violently beat and rape new inmates, nearly killing Leon Isaac Kennedy, his third and fortunately last go round as boxer "Too Sweet" who only gains control at the end of their initial encounter.
Joining in this unnecessary entry is Anthony Geary whose fame on daytime TV was never matched on nighttime TV or in the movies, and he's the real monster here, basically a male version of Hope Emerson from "Caged". A prisoner with power, he runs his cellblock, has a live-in drag queen boyfriend (Jim Bailey), and even his own throne in his curtained off cell. He's horrible in this part, smug and scornful, a real chore to watch. Definitely one you can afford to miss. Messy and unpleasant.