One of the difficulties in viewing Will Hay films is the reputation of "Oh, Mr Porter!" which is a classic comedy by any standards (although "Ask a Policeman" is my personal fave). Compared with 'Porter' the other films are bound to have flaws and "Convict 99" is no exception. It starts with Hay being mistaken for another man (who conveniently goes straight back to Australia) and given a job as a prison governor for which he is totally unfitted. On arriving at the prison he is mistaken for a convict, then released, then allows the convicts to run the place, then has to get himself out the trouble this lands him in (helped by the old lags themselves).
As you can see, economy of plot isn't a virtue of this 80 minute film but it still generates a good share of laughs. When Hay learns that his prison job earns a generous salary and that the people who appointed him won't come near the place for three more years, it's a treat to see him mentally work out how much he can earn before he's rumbled.
Although Graham Moffat and Moore Marriott are in the film they don't act as a team with Hay except in one short scene. For my money Marriott almost steals the film as 'Jerry the Mole' who has been compulsively tunnelling his way under the prison for forty years. He is a wonderful old maniac, completely dotty.
The film is very well produced, too, with substantial-looking sets for the prison scenes. All in all the film works well and is still well worth watching after 70 years.
As you can see, economy of plot isn't a virtue of this 80 minute film but it still generates a good share of laughs. When Hay learns that his prison job earns a generous salary and that the people who appointed him won't come near the place for three more years, it's a treat to see him mentally work out how much he can earn before he's rumbled.
Although Graham Moffat and Moore Marriott are in the film they don't act as a team with Hay except in one short scene. For my money Marriott almost steals the film as 'Jerry the Mole' who has been compulsively tunnelling his way under the prison for forty years. He is a wonderful old maniac, completely dotty.
The film is very well produced, too, with substantial-looking sets for the prison scenes. All in all the film works well and is still well worth watching after 70 years.