Year: 1979
Runtime: 99 mins
Language: English
Director: Jamaa Fanaka
After a brawl with two bikers over a prostitute leaves one dead, hitchhiker Martel Gordone is convicted and sent to a grim penitentiary. Determined to earn an early parole, he joins the prison’s brutal boxing squad, using the sport to rise through the ranks and challenge the toughest gang that rules the yard.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Penitentiary yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Trace every key event in Penitentiary (1979) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:41
Don't stop at just watching — explore Penitentiary in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Penitentiary is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Penitentiary, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.