On this day April 2 1982 Penitentiary II premiered in theaters. Directed by Jamaa Fanaka the sequel continued the story of Martel Too Sweet Gordone played by Leon Isaac Kennedy as he tries to go straight after being released from prison only to be drawn back into the boxing world.
The film also featured early performances from Mr. T and Ernie Hudson adding to its gritty energy and cult appeal. With a budget of just 365,000 the movie pulled in 3.1 million at the box office and found its audience through word of mouth and the growing popularity of underground fight films. Penitentiary II mixed action sports and street drama delivering a raw and intense story that built on the success of the first film in the series.
80s insight: Mr. T was cast in the film before landing his breakout role as Clubber Lang in Rocky III which also premiered in 1982.
The film also featured early performances from Mr. T and Ernie Hudson adding to its gritty energy and cult appeal. With a budget of just 365,000 the movie pulled in 3.1 million at the box office and found its audience through word of mouth and the growing popularity of underground fight films. Penitentiary II mixed action sports and street drama delivering a raw and intense story that built on the success of the first film in the series.
80s insight: Mr. T was cast in the film before landing his breakout role as Clubber Lang in Rocky III which also premiered in 1982.
