Action Double Feature Part 2: 99 and 44/100% Dead – DVD Review

The Flick:

99 and 44/100% Dead is a 1974 action film directed by John Frankenheimer and starring Richard Harris. Also starring Edmond O’Brien, Bradford Dillman, Ann Turkel, Kathrine Baumann, and Chuck Connors with supporting roles. In a future where the laws of reality have been suspended, Harry Crown is a hit man who’s been hired by a Mafia don Uncle Frank to eliminate Big Eddie, a rival gangster who has been moving in on his turf. Big Eddie counters with his own enforcer, Marvin “Claw” Zuckerman, and as the rival killers attempt to destroy each other, some wild high-speed chases ensue.

99 and 44/100% Dead starts off with two of Uncle Frank’s soldiers tossing a dead body into the water. As they’re about to leave they run into rival henchmen that are loyal to Big Eddie. Uncle Frank’s boys are out numbered, their car explodes in mid-flight, lands in the water and sinks to the bottom. Big Eddie’s soldiers go on a rampage, killing off as many of Uncle Frank’s crew as possible. Frank has reached his boiling point and decides to call Harry Crown to take out the trash. When Harry arrives he meets up with Buffy. She knows all the secrets in town and what the word is on the street. After a night with Buffy, she warns Harry about Eddie’s secret weapon Marvin “Claw” Zuckerman, Harry’s rival.

Later on, Harry meets up with Frank they talk about how Eddie is trying to take over the town. They come up with a plan to sabotage one of Frank’s shipments, when they jump the truck, Harry and his crew are out numbered. Every time Harry attempts to get ahead of Eddie, Claw is always ten steps ahead of him. Harry starts to suspect someone in Frank’s crew is feeding Claw their plan of attack. Claw even goes as far as taking Buffy and Tony’s girlfriend, Baby hostage. When Harry gets a note telling him to go to the school where Buffy works, Harry and Tony expect to find her there but instead they find Baby strapped to a bomb. After having a close call with death, Harry wants Buffy back and won’t let anyone stand in his way, Uncle Frank included. Harry’s on a mission but will he save Buffy in time and stop Claw and Eddie permanently?

Conclusion:

First off, just in case you’re curiosity is peaked, the title is a play on an advertising slogan for Ivory soap. There were some pretty descent moments in this flick. For example, when you first meet Claw he’s showcasing all of his random attachments for his hand. At one point he removes the knife attachment and exchanges it for a fake flower, super cheesy! I can’t say for sure which attachment is my favorite, it’s a tie between the giant scissors and the cat o’ nine tails with metal tips. I’m leaning more towards the leather whip with metal tips but that’s just me! Moving on, Richard Harris was convincing as Harry Crown. If someone tried to argue with Harry, he would take off this glasses and stare them down. Naturally this made him a super bad ass hit man with glasses! Although, this movie had its moments, it wasn’t the greatest. So, if you’re into action and car chases you should check this out!

The DVD:

Audio/Visual

The sound and visual quality are clean and crisp.

Special Features

The only special feature on this DVD is a trailer of 99 and 44/100% Dead.

The Flick Rating:

The DVD Rating: