Born in 1926 in Vienna, Maria Schell emerged as a prominent figure in European cinema, known for her powerful performances. In 99 Women (1969), she navigates the treacherous dynamics of a women's prison, showcasing her ability to portray complex characters. Schell also appears in Night of the Blood Monster (1970), where her presence adds depth to the film's exploration of horror and intrigue. As the sister of acclaimed actor Maximilian Schell, Maria's contributions to cult and exploitation films continue to resonate within the genre.
99 Women
New inmate Marie arrives at an island prison in the women's sector and receives the number 99. The inmates are controlled by the sadistic lesbian warden Thelma Diaz and Governor Santos and submitted to torture, rape, sexual harassment and abuse. When the Justice minister replaces Diaz, Marie believes that her life will improve and her case will be reopened. Marie's disappointed with the new warden and plans to escape. But their scheme fails and the abuse they've undergone had been but a paltry hint of the torture in store.
