Black Samson

The groovy threads, jive talk and funky music are all present but Tarkington just doesn't have the presence of a Jim Brown or Fred Williamson. Dependable bad-guy William Smith performs with his usual gusto though. The supporting cast of 70s exploitation actresses like Carol Speed and Connie Strickland will add enjoyment for fans of 70s drive-in/grindhouse cinema.

In BLACK SAMSON, Rockne Tarkington plays the benevolent, neighborhood protector of the title. From his local topless bar, complete with his mascot / pet lion, Samson watches over his friends, carrying his signature walking stick. All is well, until the mob decides to move in on Sam's territory.

Going against the more moderate approach of the big boss, the psychopathic Johnny Nappa (William Smith) decides that far more violence is necessary. This leads to murder, and an unforgettable final showdown.

Mr. Tarkington is the heart and soul of this movie. He plays Samson as just the sort of man we would want to call upon in times of trouble. Mr. Smith portrays Nappo as a vile, irredeemable man, set on having what he wants at all costs. We can see early on that these two are going to face off.

One of the better films of its subgenre...

Regardless of your views on the nature of blaxploitation films themselves, the average viewer expects silly one-liners, comically inept and invariably racist antagonists, and a breezy plot which allows for the genre tropes to star. Black Samson offers virtually none of these, and instead presents you with ceaseless cruelty.

The film starts out looking like another fun-to-watch-with-friends romp, but quickly takes an ever-dark and ever-sadistic turn and never once looks back. Gone are the cartoonish racist villains; instead, we have believable, human monsters that exude hate (kudos to the actors, but unfortunately in the wrong genre for such savagery). Gone is the lighthearted pacing and tempo; instead, we have a story that plays more like a Greek tragedy. Where you'd normally find comic vehicles, instead scenes play out as if from a snuff film.

Black Samson is not a bad film by any means; if anything, it's one of the most sincere efforts of cinema normally attached to the blaxploitation era. However, those looking to goof on a film might find themselves sorely disappointed in how human and bruised the characters are presented.

White Director/Stuntman Chuck Bail directed this forgotten Warner Bros. film that features Rockne Tarkington (well-known for starring on 70's kid show BANANA SPLITS:DANGER ISLAND) as Samson, a nightclub owner (who owns a lion) who doesn't want any drugs on his neighborhood. William Smith is terrific as a evil Johnny Napa, who wants to own the neighborhood and starts a war with Samson. Character actor Titos Vandis (who is Greek)is miscast as a italian mobster, but seems to chew up the part prettty good. The film does look cheap, and it's intresting Warner Bros. gave Tarkington a lead when it's reported that he turned down ENTER THE DRAGON (a part which went to Jim kelly). The ending is pretty good, so I recommened this film to any action fans looking for 70's actioner. Actor/Stuntman Tornatore later directed Rockne is ZEBRA FORCE and worked with him on TRAINED TO KILL U.S.A.

Strip club owner Samson and his pet lion try to keep the neighborhood safe. White mobster Johnny Nappa tries to move in but Samson is not giving in.

It's a second tier blaxploitation. Samson is setup like a noble tribal African king and he does a lion. It's an old lion and he doesn't do much. Nothing is really that great. It's a simple story. I don't really recognize lead actor Rockne Tarkington although I've seen a couple of his things. There are some fun stunts and some dangerous car people interactions although they need a better fight coordinator. They do get to wreck a few cars. The final battle is a little silly. It's more unrealistic than the rest of the movie. This is for blaxploitation fans.