Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story

I knew Mitch Snyder pretty well before the big shelter on 2nd & D opened. There are limits on what can be presented in a "made for TV" movie. The TV version of Mitch Snyder was as cuddly as a teddy bear. Most TV characters are I suppose. The real Mitch was a bit more complex. He could be impossible and egotistical. He didn't respond well to 'feedback.' Since ending homelessness was his personal struggle, he pushed himself beyond his limits and encouraged those who worked with him to be equally dedicated. He wasn't mellow. He wasn't cuddly as a teddy bear. He was, however, extremely interesting. More important, he did more to bring homeless awareness to the forefront of the national conscience than any other person or organization.

If anyone wants to know more about M. Snyder and the early CCNV, see if you can dig up a wonderful CBS documentary (narrated by Martin Sheehan) called "Promises to Keep." It reveals more about CCNV's struggles than "Samaritan." It also provides accurate glimpses into M. Snyder's character.

"Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story" was decent enough. I think if I saw this during the eighties, I'd have appreciated it more. I do remember seeing a lot of homeless in my city and the consensus was that Ronald Reagan had much to do with it. It's amazing that President Reagan's name or likeness wasn't seen or spoken once in the entire television movie! But the real issue was how none of the very real sanitary problems of the homeless wasn't addressed at all. Not everyone is insensitive to the homeless blight, but when the stench of lack of showers or toiletries makes any kind of affinity extremely difficult, how can one blame the public? I wanted to like this movie, but it struck me as just a little too hokey for my tastes. (7 out of 10)

Not only did I see the movie several times but I was a close friend of the late Mitch Snyder. I spent many hours and days at C.C.N.V on 2nd and D in our nations capital. I had the opportunity to participate in several demostrations with Mitch in both D>C and Pittsburgh. I think Martin Sheen did A good job portraying such a intense individual. I remember Mitch saying to his staff not to play the movie I guess because he had either seen it too many times or perhaps he did'nt like it who knows. Anyway I wish the movie was more popular as it is very difficult to find on the general market. In fact I am looking for another copy as I loaned mine out just to not get it back. I recommend this movie to anyone who is a volunteer, plan on being a volunteer or wants to find out what it's all about. The movie needs to be rereleased so people can have the great experience of seeing who Mr. Snyder was and what he ment to the movement against homelessness and the many other important issues of his time that he fought so hard to bring public awareness to. He was my inspiration to be a advocate and thats what I do today.I give this movie 100 stars Thank you!