Black Samson (1974)

the audience applauded

I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Very interesting film. Was caught on the premise when seeing the trailer but unsure as to what the outcome would be for the showing. As it turns out, it was a very good film.

"Samson" (Rockne Tarkington) is the owner of a nightclub in a black part of Los Angeles who does his best to keep crime down and things under control. However, this doesn't please two rival criminal organizations—one white and the other black—from wanting to move in and take over. This is especially true for one particularly psychotic mobster named "Johnny Nappa" (William Smith) who refuses to heed Samson's warnings and simply won't take "no" for an answer--and things become quite tense after that. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a pretty good "blaxploitation" film in large part to the performance of the aforementioned William Smith and Rockne Tarkington. Likewise, having a beautiful actress like Connie Strickland (as Johnny's girlfriend "Tina") certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, I thought this was a pretty good film and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Okay,we have Samson, the owner of a topless go-go dancing bar in the heart of the ghetto and his huge pet lion resides next to the beer nuts. I mean, I would not want to change that kitty litter. William Smith is stellar as the cheese-suckin', mother----in' Mafia racist known as Nappa. Connie Jennings is hot as Nappa's submissive girlfriend. But when she go-go dances topless, everything wiggles except her fake boobs. Samson is very Afro-centric, wearing an African caftan and carrying his tribal stick, which features what appears to be a plastic lion's head on the knob. He puts the stick to good use, denting the bigoted Mafia hit men until they're al dente.

Noble nightclub owner Samson (a solid and engaging performance by Rockne Tarkington) does his best to keep his neighborhood free of crime and drugs. When vicious mobster Johnny Nappa (veteran B-movie tough guy William Smith in fine slimy form) tries to muscle in on Samson's territory, Samson refuses to give in to Nappa's demands and takes a brave stand against Nappa and his flunkies. Director Chuck Bail, working from a simple and effective script by Warren Hamilton, Jr., relates the story at a snappy pace, stages the thrilling action set pieces with considerable flair, and sprinkles in a nice smattering of hot topless chicks for good measure. Tarkington's strong and dignified presence really works as Samson, whose sense of protective responsibility for his people and community makes him a likable and appealing hero. The supporting cast is likewise excellent, with praiseworthy contributions by Carol Speed as Samson's sweet, concerned main squeeze Tina, Connie Strickland as Nappa's sexy girlfriend Leslie, Michael Payne as low-rent dope pusher Arthur, Vitos Vandis as wise old capo Joseph Nappa, Napolean Whiting as amiable organ player Old Henry, and John Alderman as wormy corrupt lawyer Michael Briggs. Allen Toussaint's groovy score hits the right-on soulful spot (the theme song in particular is quite funky). The conclusion is both rousing and uplifting. A fun flick.

Ok so this flick isn't Walking Tall, heck it even isn't Black Belt Jones. But what it is it's entertaining not to mention hysterical. Rockne Tarkington in the title role although convincing is to stiff and stoic, where Fred Williamson would have torn this part up and had fun with it. The hot and sexy Carol Speed as Samson's love interest is always a pleasure to look at. And the main reason to see this flick is the great and awesome William Smith as the evil Johnny Nappa. Anytime Smith is on screen he raises the stakes. The ending although it still works is kind of lame and is a shame considering wasting William Smith's talents, it makes you wish ole Fred Williamson was there to goose it up for Smith.