Review of Black Samson (1974) by Fazeo F — 12 Mar 2010

[b]Black Samson[/b] (7/10) - This blaxploitation film stars little known Rockne Tarkington as a club owner who is keeping the streets clean of drugs in his neighborhood. When the local mob try to push in he takes matters into his hands. Though the plot is nothing new Black Samson is a quite enjoyable film that has a solid pace and a number of impressive actors.

Tarkington gives a dignified if not stoic performance as Samson, he is definitely the calm collected type in this film and he does not act like the usual jive talking hero of most blaxploition films which gives the film a freshness to it.

Famed Hollywood baddie William Smith plays the main villain in the film Johnny Nappa and he gives a sterling performance. I'd say he is the main reason to watch the film, though he's played similar baddies in countless other films he really shines in this film, he's just so much fun to watch. There isn't a single wasted moment with him in the whole film.

Carol Speed plays Samson's cute love interest and she is fine except for the odd face shes makes when she tries to convey anger in some scenes, she just looks funny. The fact that she looks like a double for the ventriloquist dummy Lester of Willy Tyler and Lester fame in the film doesn't help matters either.

Directed by Charles Bail who also directed such films as Cleopatra Jones and the City of Gold, Choke Canyon and a personal favorite of mine The Gumball Rally I was surprised at how poor the fistfights in the film were. Though the film is peppered with fisticuffs and action throughout, the fight scenes are pretty stiff and awkward looking and since Bail has never failed at directing action scenes I think the lead Rockne Tarkington is to blame, he's just not that good at doing fight scenes.

The film has some unintentional funny moments like the scene where a white girl tries out as a topless dancer at Samson's club, the gal has no rhythm at all yet they acted like she was real good in the film which made me laugh. The climax is pretty silly as well. You'd have to see it to believe it.

I also can't forget the lion in the film, even though he sleeps during most of the film your attention is instantly drawn to him anytime he is on screen.

Black Samson was the last film I had to watch from the recent Warner Brothers Urban Action Collection and I am happy to report it is worth watching for fans of blaxploitation cinema.