Review of Savage Sam (1963) by Anderson — 08 Jun 2008
Travis (Tommy Kirk) and Arliss Coates (Kevin Corcoran) have been left home while their parents are visiting their sick grandmother. We are introduced to Travis' uncle, Beck (Brian Keith) who tries in vain to take the place of Fess Parker and Dorothy McGuire.
His droll personality in the film does not work well, unfortunately, making the loss of Fess and Dorothy worse. Since Travis has now grown up, his problems are much greater when he, Arliss, and Lisabeth Searcy (Marta Kristen) are taken captive by Indians.
In short, Savage Sam would be an unsatisfying film when viewed alone, but that it is a sequel to such a wonderful work makes it particularly disappointing. All it seems to have in common with its predecessor is a handful of returning characters and the Old West setting.
The changes it introduces in tone, spirit, and style assure that it is not a retread with a new dog, but also that it is never as good as Old Yeller at any time or in any way.
This review of Savage Sam (1963) was written by Anderson on 08 Jun 2008.
Savage Sam has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
