qormi 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.

Scott LeBrun "Black Samson" isn't anything special in terms of the blaxploitation films of the era; in fact, it's fairly routine, but it's still quite agreeable and benefits from some strong performances. Rockne Tarkington, the man originally selected for the Jim Kelly role in "Enter the Dragon" and the star of the TV series 'The Banana Splits Adventure Hour', is the cool, calm, collected title hero, a bar owner who works hard to keep crime and corruption out of his neighbourhood. Things get very difficult for him when Italian mobsters try to muscle in on his territory. The main creep is an angry thug named Johnny Nappa (the almighty William Smith, in very fine form), who does everything he can to try to bring Samson to his knees. One's gotta love a character like Samson: he remains pretty unflappable in the face of danger, and keeps a lion as a pet inside the bar. (Considering the presence of the big cat, it's rather something of a disappointment that it isn't worked into the finale. One would expect it to end up chowing down on or otherwise mauling a bad guy.) He also has an incredibly foxy lady friend named Leslie (Carol Speed, "Abby") and deals with associates such as no-account jerk Arthur (Michael Payne, who's hilarious). Also among the cast are Titos Vandis ("The Exorcist") as wise old capo Joseph Nappa, lovely blonde Connie Strickland as white dancer Tina, who takes a shine to Samson and pays a price for it, actor / director / stuntman Joe Tornatore (who, after this, directed Tarkington in "The Zebra Force") as Harry, Napoleon Whiting as endearing old piano player Henry, and John Alderman as slimy attorney Michael Briggs. Nothing that happens is ever exactly surprising, but there's still a certain comfort level in watching something (written by Warren Hamilton Jr., based on Daniel Cady's story) that sticks to a proved formula. The direction by Charles Bail ("The Gumball Rally", "Choke Canyon") is efficient, and the movie features a decent enough car chase. The truly rousing thing about the finale is seeing the people of Samsons' neighbourhood motivated to stand up to Nappa and providing Samson with some very valuable assistance. Then the stage is set for the tough and gripping showdown between tough guys Tarkington and Smith, and it delivers the goods. With a fine and funky score composed by Allen Toussaint to serve as accompaniment, "Black Samson" makes for pretty good, if not memorable, entertainment. Seven out of 10.

camille_8107 Only a true Blaxploitation fan would appreciate the hilarious 70's gem that is.....BLACK SAMSON. I remembered seeing the movie a few years ago, but never paid much attention to it. I soon forgot about the movie but I recently ran across a VHS copy for 6 bucks on Ebay, a real deal on account of the movie being out of print/hard to find. Nevertheless, I sat back watched the soft spoken Rockne Tarkington (believed to be the first Black man ever to appear on The Andy Griffith Show) battle mobsters over control of his block,and ultimately save his girl from the evil Johnny Napa. Being that I am a hardcore Blaxploitation fan I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It wasn't my favorite but still a classic and a real must see for fans of this genre....If you can find it......grab this one up for your collection.

captainky If you are into unintentional comedy, classic one liners or a ridiculous plot then this movie is for you. This along with Dolomite should be in the Blackploitation hall of fame!! Rockne Tarkington's performance is electric as the staff wielding, lion owning barowner Samson. He truly is the man. Add to to this William Smith's over the top Johnny Napa, Samson's hysterical hoochie mama and one badass mortician and you have the makings of an epic battle. The stakes?? Control of the ghetto!!. The tension builds until a final conflict replete with matresses being thrown off a roof, ultimately settles the score! A true period piece if there ever was one. Thumbs up! Way up!!