The groovy threads, jive talk and funky music are all present but Tarkington just doesn't have the presence of a Jim Brown or Fred Williamson. Dependable bad-guy William Smith performs with his usual gusto though. The supporting cast of 70s exploitation actresses like Carol Speed and Connie Strickland will add enjoyment for fans of 70s drive-in/grindhouse cinema.
19 Reviews
Standard era pic
jellopuke16 January 2022
There's not much to separate this from most blaxploitation era movies apart from the lion and the club. The soundtrack is average, the plot is rote, and the action poorly done. It's got a message that it wears on its sleeve and there's never any sense of doubt or moment of not knowing what's gonna happen. An average movie at best. Also, the lion really needed to do something at some point other than just be set dressing. If there ever was a movie that called for a mauling it was this one.
Must have been the world's largest kitty litter box.
qormi16 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Who's the man??? Black Samson!!!
captainky24 February 2003
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!!
for blaxploitation fans
SnoopyStyle18 January 2022
Strip club owner Samson and his pet lion try to keep the neighborhood safe. White mobster Johnny Nappa tries to move in but Samson is not giving in.
It's a second tier blaxploitation. Samson is setup like a noble tribal African king and he does a lion. It's an old lion and he doesn't do much. Nothing is really that great. It's a simple story. I don't really recognize lead actor Rockne Tarkington although I've seen a couple of his things. There are some fun stunts and some dangerous car people interactions although they need a better fight coordinator. They do get to wreck a few cars. The final battle is a little silly. It's more unrealistic than the rest of the movie. This is for blaxploitation fans.
It's a second tier blaxploitation. Samson is setup like a noble tribal African king and he does a lion. It's an old lion and he doesn't do much. Nothing is really that great. It's a simple story. I don't really recognize lead actor Rockne Tarkington although I've seen a couple of his things. There are some fun stunts and some dangerous car people interactions although they need a better fight coordinator. They do get to wreck a few cars. The final battle is a little silly. It's more unrealistic than the rest of the movie. This is for blaxploitation fans.
"This is a lousy bar, with lousy service!"
Hey_Sweden3 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
"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.
A Nightclub Owner's Attempt to Save His Neighborhood
Uriah4326 October 2017
"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 due to the performances 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.
EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD SHOULD HAVE ONE...!
masonfisk24 June 2022
A blaxploitation effort from 1974. Rockne Tarkington stars as Samson a bar owner of some repute (the good kind) who runs a thriving business, has a good woman by his side, played by the recently departed (last week) Carol Speed & a hero to the neighborhood. When the mob comes a-calling to usurp his gig, he naturally refuses but the main enforcer, played by another recently departed (last year) William Smith, will not take 'no' for an answer so the film's main thrust becomes the efforts of the mob & Tarkington playing spy vs. Spy as they try to convince each other (most times violently!) to see things their way. Never having heard of this flick except for seeing the poster on Korey Coleman's wall (from his Double Toasted podcasts) it was pretty much on autopilot w/minor embellishments like Tarkington's predilection for carrying around a staff to put a whoop down on people (much like Walking Tall's Buford T. Pusser's hunk of 2 by 4) & his pet lion (shades of The Walking Dead's Ezekiel & his tiger) which humorously no one bats an eye to. Also starring Titos Vandis (he played Jason Miller's uncle in the Exorcist) as the mob capo.
Near-miss at being a fine genre entry
lotekguy-115 January 2022
Rockne Tarkington is solid in a classic Fred Williamson hero role, as the man saving his neighborhood from white criminals who want to start pushing drugs there. Fine supporting performances from Carol Speed and Connie Strickland are also assets to appreciate. Keeping a pet lion at the bar was a clever touch in establishing Samson's macho cool, and adding an element of tension to several scenes.
Two factors reduce the rating it might have earned. Director Charles Bail was given the reins for his first feature too soon in his career. The pacing is awful, draining much of the energy from many scenes. He did better at the helm later, mostly in TV gigs.
The other is William Smith's absurd overacting as the main nasty villain. He struts and seethes as if he attended the Jack Palance School for Playing Psychotic Heavies, but skipped the courses on moderation and balance. Luckily, one doesn't gain weight from chewing too much scenery. This role stands out as a lamentable oddity in Smith's long career of good work on both sides of the good/evil conflict.
Two factors reduce the rating it might have earned. Director Charles Bail was given the reins for his first feature too soon in his career. The pacing is awful, draining much of the energy from many scenes. He did better at the helm later, mostly in TV gigs.
The other is William Smith's absurd overacting as the main nasty villain. He struts and seethes as if he attended the Jack Palance School for Playing Psychotic Heavies, but skipped the courses on moderation and balance. Luckily, one doesn't gain weight from chewing too much scenery. This role stands out as a lamentable oddity in Smith's long career of good work on both sides of the good/evil conflict.
The lion's roar is more powerful than the snake's rattle.
mark.waltz23 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
I've seen this plotline before, but when it's done right, that's okay by me. Whether in some old B movie from the 30's where the mob tries to muscle in on an otherwise peaceful neighborhood through some racket or big corporations stepping in to raise property values and displace those already there, or in this case destroying the soul of a neighborhood by destroying the people through vice and drugs.
That's not going to happen as long as Samson, his lion and his stick have their way, and when you first see Rockne Tarkington in full gear, you'll never forget him. He runs a popular neighborhood bar, is in love with a gorgeous woman (Carol Speed) who adores him, and is determined to keep shady elements away. Along comes the possibly psychopathic William Smith, determined to muscle in, and Samson wants no part of that. Speed is abducted, and that sets him off even more.
Abusive to the loyal Connie Strickland who dances in Samson's bar, Smith has an army of soldiers including a few black men, either greedy for money and poverty themselves or scared of the powerful racist Smith. It's a battle of two powerful men, one good but willing to play by the other team's rules if he has to, and one so consumed by his own prejudices that there is no right or wrong, just control. As evil as Smith is, he's not a cartoon villain, yet the desire to see justice makes for a thrilling experience. Great acting all around with Speed and Strickland fantastic heroines and Tarkington as majestic as the real Samson.
That's not going to happen as long as Samson, his lion and his stick have their way, and when you first see Rockne Tarkington in full gear, you'll never forget him. He runs a popular neighborhood bar, is in love with a gorgeous woman (Carol Speed) who adores him, and is determined to keep shady elements away. Along comes the possibly psychopathic William Smith, determined to muscle in, and Samson wants no part of that. Speed is abducted, and that sets him off even more.
Abusive to the loyal Connie Strickland who dances in Samson's bar, Smith has an army of soldiers including a few black men, either greedy for money and poverty themselves or scared of the powerful racist Smith. It's a battle of two powerful men, one good but willing to play by the other team's rules if he has to, and one so consumed by his own prejudices that there is no right or wrong, just control. As evil as Smith is, he's not a cartoon villain, yet the desire to see justice makes for a thrilling experience. Great acting all around with Speed and Strickland fantastic heroines and Tarkington as majestic as the real Samson.
Very Poor Movie
Budozanshin120 January 2022
I watched this thing more out of pure nostalgia having reached maturity during the so-called "Blaxploitation" movie era. "Black Samson" did te usual thing, i.e., strong, independent, successful black man looking out for his hood and bro's while sticking it to the evil man with monotonous 3 beat music always playing in the background. Poor acting. Ridiculous dialogue. Elementary and totally predictable plotting. Poor staging. Cheap sets, etc. As one of the Blaxploitation chain of movies of the times, most of which were poorly made, Black Samson is at the bottom of the list.
A very enjoyable 70's blaxploitation outing
Woodyanders22 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Good, not great blaxploitation epic of one brother protecting his people
jamesrupert201418 May 2023
Bar owner Samson (Rockne Tarkington), armed only with his wits, strength and a cudgel, fights to keep his neighbourhood crime-free, much to the irritation of vicious mob under-boss Johnny Nappa (William Smith). The film is essential a wish-fulfillment fable as Samson single-handily dispatches numerous hapless mob underlings and, even by the standards of the genre, the ending is a bit implausible. The film has a bit of a brutal edge and lots of swearing but the numerous fights are typical bloodless PG brawls. The cast is fine, there are some fine 70s fashions on display, and Samson's woman Leslie (Carol Speed) is topped by an impressive afro. The role of the lion is unclear, but the big cat does add some novelty to the film (and makes for a great poster). Not one of the great blaxploitation flics but watchable for fans of the dated but funky genre.
Forgotten Black actioner.
Serpent-510 October 1999
White Director/Stuntman Chuck Bail directed this forgotten Warner Bros. film that features Rockne Tarkington (well-known for starring on 70's kid show BANANA SPLITS:DANGER ISLAND) as Samson, a nightclub owner (who owns a lion) who doesn't want any drugs on his neighborhood. William Smith is terrific as a evil Johnny Napa, who wants to own the neighborhood and starts a war with Samson. Character actor Titos Vandis (who is Greek)is miscast as a italian mobster, but seems to chew up the part prettty good. The film does look cheap, and it's intresting Warner Bros. gave Tarkington a lead when it's reported that he turned down ENTER THE DRAGON (a part which went to Jim kelly). The ending is pretty good, so I recommened this film to any action fans looking for 70's actioner. Actor/Stuntman Tornatore later directed Rockne is ZEBRA FORCE and worked with him on TRAINED TO KILL U.S.A.
Solid blaxsploitation
dworldeater24 April 2014
Rockne Tarkington is Samson, a supercool clubowner and guardian of the ghetto. Samson runs his topless bar with his ladyfreind as his main dancer. He also keeps the streets clean and keeps the bad element out. The bad element, the Italian/American mobsters led by musclebound madman William Smith have different ideas on what to do with Samsons territory. Rockne plays Samson smart, tough and cool. He carries a giant pimpstick(and uses it occasionally to deliver a beatdown), owns a lion and pulls off some seriously funky, African attire. Nappa(William Smith) and his goons force Samson into a showdown at the end of the film. Super tough and super cool Samson is a man of integrity and will never sell out his people in the hood. He also treats his woman like a queen and unlike other blaxsploitation characters like Shaft and Superfly, don't have women on the side. Character actor William Smith is totally in his element as the villain in this piece and is completely psychotic. Black Samson is very good and recommended to anyone who enjoys blaxsploitation and action movies from the 1970's.
Man Of The People...
azathothpwiggins2 May 2023
In BLACK SAMSON, Rockne Tarkington plays the benevolent, neighborhood protector of the title. From his local topless bar, complete with his mascot / pet lion, Samson watches over his friends, carrying his signature walking stick. All is well, until the mob decides to move in on Sam's territory.
Going against the more moderate approach of the big boss, the psychopathic Johnny Nappa (William Smith) decides that far more violence is necessary. This leads to murder, and an unforgettable final showdown.
Mr. Tarkington is the heart and soul of this movie. He plays Samson as just the sort of man we would want to call upon in times of trouble. Mr. Smith portrays Nappo as a vile, irredeemable man, set on having what he wants at all costs. We can see early on that these two are going to face off.
One of the better films of its subgenre...
Going against the more moderate approach of the big boss, the psychopathic Johnny Nappa (William Smith) decides that far more violence is necessary. This leads to murder, and an unforgettable final showdown.
Mr. Tarkington is the heart and soul of this movie. He plays Samson as just the sort of man we would want to call upon in times of trouble. Mr. Smith portrays Nappo as a vile, irredeemable man, set on having what he wants at all costs. We can see early on that these two are going to face off.
One of the better films of its subgenre...
Long forgotten Classic!
camille_810715 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
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.
A Film of Deceptive Misery
toiletfleet28 April 2011
Regardless of your views on the nature of blaxploitation films themselves, the average viewer expects silly one-liners, comically inept and invariably racist antagonists, and a breezy plot which allows for the genre tropes to star. Black Samson offers virtually none of these, and instead presents you with ceaseless cruelty.
The film starts out looking like another fun-to-watch-with-friends romp, but quickly takes an ever-dark and ever-sadistic turn and never once looks back. Gone are the cartoonish racist villains; instead, we have believable, human monsters that exude hate (kudos to the actors, but unfortunately in the wrong genre for such savagery). Gone is the lighthearted pacing and tempo; instead, we have a story that plays more like a Greek tragedy. Where you'd normally find comic vehicles, instead scenes play out as if from a snuff film.
Black Samson is not a bad film by any means; if anything, it's one of the most sincere efforts of cinema normally attached to the blaxploitation era. However, those looking to goof on a film might find themselves sorely disappointed in how human and bruised the characters are presented.
The film starts out looking like another fun-to-watch-with-friends romp, but quickly takes an ever-dark and ever-sadistic turn and never once looks back. Gone are the cartoonish racist villains; instead, we have believable, human monsters that exude hate (kudos to the actors, but unfortunately in the wrong genre for such savagery). Gone is the lighthearted pacing and tempo; instead, we have a story that plays more like a Greek tragedy. Where you'd normally find comic vehicles, instead scenes play out as if from a snuff film.
Black Samson is not a bad film by any means; if anything, it's one of the most sincere efforts of cinema normally attached to the blaxploitation era. However, those looking to goof on a film might find themselves sorely disappointed in how human and bruised the characters are presented.
Walk Softly But Carry A Big Stick!!!
zardoz-1330 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A stuntman turned actor and then later director, Charles Bail helmed two Blaxploitation epics during his 20 plus years of calling the shots behind the camera. "Black Samson" marked Bail's cinematic debut at the helm, and he made a name for himself, going on to direct the "Cleopatra Jones" sequel "Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold." Afterward, he made "The Gumball Rally," and later directed his share of prime-time television shows, among them "CHiPs," "Manimal," "Knight Rider," "Dragnet," "Adam-12," and "Baywatch Nights." During his television years, Bail took time off to direct "Choke Canyon" (1986) and "Street Corner Justice" (1996). As Blaxploitation pix go, "Black Samson" isn't as well-known as his "Cleopatra" sequel, but it features a dashiki-clad African American role model who stood out from the line-up of sartorially elegant heroes and he shunned firearms! Instead, in the tradition of President Theodore Roosevelt, Samson walked softly and carried a big stick. When he isn't cracking heads with his lance, he balls up his own fists of fury to pummel the opposition.
In the screenplay by "Kiss of the Tarantula" scribes Warren Hamilton Jr. And Daniel Cady, Black Samson (Rockne Tarkington of "The No Mercy Man") owns a strip bar in Los Angeles where he keeps a lion behind the bar in plain sight as his mascot! No, this king of the beasts never gets loose to gnaw on the bad guys! Basically, Black Samson keeps a brotherly eye on the neighborhood surrounding his drug free haven where not only his customers-both black and white-can live in peace and harmony but also without the scourge of narcotics polluting their lives. He emerges as a self-appointed benefactor who defends the weak and cares for the poor. For example, he keeps a homeless, elderly, black man, Old Henry (Napoleon Whiting of "Giant"), on his payroll to plink out funky tunes on a piano. Meantime, Samson has made a gentleman's agreement with a nearby funeral home director, Arthur (Michael Payne of "Good Guys Wear Black"), who steers his coke dealers clear of Samson's bailiwick. For the record, these two dudes grew up as soul brothers, but they went their separate ways into different livelihoods. Nevertheless, Arthur warns Samson that the latter is living on borrowed time before the gluttonous Italians try to muscle in on his environs and hook everybody he knows and loves on cocaine.
Indeed, the arrogant, reckless spawn of a Mafioso, Johnny Nappa (William Smith of "Any Which Way You Can"), plans to push drugs in Samson's community. Naturally, our eponymous hero refuses to let Johnny and his thugs gain so much as a toehold. When Johnny's lawyer approaches Samson with the prospect of a 20 percent take of drug sales, our hero threatens to throw him from the roof of his bar into the street. Afterward, Johnny sends his men in to change Samson's mind but to no avail. Literally, Samson wields a ceremonial lance which is as tall as he is, and he can be devastating as Johnny learns to his chagrin.
The only thing "Black Samson" lacks is an appealing Top 40 hit title tune to give it some vibe. Bail and his scenarists keep the action coming in this predictable but entertaining R-rated, 88-minute crime yarn. As villainous Johnny Nappa, brawny William Smith sports a pencil-thin, Snidely Whiplash mustache and never misses a chance to use the N-word. As it turns out, Johnny's peace-loving mafia don of a father, Joseph Nappa (Titos Vandis of "Stiletto"), draws the line at violence and advises his volatile son to forget about taking over Samson's district. Sadly, numbskull Johnny refuses to abide by his father's non-violent agenda, and he sets out to eliminate Samson. Eventually, Johnny declares open war on Samson, while his torpedoes abduct Samson's girlfriend, Leslie (Carol Speed of "The New Centurions"), and hold her hostage. Earlier, Johnny had dispatched a sexy little dame, Tina (Connie Strickland of "Act of Vengeance"), to audition as a topless dancer in Samson's bar. Yes, prepare yourself for some modest frontal nudity. Samson hires her because she displays talent, and Johnny orders Tina to learn everything she can about Samson and his operation. At the same time, Johnny warns Tina to steer clear of any romantic entanglements with Samson.
The grand finale of "Black Samson" is pretty spectacular. First, Bail treats us to a careening demolition derby of an auto chase with Johnny's reckless henchmen chasing Samson and his girlfriend through teeming city streets. These villains crash headlong into one car after another that they encounter along the way. After they destroy their own cars, these thugs carjack other vehicles and resume their pursuit. Eventually, Samson lures them into his neighborhood where the residents have prepared a special reception for the Italians. As soon as Samson speeds down the street of his quarter, a truck pulls out across the road effectively blocking any pursuit. Later, two wrecker trucks close off the street at the other end! Predictably, the LAPD doesn't show up until Samson has thoroughly beaten egotistical Johnny to a bloody pulp, while Samson's supporters have trapped Nappa's mafia torpedoes in the street below and showered them with a barrage of sticks, bricks, stones, and kitchen appliances! The amount of stuff the residents rain down on the antagonists is simply incredible. "Black Samson" reminded me of a town-taming western with Samson appointing himself the moral crusader who thwarts these drug dealers and furnishes congenial services as a bar owner for the neighborhood.
In the screenplay by "Kiss of the Tarantula" scribes Warren Hamilton Jr. And Daniel Cady, Black Samson (Rockne Tarkington of "The No Mercy Man") owns a strip bar in Los Angeles where he keeps a lion behind the bar in plain sight as his mascot! No, this king of the beasts never gets loose to gnaw on the bad guys! Basically, Black Samson keeps a brotherly eye on the neighborhood surrounding his drug free haven where not only his customers-both black and white-can live in peace and harmony but also without the scourge of narcotics polluting their lives. He emerges as a self-appointed benefactor who defends the weak and cares for the poor. For example, he keeps a homeless, elderly, black man, Old Henry (Napoleon Whiting of "Giant"), on his payroll to plink out funky tunes on a piano. Meantime, Samson has made a gentleman's agreement with a nearby funeral home director, Arthur (Michael Payne of "Good Guys Wear Black"), who steers his coke dealers clear of Samson's bailiwick. For the record, these two dudes grew up as soul brothers, but they went their separate ways into different livelihoods. Nevertheless, Arthur warns Samson that the latter is living on borrowed time before the gluttonous Italians try to muscle in on his environs and hook everybody he knows and loves on cocaine.
Indeed, the arrogant, reckless spawn of a Mafioso, Johnny Nappa (William Smith of "Any Which Way You Can"), plans to push drugs in Samson's community. Naturally, our eponymous hero refuses to let Johnny and his thugs gain so much as a toehold. When Johnny's lawyer approaches Samson with the prospect of a 20 percent take of drug sales, our hero threatens to throw him from the roof of his bar into the street. Afterward, Johnny sends his men in to change Samson's mind but to no avail. Literally, Samson wields a ceremonial lance which is as tall as he is, and he can be devastating as Johnny learns to his chagrin.
The only thing "Black Samson" lacks is an appealing Top 40 hit title tune to give it some vibe. Bail and his scenarists keep the action coming in this predictable but entertaining R-rated, 88-minute crime yarn. As villainous Johnny Nappa, brawny William Smith sports a pencil-thin, Snidely Whiplash mustache and never misses a chance to use the N-word. As it turns out, Johnny's peace-loving mafia don of a father, Joseph Nappa (Titos Vandis of "Stiletto"), draws the line at violence and advises his volatile son to forget about taking over Samson's district. Sadly, numbskull Johnny refuses to abide by his father's non-violent agenda, and he sets out to eliminate Samson. Eventually, Johnny declares open war on Samson, while his torpedoes abduct Samson's girlfriend, Leslie (Carol Speed of "The New Centurions"), and hold her hostage. Earlier, Johnny had dispatched a sexy little dame, Tina (Connie Strickland of "Act of Vengeance"), to audition as a topless dancer in Samson's bar. Yes, prepare yourself for some modest frontal nudity. Samson hires her because she displays talent, and Johnny orders Tina to learn everything she can about Samson and his operation. At the same time, Johnny warns Tina to steer clear of any romantic entanglements with Samson.
The grand finale of "Black Samson" is pretty spectacular. First, Bail treats us to a careening demolition derby of an auto chase with Johnny's reckless henchmen chasing Samson and his girlfriend through teeming city streets. These villains crash headlong into one car after another that they encounter along the way. After they destroy their own cars, these thugs carjack other vehicles and resume their pursuit. Eventually, Samson lures them into his neighborhood where the residents have prepared a special reception for the Italians. As soon as Samson speeds down the street of his quarter, a truck pulls out across the road effectively blocking any pursuit. Later, two wrecker trucks close off the street at the other end! Predictably, the LAPD doesn't show up until Samson has thoroughly beaten egotistical Johnny to a bloody pulp, while Samson's supporters have trapped Nappa's mafia torpedoes in the street below and showered them with a barrage of sticks, bricks, stones, and kitchen appliances! The amount of stuff the residents rain down on the antagonists is simply incredible. "Black Samson" reminded me of a town-taming western with Samson appointing himself the moral crusader who thwarts these drug dealers and furnishes congenial services as a bar owner for the neighborhood.
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