one of my absolute favorites!

A lot of fun.

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

"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.

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.

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.

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.