The Warner Archive Collection adds another classic to their expanding black-on-Blu library
Warner Bros continues exploring its blaxploitation library with a Blu-ray edition of 1974’s Black Samson, an amusing lesser-known picture from the genre.
Rockne Tarkington stars as Samson, a nightclub successful owner who represents both the cultural and commercial figurehead of his predominantly black L.A. neighborhood. He’s also something of a guardian angel of the community, beloved by all and almost single-handedly holding the line against the influence of powerful mobster Johnny Nappa (William Smith).
The plot is fairly familiar – white gangsters want to flood the hood with drugs and only one person can stop them – but the film finds its firepower in its two stars and their larger-than-life characters.
The first thing you’ll notice about Samson is his style, infused with African sensibilities: his towering figure is partially decked in contemporary style with his bellbottoms and afro hairstyle, but completes the fit with traditional dashikis (African tunics) and a molamu staff that’s nearly as tall as he is. He even keeps a pet lion which servers as his nightclub’s mascot.
Samson is, as his neighbors attest, the main man, a righteous dude. It’s that righteousness that differentiates him: unlike many blaxploitation protagonists, he isn’t an antihero, criminal, or avenger. He’s just a good man that cares deeply about his neighborhood and the people in it.
Prolific character actor William Smith, whose commanding presence was ubiquitous in the 70s including several blaxploitation films, serves as the primary antagonist Johnny Nappa, a mobster from a crime family looking to extend his reach. His attempts to move in are stymied by Samson, whose presence in the community is the primary deterrent to crime and drugs.
Smith, an accomplished athlete who engaged in bodybuilding, football, and boxing, strikes an imposing figure as the heavy, as someone in whom Tarkington’s Samson could meet his match. Several other colorful supporting characters fill in the edges, but it’s unquestionably the fire between these two giant personalities that propels the story.
While the plot and trappings are pretty familiar, the film has a pretty memorable final act. A car chase (in which Samson’s club is amusingly seen sticking out of his vehicle’s sunroof) is followed by a western-inspired finale.
The film was directed by Charles Bail, who went on to direct one of the wildest blaxploitation films of them all, the absolutely insane Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (available on Warner Archive DVD, and one of my most wanted Blu-rays).
With the release of Black Samson on Blu-ray we’re now 75% of the way toward being able to replace our old DVD 4-packs. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Hot Potato is Warner’s next announcement.
The Package
Warner Archive’s DVD edition of Black Samson follows their usual pattern: a factory pressed Blu-ray disc (not a BD-R) in standard blue Elite case. The cover features the original poster art and Warner Archive Collection’s characteristic black spine.
The disc’s sole extra is a Trailer (2:47).
A/V Out
