Black Samson

Set in the vibrant era of the 1970s, Black Samson is an action film that breathes the essence of the explosive Blaxploitation genre that was swiftly growing in popularity during the same decade. The movie was directed by Charles Bail, who also directed a variety of other popular action and drama films of the 70s and 80s.

This is a tale of a battle against corruption, racism, and unjust power, all woven into the tapestry of the urban landscape of the time. The story follows Noble nightclub owner Samson (played by Rockne Tarkington), affectionately known as ‘Black Samson’, who becomes a local hero while confronting Goliaths of crime that threaten the peace and harmony of his community.

Rockne Tarkington, an unforgettable pillar of 1970s Blaxploitation cinema, gives a striking performance as the lead character in Black Samson, showcasing his character's charisma and strength. It is with his pet lion and warrior-like presentation, he not only physically resembles the biblical Samson, but also embodies the defiant spirit that makes him a hero to the people in his neighborhood.

Tarkington's character, Samson, owns a popular nightclub in a predominantly black neighborhood. He has the respect of his community and tries to keep it free from serious criminal activity. However, his peaceful existence is threatened when a white mobster, Johnny Nappa (played by the imposingly intense William Smith), decides to infiltrate his neighborhood with illicit drugs.

William Smith's portrayal of the villain, Johnny Nappa, adds a chilling dimension of cold-hearted brutality that perfectly contrasts Samson's character. His ruthlessness is the catalyst that spurs Samson into action to protect his community.

In addition to these two central characters, the film features a range of peripheral characters that add richness and depth to the narrative. Connie Strickland plays the character of Tina, who is not only Johnny Nappa's lover but also a complex and somewhat tragic figure whose loyalty and desires are deeply conflicted.

Black Samson, as a movie, reflects the socio-political atmosphere of its time, especially the civil liberties movement. The movie employs all the quintessential features of Blaxploitation films –ubiquitous use of funk and soul music, eye-grabbing fashion, strong and charismatic black leads, intense action sequences, and vibrant storytelling. This film also showcases the transformation of a local hero into a community's beacon of hope and strength.

Filmed with a lot of style, the scenes are effectively choreographed, maintaining the balance right from the soothing and calming scenes in the nightclub to the high-octane action sequence with Samson combating the mobsters. The impeccable soundtracks perfectly compliment the film, always matching the atmosphere and dramatically amplifying the intensity of the scenes.

The film vividly portrays the vibrant culture of the black community in the 70s— the fashion, the music, the dialect— without resorting to stereotypes. The nightclub scenes are especially a reflection of the vivaciousness of the black nightlife culture. On the flip side, it also unflinchingly draws attention to the harsh realities faced by people living in these neighborhoods and the struggle of a community rallying to win against these evils.

Black Samson ultimately succeeds in presenting a hero who is not superhuman but rather a man of his community, driven by his strong sense of justice, fighting against the adversities that try to infiltrate and exploit his neighborhood. His battle against the criminal menace is not with extraordinary powers, but with the sheer will and determination that stems from his love for his people and his community.

Why should you watch Black Samson? If you are a fan of classic 70s Cinema, Blaxploitation films, or if you're simply looking for a satisfying mix of action-drama laced with real-world struggles of communities and individuals against crime, then Black Samson is sure to hit the mark. This film stands tall as a memento of a genre from an unforgettable era — the audacious 70s.