Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

ShangLuda Admirable film.

ThrillMessage There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

Zandra The movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.

Kyle McElravy According to many sources, this film was originally intended to be a Movie of the week entry for NBC, but Michael Landon insisted to make this movie as a feature. Though it's a bit edgier compared to other material Landon done for a while, fans should really enjoy this semi-autobiography on his earlier years as a teenager.The film begins when famed movie director Gene Orman (Landon himself) returns to his New Jersey hometown to attend the premiere of his latest movie, SAM'S SON, but he orders his chauffeur to stop in front of his childhood home which triggers an emotional flashback to his earlier years as a shy high-school student named Eugene Orowitz in the early 1950s struggling with his identity. One day, he decides to join the school's track team as a javelin thrower. His coach, obviously very impressed with his work, asks him to start competing in future track meets and when Eugene watches SAMSON AND DELILAH in the movie theater his father, Sam (Eli Wallach) manages, he discovers that he'll be a better javelin thrower if he lets his hair grow. Of course, the strict and unsympathetic principal (James Karen) orders him to cut his hair or he will be barred from other track meet activities. He manages to convince Sam that he needs to let his hair grow, so with the help of Sam's brother, a famed doctor, they wrap his head with bandages so he can compete in the championship that will determine his future at USC in California. The film contains a surprise, but sad ending that I will not spoil for this review.Though Eli Wallach and his real-life wife Anne Jackson are both top- billed in the movie, this is really a showcase for Timothy Patrick Murphy, who pulls off playing a young Michael Landon. Despite the seemingly family-friendly content in the film, it does have some adult language scattered throughout and a somewhat shocking fight in a rowdy neighborhood bar. The film also has a welcome supporting role with Hallie Todd has Eugene's new girlfriend. Despite not having enough screen time, she does do a good job playing the loving, caring love interest of him. It does have a classic '50s rock and roll soundtrack blaring away in key moments of the movie such as one scene Eugene clocks a bullying rival at the local drive- in restaurant.All in all, a very satisfying movie.

dlmdevries I really enjoyed this movie! It's a movie, that gets you motivated on your own goals or the way you look at things in life. A positive movie, about making your dream come true.This movie has a great and powerful story and it's really interesting to see how Gene's character developed through the movie. The actors and actresses did a great job at portraying their characters! I especially enjoyed Eli Wallach's performance.It was great to see the relationship between Gene and his father. Both had their troubles and hurt, but somehow in the end both became winners. Both made their dream come true.Of course Michael's performance was awesome! :) If you want to see a GOOD movie with a strong message, then this is definitely a must see!

andrew-l-cawston "Rocky" this ain't. But as a semi-autobiographical tale of Michael Landon, it's well worth renting on a Friday nite and watching, with hot cocoa and popcorn, on the couch in front of a fire.And, unlike Rocky, it is (loosely) based on a real story.This was written for an earlier, more innocent time. A tale of rags-to-riches, with plenty of Inspiration and pathos to match.Michael Landon makes his appearance at the very end of the movie, and it is achieved in a manner that is both just and fitting. For once, the Good Guys win.The movie's title is a neat hint as to what is about to happen as the story plays out to its climax.I last saw this twenty years ago, and I enjoyed it then. And I remember it now. A good, memorable story. Well done.Refreshing in its lack of special effects, violence, foul language and sex that pervades today's movie scene... Heck! "Sam's Son" could make a wholesome change from the usual fare.So it's OK to bring in the wife and kids to enjoy this story with the hot cocoa and popcorn and pizza. It will do them no harm, and may inspire them to achieve. Bonus Points!Double Bonus points: Celine Dion does not sing the credits, or get anywhere near the movie. The Cater-waul has no place in the credits: only good music throughout.

natalijas great movie with the beautiful story.eli walach was great.this movie is story about the life,about teenage days.one important thing- this movie is a true story about michael langdon.if you have a chance you have to see movie named sam` son