VeteranLight I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.

Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

moonspinner55 Disney's 'follow-up' to "Old Yeller" from 1957, adapted from the book by "Yeller" author Fred Gipson by Gipson and William Tunberg, happily reunites Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran as the feuding Coates brothers, but this time they're not given anything special to do. The kids are looked after by their uncle, played by Brian Keith, and a floppy-eared dog, a Bluetick Coonhound, said to be Yeller's son. The production seems cheap for Disney, and the tribe of Indians who battle our heroes are like relics from a 1940s b-western. Not even Keith's macho panache can elevate this one. Norman Tokar directed, probably in between other assignments from the studio. Lumbering, by-the-numbers family entry. *1/2 from ****

wes-connors Six years after "Old Yeller", Tommy Kirk (as Travis Coates) and Kevin Corcoran (as Arliss Coates) are home alone. The disappearance of "Young Yeller" is never explained. Parents Katie and Jim Coates are away from the ranch, caring for an ailing grandmother - but, don't worry, Brian Keith (as Uncle Beck Coates) checks up on the lads. Still, they are kidnapped by Native American Indians. So, can New Dog on the Block "Savage Sam" save Mr. Kirk, brother Corcoran, and Marta Kristen (as Lisbeth Searcy) from the savage Indians? Stupid, insulting, offensive, and unworthy… To be blunt, "Old Yeller" was one of the BEST films of this type, and "Savage Sam" is one of the WORST films of this type. They should have let sleeping dogs lie. Replacement pooch "Sam" is given no personality, and has almost nothing to do. The dog should have barked, "Get me out of this picture!" The "Injun" abduction scenes are unbelievably wretched. On the plus side, the Coates Family farm set, and location, is Disney dreamy - you couldn't help but want to live there. And, you get to see beautiful Ms. Kristen before she became "Lost in Space". But, really… you wouldn't send a dog out to see a movie like this.** Savage Sam (6/1/63) Norman Tokar ~ Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Brian Keith, Marta Kristen

cairn6 I saw this movie within the last few years and sadly is one of those films, that while not the worst I have seen...just didn't click with me. Yes, "Savage Sam" had a tough act to follow, and one has to keep in mind that it should be watched with the understanding that it was not intended to be another "Old Yeller". But due to several factors, in my opinion, this movie could have been a lot better.*There is confusion as to how Sam is related to Old Yeller. Is he supposed to be the now grown dog seen in the original "Old Yeller" as a puppy? Or did Yeller stud another female around the same time resulting in the dog seen in "Savage Sam"? Or was the spotted dog seen in "Savage Sam" a litter mate to the yellow pup seen in O.Y?*The acting, in my opinion seems lackluster. While Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran displayed amazing chemistry in "Old Yeller" and many of the other films they starred in together...they seemed to be "going through the motions" in this picture. *The story pacing was a bit choppy...often boring. Fred Gipson's book of the same title provides some background and imagery, helping to keep the story moving along. Seems to be missing here.*Finally, yes there were settler/Indian battles from that time era, but Disney did indeed paint Native Americans in an excessively evil light. Could have been handled better...this is where background and history of the conflict could have been developed a bit better.All in all, this movie is not unwatchable...but due to flaws which I have described, I think the movie is weak...despite me keeping in mind that "Savage Sam" is no "Old Yeller".

WebMonkey-16mm i've recently obtained savage sam on 35mm in technicolor no less. the kids and i love watching it on my outdoor theater setup. i show all kinds of stuff on 16mm and now recently 35mm. savage sam is a favorite.