Good Sam (1948)
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71% of users liked it
(38 ratings)
Small-town department store manager Sam Clayton (Gary Cooper) is a born "Good Samaritan", which in his case translates as "sucker." Much to the dismay of his wife Lu (Anne Sheridan), who'd like to save up enough cash for a new house, Sam habitually gives his money away to one… More Small-town department store manager Sam Clayton (Gary Cooper) is a born "Good Samaritan", which in his case translates as "sucker." Much to the dismay of his wife Lu (Anne Sheridan), who'd like to save up enough cash for a new house, Sam habitually gives his money away to one "deserving" soul or other. But when Sam himself is in dire financial difficulty, none of the people to whom he's extended his generosity come to his aid. Disillusioned, he goes on a bender and disappears into the night. Thanks to Lu's not-so-gentle remonstrations, however, Sam's debtors finally own up to their obligations, and a happy ending is had by all. Producer/director Leo McCarey has a good thing going in the first few reels of Good Sam, but eventually loses control of the film, resulting in a great deal of illogical plot twists and character transformations in the final footage. Still, it's interesting to watch Gary Cooper doing what amounts to an imitation of Jimmy Stewart. Originally released a 128 minutes, Good Sam was pared down to 114 minutes for reissue. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Leo McCarey
- Genres
- Romance, Classics, Comedy, Drama
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Sep 1, 1948 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Though it's second-tier Leo McCarey fable and not a major star vehicle for Gary Cooper, it's still worth seeing this film
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Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
McCarey understands it as a translucent joke and gives it a spacious treatment
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Gary Cooper
as Sam Clayton
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Ann Sheridan
as Lu Clayton
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Ray Collins
as Rev. Daniels
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Edmund Lowe
as H.C. Borden
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Joan Lorring
as Shirley Mae
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Ruth Roman
as Ruthie
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Clinton Sundberg
as Nelson
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Minerva Urecal
as Mrs. Nelson
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Louise Beavers
as Chloe
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Dick Ross
as Claude
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Lora Lee Michel
as Lulu
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Bobby Dolan Jr.
as Butch
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Matt Moore
as Mr. Butler
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Netta Packer
as Mrs. Butler
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Todd Karns
as Joe Adams
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Irving Bacon
as Tramp
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William Frawley
as Tom
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Harry Hayden
as Banker
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Florence Auer
as Woman on Bus
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Cliff Clark
as Probation Officer
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Joseph Crehan
as Casey
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Mimi Doyle
as Red Cross Nurse
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Sarah Edwards
as Mrs. Gilmore
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Dick Elliott
as Politician
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Bess Flowers
as Parent
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Jack Gargan
as Parent
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William Haade
as Taxi Driver
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Louis Mason
as Mr. Duffield
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Marta Mitrovich
as Mysterious Woman
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Ida Moore
as Old Lady
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Bert Moorhouse
as Man
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Garry Owen
as Taxi Driver
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Franklin Parker
as Photographer
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Bert Roach
as Whispering Usher
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Ruth Sanderson
as Sam's Secretary
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Almira Sessions
as Landlady
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Carol Stevens
as Mrs. Adams
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Dick Wessel
as Bus Driver
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Tom Dugan
as Santa Claus
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Claire James
as Mrs. Adams
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Ann Lawrence
as Salvation Army Girl
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Jane Allen
as Girl
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Irmgard Dawson
as Girl
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Effie Laird
as Mrs. Duffield
