Good Sam (1948)

75% of users liked it
(34 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 "deserving" soul or… 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 8 min.
Directed By: Leo McCarey
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 1, 1948 Wide

Critic Reviews

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
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
McCarey understands it as a translucent joke and gives it a spacious treatment

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Cast

            Gary Cooper as Sam Clayton

            Ann Sheridan as Lu Clayton

            Ray Collins as Rev. Daniels

            Edmund Lowe as H.C. Borden

            Joan Lorring as Shirley Mae

            Ruth Roman as Ruthie

            Clinton Sundberg as Nelson

            Minerva Urecal as Mrs. Nelson

            Louise Beavers as Chloe

            Dick Ross as Claude

            Lora Lee Michel as Lulu

            Bobby Dolan Jr. as Butch

            Matt Moore as Mr. Butler

            Netta Packer as Mrs. Butler

            Todd Karns as Joe Adams

            Irving Bacon as Tramp

            William Frawley as Tom

            Harry Hayden as Banker

            Florence Auer as Woman on Bus

            Cliff Clark as Probation Officer

            Joseph Crehan as Casey

            Mimi Doyle as Red Cross Nurse

            Sarah Edwards as Mrs. Gilmore

            Dick Elliott as Politician

            Bess Flowers as Parent

            Jack Gargan as Parent

            William Haade as Taxi Driver

            Louis Mason as Mr. Duffield

            Marta Mitrovich as Mysterious Woman

            Ida Moore as Old Lady

            Bert Moorhouse as Man

            Garry Owen as Taxi Driver

            Franklin Parker as Photographer

            Bert Roach as Whispering Usher

            Ruth Sanderson as Sam's Secretary

            Almira Sessions as Landlady

            Carol Stevens as Mrs. Adams

            Dick Wessel as Bus Driver

            Tom Dugan as Santa Claus

            Claire James as Mrs. Adams

            Ann Lawrence as Salvation Army Girl

            Jane Allen as Girl

            Irmgard Dawson as Girl

            Effie Laird as Mrs. Duffield
See full cast

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