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Sam's Son Reviews

  • 1984
  • 1 hr 44 mins
  • Drama
  • PG
  • Watchlist
    Where to Watch

Michael Landon's paean to his father (Eli Wallach) and family life in the '50s. Harriet: Anne Jackson. Young Gene: Timothy Patrick Murphy. Cathy: Hallie Todd. Robert: Alan Hayes. Bonnie: Jonna Lee. Older Gene: Michael Landon. Cy: Howard Witt. Sentimental journey.

This autobiographical tale written and directed by Michael Landon (of TV's "Little House on the Prairie") stars Timothy Patrick Murphy as Gene Orowitz (Landon's real surname), a talented but frail teenaged javelin thrower. When Gene sees SAMSON AND DELILAH (1949) at the movie theater managed by his father, Sam (Eli Wallach), he emulates the strongman by letting his hair grow long. Since this is the 1950s, Gene's locks become a symbol in his struggle for individuality and a bone of contention with his school principal. SAM'S SON is made-for-TV-style fare from Landon, who makes a cameo appearance.