Main Cast: Gary Cooper, Ann Sheridan, Ray Collins, Edmund Lowe, Joan Lorring
Release Year: 1948
Country: US
Run Time: 128 minutes
Plot
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, All Movie Guide
John B. Goodman - Art Director, William Travilla - Costume Designer, Jesse Hibbs - First Assistant Director, Leo McCarey - Director, James McKay - Editor, Robert Emmett Dolan - Composer (Music Score), George Barnes - Cinematographer, Leo McCarey - Producer, Darrell Silvera - Set Designer, Jacque Mapes - Set Designer, Russell A. Cully - Special Effects, John L. Cass - Sound/Sound Designer, Clem Portman - Sound/Sound Designer, John Klorer - Screen Story, Ken Englund - Screenwriter
Good Sam is a 1948 film starring Gary Cooper as a Good Samaritan who is helpful to others at the expense of his own family. The film was directed by Leo McCarey and produced by McCarey's production company, Rainbow Productions.
