Good Sam

Critics Consensus

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60%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 5

64%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 51

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Movie Info

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

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
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
Ruth Roman
as Ruthie
Claire James
as Mrs. Adams
Todd Karns
as Joe Adams
Irving Bacon
as Tramp
William Frawley
as Tom
Harry Hayden
as Banker
Irmgard Dawson
as Girl
Jane Allen
as Girl
Tom Dugan
as Santa Claus
Sarah Edwards
as Mrs. Gilmore
Ruth Sanderson
as Sam's Secretary
Marta Mitrovich
as Mysterious Woman
Carol Stevens
as Mrs. Adams
Mimi Doyle
as Red Cross Nurse
Franklin Parker
as Photographer
Ida Moore
as Old Lady
Florence Auer
as Woman on Bus
Dick Wessel
as Bus Driver
Sedal Bennett
as Woman Chasing Bus
Cliff Clark
as Probation Officer
Jack Gargan
as Parent
Bess Flowers
as Parent
Almira Sessions
as Landlady
Garry Owen
as Taxi Driver
Stanley McKay
as Young Minister
Bert Roach
as Whispering Usher/Politician
Bob Tidwell
as Telegraph Boy
Ann Lawrence
as Salvation Army Girl
Joe Hinds
as Salvation Army Worker
Francis Stevens
as Salvation Army Worker
Joseph Crehan
as Casey
William Haade
as Taxi Driver
Bert Moorhouse
as Man
Dick Elliott
as Politician
Louis Mason
as Mr. Duffield
Effie Laird
as Mrs. Duffield
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Critic Reviews for Good Sam

All Critics (5) | Top Critics (3)

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