The film “Black Samson” from 1974 is an action-drama story revolving around the character Samson, a principled nightclub owner. Samson, played by Rockne Tarkington, stands up against mobster Johnny Nappa when he tries to invade his territory. Directed by Charles Bail and written by Warren Hamilton Jr. and Daniel Cady, the movie showcases a dramatic fight against crime and drugs.
Where it Filmed?
The shooting of “Black Samson” took place in various locations across Los Angeles, California. These included the South Los Angeles Mortuary on 1020 West 94th Street, 230 West 7th Street, 123 S Olive St., 2121 West 11th Street and The Culver Studios situated at 9336 Washington Blvd, Culver City. The filming period of this movie is not specified.
Cast Details
| Cast Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rockne Tarkington | Samson |
| William Smith | Johnny Nappa |
| Connie Strickland | Tina |
| Carol Speed | Leslie |
| Michael Payne | Arthur |
| Joe Tornatore | Harry |
| Titos Vandis | Joseph Nappa |
| Napoleon Whiting | Old Henry |
| John Alderman | Michael Briggs |
| Fred Scheiwiller | Charlie Frisco |
| Ernest Robinson | Ragamuffin |
| Nick Dimitri | Milo |
| Ken Bell | C.T |
| Marvin Walters | Junkie |
| Shelley St. Clair | Nappa’s Secretary |
| Edgar Charles | Bar Patron |
| Kenneth Crowe | Vic |
| Howard ‘Candyman’ Robinson | Biker #2 |
| Whitey Hughes | Nappa’s Gang |
| Bob Herron | Nappa’s Gang |
| Phil Adams | Nappa’s Gang |
| Frank Orsatti | Nappa’s Gang |
| Jack Verbois | Nappa’s Gang |
| Tony Brubaker | Nappa’s Gang |
| Bill Shannon | Nappa’s Gang |
| Gary Johnson | Nappa’s Gang |
| Damu King | Samson’s Street People |
| DeForest Covan | Samson’s Street People |
| James Cousar | Samson’s Street People |
| Henry Calia | Samson’s Street People |
| Terry Leonard | Samson’s Street People |
| Peaches Jones | Samson’s Street People |
| Connie Morgan | Samson’s Street People |
| Bob Minor | Samson’s Street People |
Trivia and Facts
- The graffiti seen in the background of the inner-city scenes was not authentic – instead, it was painted by the stage hands as a joke among themselves. One of the messages, for instance, said “Paul Eats S—“.
- During a poolside scene, Johnny attempts to hit Tina, but noticeably misses. Adding to the mistake, Tina’s reaction to the missed punch is considerably delayed.
- The movie was featured in Dusk to Dawn Drive-in Trash-o-Rama Show Vol. 3 in 1996.
- Its original soundtrack is titled “Black Samson”.
Geo Location Details
- Location Name: South Los Angeles Mortuary – 1020 West 94th Street, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 33.9506686
- Longitude: -118.2927241
- Place ID: ChIJtyVx2ObJwoAROTScR8JyHK0
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 1020 W 94th St, Los Angeles, CA 90044, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: 230 West 7th Street, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.04488
- Longitude: -118.25325
- Place ID: ChIJ5fT6qMrHwoARsN6pzlfAK94
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 230 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: 123 S Olive St., Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0547387
- Longitude: -118.2487679
- Place ID: ChIJlSW4u03GwoAR9rpaMo4WMhQ
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 123 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: 2121 West 11th Street, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.0509346
- Longitude: -118.2815772
- Place ID: ChIJRTWoeJnHwoARRyWiJYUCBXE
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 2121 W 11th St, Los Angeles, CA 90006, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
- Location Name: The Culver Studios, 9336 Washington Blvd, Culver City, California, USA
- Latitude: 34.02408580000001
- Longitude: -118.3929057
- Place ID: ChIJq41JZhW6woARnPdhtJsHvsI
- Map Link: Google Map
- Place Address: 9336 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, USA
- Timezone: America/Los_Angeles
