Sam's Son (1984) User Reviews

A good biopic of Landon's early life

[abbazabakyleman-98834 · 7/10 · 8 September 2018]

Michael Landon's early life as a teenager growing up in the New Jersey suburbs really is nice to watch. Back then, he was only known as Eugene Orowitz as he struggled with his identity, but eventually finds stardom, romance, and standing up to school bullies. Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson are superb as his parents, while Timothy Patrick Murphy hits it home as the teenaged Landon and Hallie Todd as his love interest.

Look for small parts by Joanna Lee, James Karen, Harvey Gold, and even Landon himself.

Not quite an epic, but a nice movie just the same.

[The Doomite · 23 February 2004]

I stumbled upon this video by accident at the local library, and I remembered that my mom watched it one time when it was on the USA Network. It seemed to be a pretty good movie from the little I remembered of it, so I went ahead and checked it out. It turned out to be a wise decision. This is one of those movies where you find yourself literally applauding the actions of the main character (Gene Orowitz) and his beloved father, Sam. You can really sense the bond that these two people have as the movie progresses. They both seem to learn the lesson that no matter how unlikely a dream seems to be, it can always come true if you work at it hard enough. This is a nice movie to watch on a lazy afternoon or evening, as it really doesn't take much to get (and stay) involved in the story. It's got humor, suspense, romance, drama, and even a tear-jerking moment or two thrown in for good measure. Overall, it's a good film, worth watching at least once.

great movie

[natalijas · 10/10 · 19 January 2004]

great movie with the beautiful story.eli walach was great.this movie is story about the life,about teenage days.one important thing- this movie is a true story about michael langdon.if you have a chance you have to see movie named sam` son

A great movie!

[dlmdevries · 9/10 · 22 June 2006]

I really enjoyed this movie! It's a movie, that gets you motivated on your own goals or the way you look at things in life. A positive movie, about making your dream come true.

This movie has a great and powerful story and it's really interesting to see how Gene's character developed through the movie. The actors and actresses did a great job at portraying their characters! I especially enjoyed Eli Wallach's performance.

It was great to see the relationship between Gene and his father. Both had their troubles and hurt, but somehow in the end both became winners. Both made their dream come true.

Of course Michael's performance was awesome! :) If you want to see a GOOD movie with a strong message, then this is definitely a must see!

Someone had some issues.

[Victor Field · 8 April 2004]

"Sam's Son" is notable in the Michael Landon oeuvre as the only big-screen movie he made as a writer-director; it still seems TV-ish both in casting - Timothy Patrick Murphy from "Dallas," Jonna Lee from "Otherworld" - and scope (and in fact it was barely released to cinemas at the time), and it's not bad for what it is; a family drama focusing on the relationship between a father and son, with the son channeling his personal problems into athletics and eventually becoming a champion javelin tosser, played in bookends by the late Mr. Landon.

Interestingly, in 1976 Michael Landon wrote and directed the TV movie "The Loneliest Runner," which is remarkably similar to this movie; both are about teenage boys with humiliating personal problems and extremely unfeeling mothers, both main characters have extremely supporting and caring fathers (in "The Loneliest Runner" the mother is so mean that she hangs out her son's wet sheets for all to see, all of which makes the moment when Brian Keith finally tells her to "shut up" even more satisfying... not that it's manipulative or anything, heaven forfend), both characters grow up to be successful athletes, and both are played in their adult years by guess which cast member of "Little House on the Prairie"? (Clue: Not Richard Bull.)

I guess Michael Landon had more baggage in his real life than his famously schmaltzy TV shows let on. Isn't that always the way? (Of course, that won't come as a surprise to anyone who's seen the TV movie about his family...)

A nice Jewish boy's struggle against 50's conformity

[tamsin-parker-262-538925 · 8/10 · 31 December 2020]

First, Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson are an acting dynamic duo. Second, this film is unique among teen movies in that while it doesn't have the most progressive view of girls, it doesn't objectify them either. It's suggested that Gene does secretly masturbate in the bathroom, but we fortunately don't see more than that. Third, Gene is flawed, but a nice kid who respects his parents. Moreover, you don't see many teen movies told from a Jewish perspective. In one heartbreaking scene it shows the devastating effects of institutional oppression and workplace bullying. The script has some odd moments, but it's poignant and intelligent. Not one of the top movies of the 80's but it's up there for me.

Excellent Semi-Autobiographical Coming of Age Drama by Michael Landon

[filmgoer249711 · 10/10 · 14 December 2021]

I really loved this film, because it is so easy to relate too. Essentially it is about how a young man finds his niche to get out of a town that is rife with 50's conformity. Landon addresses many issues of the day in the process. Which is quite wonderful. Ultimately it is the story of a family and how father and son and mother get to know one another in the end and learn that love is what saves us. Landon did not care much at all for 50's conformity and the post-war influence of corporate America and greed. He warns us of their influence and how this mentality of being better than thou instead of working together will get us in trouble. Very lovely film.

Worth watching in front of the video, with a fire and cocoa...

[andrew-l-cawston · 8/10 · 30 June 2005]

"Rocky" this ain't. But as a semi-autobiographical tale of Michael Landon, it's well worth renting on a Friday nite and watching, with hot cocoa and popcorn, on the couch in front of a fire.

And, unlike Rocky, it is (loosely) based on a real story.

This was written for an earlier, more innocent time. A tale of rags-to-riches, with plenty of Inspiration and pathos to match.

Michael Landon makes his appearance at the very end of the movie, and it is achieved in a manner that is both just and fitting. For once, the Good Guys win.

The movie's title is a neat hint as to what is about to happen as the story plays out to its climax.

I last saw this twenty years ago, and I enjoyed it then. And I remember it now. A good, memorable story. Well done.

Refreshing in its lack of special effects, violence, foul language and sex that pervades today's movie scene... Heck! "Sam's Son" could make a wholesome change from the usual fare.

So it's OK to bring in the wife and kids to enjoy this story with the hot cocoa and popcorn and pizza. It will do them no harm, and may inspire them to achieve. Bonus Points!

Double Bonus points: Celine Dion does not sing the credits, or get anywhere near the movie. The Cater-waul has no place in the credits: only good music throughout.

A losely based autobiography of Michael Landon that is worth a watch.

[atomicjeff-41850 · 9/10 · 13 March 2023]

This movie is a loosley based autobiography of the life of Michael Landon. Born Eugene Orowitz tells the story of how Michael Landon struggled with adolence and dreamed of something better for his life. He focused primarily on his teenage years and how athletics helped him gain confidence and direction in his life . The younger version of Landon was played by the late Timothy Patrick Murphy, who died of AIDS in his late 20's, did an excellent job potryaying Landon. Also the supporting cast who also would make individual appearances on Landon's other series, Highway to Heaven, did an exceptional job especially portraying his parents. If you have not seen this film give it a watch you will be glad you did.