Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story (TV 1986)

Fact-based story about Mitch Snyder (Martin Sheen), a Washington crusader for the homeless, who took their case to Congress. Working for the Community for Creative Non-violence, Snyder ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard T. Heffron

Writer:

Clifford Campion

Stars:

Martin Sheen, Roxanne Hart, Joe Seneca

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Martin Sheen	...	Mitch Snyder
Roxanne Hart	...	Carol Fennelly
Joe Seneca	...	Reverend
Stan Shaw	...	Harold Moss
Cicely Tyson	...	Muriel
James Avery	...	Hank Dudney
Guy Boyd	...	Tom
Janet Carroll	...	Susan Baker
Jordan Charney	...	Pete Stark
Brett Cullen	...	Billy
Conchata Ferrell	...	Ida Sinclair
Dorothy Fielding	...	Diane Fisk
James Handy	...	Melvin Mander
Matthew Laurance	...	Max
John McLiam	...	Jessie

Storyline

Fact-based story about Mitch Snyder (Martin Sheen), a Washington crusader for the homeless, who took their case to Congress. Working for the Community for Creative Non-violence, Snyder became outraged at the number of homeless people who had been dumped on the Washington streets without shelter from mental institutions and other care facilities. His advocacy drew national attention to the "missing persons" that live among us. Cicely Tyson also appears as a bag-lady who teaches Snyder and his cohorts how to survive on the streets.

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Plot Keywords:

starving | homelessness | social activism | hunger strike | based on true story

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 May 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

A szamaritánus: Mitch Snyder története

Filming Locations:

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

LeVine-Robins Productions, Fries Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Knew him; saw it

I knew Mitch Snyder pretty well before the big shelter on 2nd & D opened. There are limits on what can be presented in a "made for TV" movie. The TV version of Mitch Snyder was as cuddly as a teddy bear. Most TV characters are I suppose. The real Mitch was a bit more complex. He could be impossible and egotistical. He didn't respond well to 'feedback.' Since ending homelessness was his personal struggle, he pushed himself beyond his limits and encouraged those who worked with him to be equally dedicated. He wasn't mellow. He wasn't cuddly as a teddy bear. He was, however, extremely interesting. More important, he did more to bring homeless awareness to the forefront of the national conscience than any other person or organization.

If anyone wants to know more about M. Snyder and the early CCNV, see if you can dig up a wonderful CBS documentary (narrated by Martin Sheehan) called "Promises to Keep." It reveals more about CCNV's struggles than "Samaritan." It also provides accurate glimpses into M. Snyder's character.