Samson (1914)

Manoah and his wife mourn deeply because both have passed the middle age mark and yet they are childless. As they become older their sorrow increases until one day the old wife calls upon ... See full synopsis »

Director:

J. Farrell MacDonald

Writers:

James Dayton (scenario), Lorimer Johnston

Stars:

J. Warren Kerrigan, Kathleen Kerrigan, George Periolat

Cast

Cast overview:
J. Warren Kerrigan	...	Samson
George Periolat	...	Manoah, Samson's father
Lule Warrenton	...	Wife of Manoah
Kathleen Kerrigan	...	Delilah
Edith Bostwick	...	Zorah, Samson's wife
Rose Gibbons	...	Sister of Zorah
Cleo Madison	...	Jamin, the Philistine
William Worthington	...	Ladal
Marion Emmons	...	A Philistine lad

Storyline

Manoah and his wife mourn deeply because both have passed the middle age mark and yet they are childless. As they become older their sorrow increases until one day the old wife calls upon the Lord and prays that they may have a child to gladden their declining years. An angel appears in answer to her prayer and prophecies that she shall have a son but that his hair must never be cut. The angel also declares that the son shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. In due time Manoah's wife has a son and she names him Samson. He grows to manhood and his extraordinary strength is the marvel of his parents and the community. When he has attained a man's estate he goes to Timmath and there he meets and learns to love Zorah, the beautiful daughter of a Philistine. Samson overcomes his father's objections to his marrying a Philistine maiden, and he conducts his parents to Timmath that they may see his bride. While they are nearing the Vineyard of Timmath a young lion ...

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Plot Keywords:

character name in title | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 April 1914 (USA)

Also Known As:

Samson and Delilah

Company Credits

Production Co:

Victor Film Company

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Hollywood: Comedy: A Serious Business (1980)

User Reviews

Lavish display of men with spears and armor

This is a big six-reel production; but we can not say that it adequately fulfills its mission as such when compared with others in the same class with which it must compete. It is not without graces. It would be hard to find a finer Samson than is Warren Kerrigan, who is more than the average in size, is perfect physically and is youthful and graceful. It is plain that the picture's producer has studied Dore, the great French artist, famous for his Biblical engravings, and has profited much by it. There are excellent artistic scenes all through the offering, such as the invasion of Judea by the Philistines, the temple of Dagon, and many of mob scenes. But the action lacks dramatic quality and interest, for the scenario is spineless. Spectators who are not readers of the Bible will hardly be able to comprehend the full significance of the picture. There was some discussion behind this reviewer as to the meaning of those words on the sub-titles: "Judges 14:12." One of the things that is very pleasing in the picture is the lavish display of men with spears and armor, and of women dressed in silk robes of gracefold folds. The interior scenes and backgrounds are for the most part commendable. Manoah's house is spacious and full of the Orient, while the temple scenes, including the idol of the god, are delightfully like the Dore picture temples. One wishes that with all these good qualities the scenario could have provided real life to the story, the more because it is one of the most dramatic that we have. - The Moving Picture World, April 4, 1914