Good Sam (1948)
- Starring:
- Gary Cooper, Ann Sheridan, (more)
- Director(s):
- Leo McCarey
Synopsis of Good Sam
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
Complete Cast of Good Sam
- Gary Cooper - Sam Clayton
- Ray Collins - Rev. Daniels
- Joan Lorring - Shirley Mae
- Clinton Sundberg - Nelson
- Louise Beavers - Chloe
- Lora Lee Michel - Lulu
- Matt Moore - Mr. Butler
- Todd Karns - Joe Adams
- William Frawley - Tom
- Florence Auer - Woman on Bus
- Sarah Edwards - Mrs. Gilmore
- Louis Mason - Mr. Duffield
- Garry Owen - Taxi Driver
- Irmgard Dawson - Girl
- Ann Lawrence - Salvation Army Girl
- Tom Dugan - Santa Claus
- Carol Stevens - Mrs. Adams
- Ruth Sanderson - Sam's Secretary
- Franklin Parker - Photographer
- Marta Mitrovich - Mysterious Woman
- Jack Gargan - Parent
- Cliff Clark - Probation Officer
- Ann Sheridan - Lu Clayton
- Edmund Lowe - H.C. Borden
- Ruth Roman - Ruthie
- Minerva Urecal - Mrs. Nelson
- Dick Ross - Claude
- Bobby Dolan, Jr. - Butch
- Netta Packer - Mrs. Butler
- Irving Bacon - Tramp
- Harry Hayden - Banker
- Mimi Doyle - Red Cross Nurse
- Dick Elliott - Politician
- Ida Moore - Old Lady
- Effie Laird - Mrs. Duffield
- Jane Allen - Girl
- Claire James - Mrs. Adams
- Dick Wessel - Bus Driver
- Almira Sessions - Landlady
- Bert Roach - Whispering Usher
- Bert Moorhouse - Man
- William Haade - Taxi Driver
- Bess Flowers - Parent
- Joseph Crehan - Casey
- Director(s):
- Leo McCarey
- Writer(s):
- Ken Englund
- Producer(s):
- Leo McCarey
- Looking for special editions of Good Sam?
- See All Versions
- Subtitles:
- Check All Versions
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
