EssenceStory Well Deserved Praise

Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

Protraph Lack of good storyline.

Kirandeep Yoder The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

Uriah43 "Samson" (Rockne Tarkington) is the owner of a nightclub in a black part of Los Angeles who does his best to keep crime down and things under control. However, this doesn't please two rival criminal organizations—one white and the other black—from wanting to move in and take over. This is especially true for one particularly psychotic mobster named "Johnny Nappa" (William Smith) who refuses to heed Samson's warnings and simply won't take "no" for an answer--and things become quite tense after that. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was a pretty good "blaxploitation" film in large part to the performance of the aforementioned William Smith and Rockne Tarkington. Likewise, having a beautiful actress like Connie Strickland (as Johnny's girlfriend "Tina") certainly didn't hurt either. In any case, I thought this was a pretty good film and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Woodyanders Noble nightclub owner Samson (a solid and engaging performance by Rockne Tarkington) does his best to keep his neighborhood free of crime and drugs. When vicious mobster Johnny Nappa (veteran B-movie tough guy William Smith in fine slimy form) tries to muscle in on Samson's territory, Samson refuses to give in to Nappa's demands and takes a brave stand against Nappa and his flunkies. Director Chuck Bail, working from a simple and effective script by Warren Hamilton, Jr., relates the story at a snappy pace, stages the thrilling action set pieces with considerable flair, and sprinkles in a nice smattering of hot topless chicks for good measure. Tarkington's strong and dignified presence really works as Samson, whose sense of protective responsibility for his people and community makes him a likable and appealing hero. The supporting cast is likewise excellent, with praiseworthy contributions by Carol Speed as Samson's sweet, concerned main squeeze Tina, Connie Strickland as Nappa's sexy girlfriend Leslie, Michael Payne as low-rent dope pusher Arthur, Vitos Vandis as wise old capo Joseph Nappa, Napolean Whiting as amiable organ player Old Henry, and John Alderman as wormy corrupt lawyer Michael Briggs. Allen Toussaint's groovy score hits the right-on soulful spot (the theme song in particular is quite funky). The conclusion is both rousing and uplifting. A fun flick.

POECRAZY Ok so this flick isn't Walking Tall, heck it even isn't Black Belt Jones. But what it is it's entertaining not to mention hysterical. Rockne Tarkington in the title role although convincing is to stiff and stoic, where Fred Williamson would have torn this part up and had fun with it. The hot and sexy Carol Speed as Samson's love interest is always a pleasure to look at. And the main reason to see this flick is the great and awesome William Smith as the evil Johnny Nappa. Anytime Smith is on screen he raises the stakes. The ending although it still works is kind of lame and is a shame considering wasting William Smith's talents, it makes you wish ole Fred Williamson was there to goose it up for Smith.

Eegah Guy The groovy threads, jive talk and funky music are all present but Tarkington just doesn't have the presence of a Jim Brown or Fred Williamson. Dependable bad-guy William Smith performs with his usual gusto though. The supporting cast of 70s exploitation actresses like Carol Speed and Connie Strickland will add enjoyment for fans of 70s drive-in/grindhouse cinema.