Good Sam

Finally made available a few years ago on DVD/Blue-ray. Good Sam is a highly underrated screwball comedy, and Christmas holiday film. Critics tend to compare it to It's a Wonderful Life, which is not exactly fair. Good Sam is a true screwball comedy, while IAWL is more comedy/drama and a film in its own class. But Good Sam will entertain on its own merits. Gary Cooper and Ann Sheridan are both excellent as the obsessive do-gooder and his long suffering wife, frustrated Sam's good deeds are keeping them from saving enough to buy a house; among other things. He even lends the family car to a neighbor with coke bottle thick glasses. Sheridan was said to have not liked this film, but as far as I am concerned that doesn't show up in her great performance. A number of eccentric supporting characters help put this over the top. Highly recommended, especially during Christmas.

I once heard that common courtesy is the greatest investment; it costs nothing, but it pays great dividends. In this movie, Cooper's unbiased, unconditional sympathy for any and all supplicants takes that concept to the next level.What has been reviled by some reviewers as the good Samaritan taken to extremes, is in fact a paean for benevolence in its purest form. The man who brought his wife, children, and even his church pastor to disbelief proved that when it comes to philanthropy, it pays to be nice every time. The burden -- of occasional parasites who can't resist taking advantage of a man who can't say no -- shrinks miraculously thanks to Hollywood's accelerated, though still plausible vindication.Over the objections of his boss, Sam takes the time to give directions to an old lady. Suddenly, before you know it, she has decided to buy thousands of dollars worth of furniture at his store. Sam gambles the down payment for his wife's dream home on some friends, saving both their unborn baby and their livelihood. Then, at just the right moment, those same friends return to share remarkable windfall profits. Granted, such made-for-Hollywood moments aren't entirely realistic. But if you imagine a longer time scale, and assume that most people will express their gratitude eventually, you can suspend disbelief.Good Sam's good fortune is a testament to the virtues of local philanthropy. In the distant prehistory of human evolution, beneficence was an advantageous trait. People who behaved altruistically were rewarded by their neighbors for fostering civilization. One might say it's better to have many friends than many assets. Regretfully, the avaricious parasites among us suggest that deceit and exploitation were also viable evolutionary strategies.

I loved this Film.Gary copper and Ann Sheridan shine in this good Samaritan comedy.With the great Leo McCarey its a sure bet.Well worth Watching.

Sort of edgy Christmas story that pokes fun at Sam’s giving nature.

I like older movies, Gary Cooper, and Ann Sheridan, so thought I would try it. Not a great movie, it is entertaining and has some interesting twist.

fantastic

I really enjoyed this movie, it's rarely shown on TV. I only had to wait a little longer than normal to get it but it was worth the wait! Gary Cooper is a HOOT in this one!

I like this movie. It's entertaining in a sort of odd way--definitely not the usual role for Gary Cooper and doesn't enhance his romantic appeal at all! Yet, I guess it's the rediculous, far-fetched idea of a man so " in love" with his fellow man that appeals to me. Not to mention Ann Sheridan's mocking imitation of the neighbors next door. What can I say? It makes me laugh and I'm not exactly sure why!

Christmas gift for my parents who really like to movie and collect movies from this era.

Ok film excellent quality