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Norman Tokar took over directing duties on this sequel to "Old Yeller" that sees Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran return as Travis and Arliss Coates, who, several years later, now have a new dog called 'Savage' Sam(though whether he really is related to Yeller is never established) who still proves as brave and heroic as Yeller, since both boys(along with a female friend) are abducted by a hostile Native tribe, and held for some undetermined reason. Meanwhile, their Uncle Beck Coates(played by Brian Keith) is looking for them, since their parents are away taking care of a sick relative. Just how can the group get out of this predicament? Disappointing film isn't at all bad, but is forgettable and ineffectual, with little of the folksy charm of the first.
wes-connors
Six years after "Old Yeller", Tommy Kirk (as Travis Coates) and Kevin Corcoran (as Arliss Coates) are home alone. The disappearance of "Young Yeller" is never explained. Parents Katie and Jim Coates are away from the ranch, caring for an ailing grandmother - but, don't worry, Brian Keith (as Uncle Beck Coates) checks up on the lads. Still, they are kidnapped by Native American Indians. So, can New Dog on the Block "Savage Sam" save Mr. Kirk, brother Corcoran, and Marta Kristen (as Lisbeth Searcy) from the savage Indians? Stupid, insulting, offensive, and unworthy
To be blunt, "Old Yeller" was one of the BEST films of this type, and "Savage Sam" is one of the WORST films of this type. They should have let sleeping dogs lie. Replacement pooch "Sam" is given no personality, and has almost nothing to do. The dog should have barked, "Get me out of this picture!" The "Injun" abduction scenes are unbelievably wretched. On the plus side, the Coates Family farm set, and location, is Disney dreamy - you couldn't help but want to live there. And, you get to see beautiful Ms. Kristen before she became "Lost in Space". But, really
you wouldn't send a dog out to see a movie like this.** Savage Sam (6/1/63) Norman Tokar ~ Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran, Brian Keith, Marta Kristen
WebMonkey-16mm
i've recently obtained savage sam on 35mm in technicolor no less. the kids and i love watching it on my outdoor theater setup. i show all kinds of stuff on 16mm and now recently 35mm. savage sam is a favorite.
MsMeow
I can't believe this movie is even listed. i love it, don't get me wrong, but i didn't think anyone else knew it existed. Savage Sam is a great movie for everyone. I used to watch it at my grandmother's house on tape when i was little, but i saw it again recently and loved it just as much as ever. The characters are kind of hokey, but so what. You don't find characters like this anymore. Travis is so cute, with his hot temper and rock throwing. I think that everyone should give it a chance, after all Savage Sam is Old Yeller's pup.
AD
