Samson and Delilah (1984 film)

Samson and Delilah

dvd cover
Format Television movie
Directed by Lee Philips
Written by Eric Linkletter (Book)
John Gay
Starring Max von Sydow
Belinda Bauer
Antony Hamilton
Daniel Stern
Victor Mature
Country United States
Language English
Original channel ABC
Release date April 1, 1984
Running time 95 mins.

Samson and Delilah is a 1984 television movie adaptation of the biblical story of Samson and Delilah, starring Max von Sydow, Belinda Bauer, Antony Hamilton, Daniel Stern and Victor Mature. Mature played Samson in the 1949 film and had a small cameo as the father of Antony Hamilton's Samson. This was his final acting role. Based on the novel Husband of Delilah by Eric Linkletter, Samson and Delilah originally aired on ABC.

Plot

Mostly the same as the original biblical story, but with notable differences such as, once again, the expanded role of Delilah (Bauer), the introduction of the garrison commander (Stern) who is friends with Samson (Hamilton), more focus upon Samson's relationship with his first wife, a different handling of the 30 garments bet, and, perhaps the most crucial alteration is to the climax. In the original story, maintained in the 1949 film and the 1996 TV remake, is that Samson only regains his strength after his hair has grown long again, thus allowing him to tear down the Philistine temple. Here, however, Samson is taken to the Philistine temple just after his hair has been cut short, and he prays to God to restore his immense strength despite his short hair, and God complies, allowing Samson enough strength to tear down the stone pillars, thus destroying the temple.

Unlike the 1949 and 1996 adaptations, Delilah survives to mourn Samson alongside his followers.

Cast

Award nominations

Year Award Result Category Recipient
1984 Emmy Award Nominated Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling Jan Van Uchelen
1985 BAFTA Award Best Short Film Mark Peploe

External links