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Adventure Cult Classic

Political prisoners and brave outsiders risk all on a perilous trek through the jungle wilds of Spanish-ruled Samar.

SAMAR

1962 · 1h 29m · NR · Adventure · IMDB TMDB

In 1870, in the Spanish Philippines, the commandant of an island penal colony, aided by an American doctor and local villagers, decides to relocate his coastal camp to a fertile valley inland but the arduous trek is fraught with dangers and battle headhunters.

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Quick Answer

What is Samar about?

Samar is a 1962 American adventure film directed by George Montgomery about an American doctor who joins a Spanish penal colony in the Philippines and faces dangers alongside political prisoners seeking freedom.

Programmer's Pick

Samar serves up a jungle adventure where colonial cruelty meets a headhunting gauntlet, all with George Montgomery pulling double duty as star and director. If you like your historical escapades with a side of perilous treks and colonial unrest, this trip to the Philippine wilds delivers.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set against the backdrop of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines during the 1870s, Samar centers on a remote island penal colony where political prisoners are exiled under harsh conditions. When an American doctor is coerced into becoming the colony's physician, he finds himself in a volatile environment fraught with unrest. Facing oppressive colonial forces and a hostile landscape, the commandant, the doctor, and a group of determined prisoners attempt to move their camp inland. Their journey is a perilous one, threatened by headhunters, treacherous jungle terrain, and the ever-present danger of Spanish oppression. The film offers an adventure steeped in survival, rebellion, and the quest for freedom.

Details & Specs

Director
George Montgomery
Writers
George Montgomery, Ferde Grofé Jr.
Release
1962
Runtime
1h 29m
Genres
Adventure

Why This Matters

Written, directed by, and starring George Montgomery, this 1962 film highlights Montgomery's multifaceted involvement both behind and in front of the camera, alongside co-star Gilbert Roland.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: George Montgomery Writers: George Montgomery +1 more
George Montgomery George Montgomery Dr. John David Saunders Gilbert Roland Gilbert Roland Col. Juan Sebastian Salazar Ziva Rodann Ziva Rodann Ana Orteiz Joan O'Brien Joan O'Brien Cecile Salazar Nico Minardos Nico Minardos Capt. De Guzman MB Mario Barri Sgt. Nanding HF Henry Feist Tominsino TF Tony Fortich Trustee JC Johnny Cortez Adring CA Carmen Austin School Teacher DJ Danilo Jurado Trustee LL Luciano Lasam Trustee PF Pedro Faustino Lasar JF Joaquin Fajardo Spanish Soldier PS Pamela Saunders Woman Convict Rita Moreno Rita Moreno Woman Convict TS Tony Smith Trustee (uncredited)

Explore More

Why Cult

Colonial-Era Philippines

Experience a rarely depicted setting as Spanish rule and resistance play out in the 19th-century Philippine islands.

Dangerous Jungle Trek

Follow characters as they brave a jungle filled with headhunters, cannibal tribes, and natural hazards on their quest for survival.

Political Prisoners On The Run

The penal colony's exiled prisoners risk everything for a shot at freedom, raising the stakes of every jungle encounter.

Period Weapons and Battles

Expect sword fights, flintlock pistols, and cannons as colonial forces clash with rebels and indigenous warriors.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Samar? +

Samar was directed by George Montgomery.

How long is Samar? +

Samar has a runtime of 89 minutes.

What genre is Samar? +

Samar is an adventure film.

Where can I watch Samar? +

You can watch Samar on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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