‘Good Sam’: The Downside of Helping Others

Gary Cooper’s character stretches the Golden Rule (almost) to breaking point.

(L–R) Ann Sheridan, Gary Cooper, and Ann Lawrence in “Good Sam.” RKO Radio Picture/MovieStillsDb

NR | 1h 54m | Drama | 1948

Is the Golden Rule still a rule if you’re the only one following it? Producer-director Leo McCarey’s film has an amusing look at that predicament through the eyes of a compulsive do-gooder’s hapless wife.