Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 4, 2024

“Annie” mania quickly took over the world in the late 1970s, with the Broadway show becoming a staple of musical theater, capturing viewer hearts with its warm study of family love and kid-sized moxie. And you can bet your bottom dollar that the adult film industry was going to have some interest in working with that kind of publicity. 1977’s “Little Orphan Sammy” is more of a play on the original comic strip version of “Annie,” with director Don Walters trying to replicate the bold colors and bigness of emotion that’s typically found on the page, going wild with the tale of an orphaned man sent out into the world, generally unaware he’s in the middle of an evil plot to steal energy secrets. It’s the 1930s and the ‘70s smashed into one strange comedy that almost doesn’t have interest in creating carnal activity. “Little Orphan Sammy” is certainly entertaining, with the cast grasping the heightened tone of the material, delivering enthusiastic performances. The feature gets a tad exhausting as it attempts to monitor the action of multiple characters, but the overall anarchy of the endeavor is something to see.

Little Orphan Sammy (Rocky Millstone) is now a grown-up, preparing to leave his orphanage, making plans to reunite with his former guardian, Daddy Sawbucks (Neil Flanagan). Sammy is an optimist, joined by his dog Randy, with the pair soon out in the world, open to all experiences and adventures. Hata Mari (Jennifer Welles) is an evil criminal making plans to take over the world, joined by henchmen Nuda (Andrea True), a bellydancer, and Dah (Jamie Gillis), a chauffeur. Hata Mari is after a special formula capable of turning garbage into energy, which is currently in the possession of Daddy Sawbucks, who’s just acquired a major dump, working with his team, including secretary Miss Take (Kim Pope) and bodyguard Poonjah (Lynn Bishop). Hata Mari will stop at nothing to get her hands on the formula, working to lure in Daddy Sawbucks, trying to find a special kink that will make him surrender. Sammy is soon caught up in the situation, happy to help out others with their sexual urges as he finds his way into Hata Mari’s home, blissfully unaware of the danger he’s in.

Hata Mari’s wicked ways arrive early in “Little Orphan Sammy,” with the criminal mastermind using Nuda’s dancing to help distract a target she’s about to plunge a needle (hidden behind a long fingernail) into. The villain is after information, acquiring a special reel of microfilm, commencing a plan to reach ultimate power. Sammy is as happy as he gets, introduced on the final day of his stay at the orphanage, which he celebrates by pleasuring a caretaker, a doctor, and the matron of the establishment, offering a little more than “leaping lizards” as he shares his gratitude for the excellent care. “Little Orphan Sammy” gets X-rated action going relatively early during Sammy’s tear through the staff, but Walters eventually slows down bedroom activity to deal with the plot. After all, Hati Mari is pursuing global domination, aiming to bring down “filthy capitalist pig” Daddy Sawbucks, who’s in possession of a formula and plenty of garbage, ready to revolutionize energy production right when the world needs it.

“Little Orphan Sammy” spends time with Daddy Sawbucks at the dump, with the actors offering amusing enthusiasm while standing around a putrid, likely toxic location. And there’s room for Hata Mari’s sexual desires, including a “smoke dream” where the villainess is taken by Dah, with the pair trading “do dah, dah do” lines that make very little sense, but Walters loves it (maybe it’s a vaudeville bit?). The tale develops into a hunt for secret tapes, adding a Watergate-ish tone to the movie, and the feature tends to get a touch too random in its second half, introducing daffy Miss Maid (C.J. Lange) to Hata Mari’s staff, and there’s the presence of a Bell System tech laying a little more than phone lines inside the dwelling. Again, comedy is prioritized in the film, and while laughs aren’t really achieved, the spirit of “Little Orphan Sammy” is appreciable, especially during its wilder moments with Welles (who often breaks the fourth wall) and Flanagan.

Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned & restored in 2K" from a "35mm original camera" negative. What's immediately striking about the feature is how colorful it is, with the production looking to support the comic strip journey with big hues on sets and clothing. Primaries are distinct, with deep reds throughout, while skies and patriotic sights carry rich blues. Belly dancer golds are also distinct. Skin tones are natural, and hair color is sharp, including Sammy's red locks and Mata Hari's eventual blondness. Detail is excellent, with a crisp sense of skin particulars, exploring clothed and unclothed characters. Interiors are dimensional, highlighting a lot of set dressing and signage. Exterior action at the dump is deep. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with a few points of damage.

Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a simple understanding of sound elements. Dialogue exchanges are generally clear, working with broad performances as the actors are under strict orders to be as loud as possible at times, especially when completing scenes at an active dump. Musical elements are basic but appreciable, and the title theme registers with clean vocals.

Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (26:27, HD) features director Dan Walters, who details her relationship with actress Jennifer Welles, originally meeting the star when she worked as a showgirl. Dealing with a large amount of outtakes, "The Little Blue Box" was created, referring to the endeavor as a "compilation" film. Memories of the cast are shared, including John Leslie's love of accents and his ability to perform under any conditions. Gloria Leonard is labeled as a gossip, well aware of what was going on in the adult industry. Sharon Mitchell was a newcomer, willing to help co-stars in need of inspiration. For "Little Orphan Sammy," production commenced after a financier was eager to get into the business, with the script created in a few days. Casting is examined, with star Rocky Millstone handed a "performance" test before being hired for the job, and locations are recalled, as part of the picture was shot at a New Jersey dump. Creating "soft" and "hard" versions of "Little Orphan Sammy," Walters was left with a comedy that confused its target demographic. The interviewee also details budgetary limitations, admitting that box office returns were underwhelming with the silly movie.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (5:06, HD) is included.

Little Orphan Sammy Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The lust factor of "Little Orphan Sammy" is surprisingly limited. While sex scenes are common, the production favors repeated cross-cutting to keep track of all the players in the secret formula game, always interrupting couplings. It's a strange creative choice, basically throttling the essential appeal of the picture, but all lustful encounters are steamrolled in the end, with the climax bursting with Bicentennial energy, celebrating the "Good old American way." What this means isn't exactly clear, but enthusiasm counts in the movie, which is always ready to put on a show.