Sam's Son (movie released 8/17/84) Directed by and screenplay by Michael Landon

Michael Landon as Gene Orman (as he was called later in life) After he finds success in life, Gene returns to his childhood home and it brings back a world of memories.

Michael Landon directed and acted in Sam's Son, his autobiography, about his struggles as a kid growing up. He deals with a really rough situation with a bully, works hard to excel as a high school javelin thrower, and helps his father in a wonderful way. He also has a desire to become an actor. It's an inspirational film I truly enjoyed. I loved the ending of this movie. The Four Aces singing "Dream" over the closing credits was the icing on the cake. Timothy Patrick Murphy as the young Gene Orowitz (Michael Landon's real name) Gene agonizes over something he has just been told and still he has the courage to compete in the javelin throw with a college scout watching.

Gene Orowitz (the young Michael Landon)	Timothy Patrick Murphy
Sam Orowitz (Gene's father)	Eli Wallach Eli wrote a book called "The Good, the Bad, and Me: In My Anecdotage". He's married to actress Anne Jackson and they were named the king and queen of Brooklyn.
Harriet Orowitz (Gene's mother)	Anne Jackson
Cathy Stanton (Gene's girlfriend)	Hallie Todd
Robert Woods (bully)	Alan Hayes
Bonnie Barnes (Gene's 1st girlfriend in film)	Jonna Lee
Gene Orman (Michael Landon later in life)	Michael Landon
Cy Martin (Gene's business associate)	Howard Witt
Coach Sutter (Gene's coach)	William Boyett
Jake Bellow (Sam's boss at movie theater)	Harvey Gold
Mr. Collins (school principal)	James Karen
Buddy (Gene's friend)	David Wakefield
Maxine Wagner (neighbor with new car)	Montana Smoyer
Miss Bass (school secretary)	Barbara Collentine
Art Fisher (projectionist)	Phil Proctor
Marv Gates (USC Scout)	Buck Young
Coach Diener	Herb L. Mitchell
Cathy Orman (Gene's wife)	Kathleen Coyne
Cathy Stanton's father	Michael Griswold

Sam's Son is available on video from www.amazon.com (verified 11/3/08) Michael Landon's real life story is told in "Michael Landon: Memories With Laughter And Love". It's on the season 1 DVD set of "Highway To Heaven", that is available from www.amazon.com. The book Conversations With Michael Landon by Tom Ito is available from www.amazon.com The book Michael Landon's Legacy 7 Keys to Supercharging Your Life by Cheryl Landon is available from www.amazon.com Sam's Son last updated 12/27/08