Figure 1.--Here Sammy is with some african children as he moves south toward toward Durban.

An English boy named Sammy (Fergus McClelland)--a little blond chap, tries to cross Africa alone to reach is aunt. His parents are killed and he sets off south to Durban. Sammy is dressed in shorts throughout, khaki bush-shorts. He is often pictured bedraggled as a result of his travels. At one point the boy is taken in by the French Ambassador of one of the countries he ends up in and the ambassador's wife has him bathed, takes away his old clothes, and buys him a new suit. The boy eventually runs off again -The boy plays the part quite nicely, none of the smarty child actor bit. Worth watching as it is a well produced film. The movie ends when he arrives, but you could imagine a nice sequel. She lives in a plush home with a little girl (dressed in a white frock) who first sees Sammy. "A Boy Ten Feet Tall" was the American release title. The actual title was "Sammy Going South".

Filmology

Worth watching as it is a well produced film. "A Boy Ten Feet Tall" was the American release title. The actual title was "Sammy Going South". This is a great - and under-rated film. A sequel would be in order, but the production company went bust when the film flopped at the box.

Cast

The main character Sammy is played by Fergus McClelland, presumably a Scottish boy. He does a wonderful job. I'm not sure what other films he has made. The boy eventually runs off again -The boy plays the part quite nicely, none of the smarty child actor bit.

Setting

The film is set in africa, from Egypt south to South Africa. The time is 1956 as the Suez crisis is unfolding.

Figure 2.--Sammy for most of the film wore a kind of bush outfit--khaki shirt and shorts.

Plot

An English boy named Sammy--a little blond chap, tries to cross Africa alone to reach is aunt. The film begins in Port Said, Egypt. Sammy is playing indoors, forbidden to go outside by his other. The radio carries news of the developing Syuez Crisis, but all this goes over Sammy's head. He hears his parents arguing about what to do about Sammy--possibly sending him to Aunt Jane in Durban, South Africa where it will be safe. Sammy runs outdoors to retrieve his helicopter which flew out the window. Soldier rush by. Then British bombers strike. His parents are killed. His friend Mahmoud turns on him. Not knowing what to do, Sammy decided to head for Aunt Jane. His toy whistle has a compass and he knows South Africa is located South. He has no idea just how far south. He has many adventures with a Syrian merchant, American tourist, pilgrim, diamoind smmuggler, hunter, and others. The diamond smuggler, Cocky, in particular is charmed by Sammy. He convince his Aunt to let him finish the journey on his own. The movie ends when Sammy arrives at his aunt's home, but you could imagine a nice sequel. She lives in a plush home with a little girl (dressed in a white frock) who first sees Sammy.

Costuming

Sammy is dressed in shorts throughout, khaki bush-shorts. He is often pictured bedraggled as a result of his travels. At one point the boy is taken in by the French Ambassador of one of the countries he ends up in and the ambassador's wife has him bathed, takes away his old clothes, and buys him a new suit. I think he keeps on the new clothes, which soon become tattered.When he arrives at his Aunt's he is also able to wear the leopard skin that a smuggler he fell in with (Edward G.Robinson) has left for him (the boy had shot the animal).

Created: December 27, 2003
Last updated: December 29, 2003