Skip to main content
BFI logo

Home

Film

Television

People

History

Education

Tours

Help

  search

Search

Screenonline banner
Topical Budget 717-2: Samson Junior (1925)
 

Synopsis

Warning: screenonline full synopses contain 'spoilers' which give away key plot points. Don't read on if you don't want to know the ending!

"Samson Junior: John Mann, five years old, the Infant Hercules of Deepcut, does amazing stunts for 'Topical'." John, standing on a plinth, removes his cape to reveal a classical leather harness. "Minding Baby." He is seen on top of a seven-foot platform, suspending a baby in a cot by a long cord attached to his belt. "42 lbs!" He lifts three weights by a chain using his teeth. "The support of his brothers." John lies between two posts, with his two younger brothers seated on his chest and legs. "Wild Horses wouldn't worry him." John at the centre of a 'tug of war' contest, with ropes looped around both elbows. "A human Anvil." John lies on a platform with a large stone resting on his stomach, while an older boy beats the stone with a mallet. "Sandow please note!" John flexes his muscles in classic strongman style and breaks into a smile. "Thank you." John poses, smiling.