Switchblade Sam

Switchblade Sam is the town robber and the main antagonist in the 1993 John Hughes family film, Dennis the Menace, based on the American comic strip of the same name. Unlike the other characters, Switchblade Sam was never referred to by his name, neither when spoken to nor when spoken about.

He was played by Christopher Lloyd.

He is a travelling vagrant and robber who is not against violence - in fact he is aptly named as he carries with him a switchblade knife (hence the name) and has no problems with threatening children in order to get what he wants. Despite the comedic nature of the film, Switchblade Sam was actually a rather dark and intimidating villain, at least until Dennis found ways to unwittingly defeat the criminal - after which he lost his threat as he became the focus of numerous slapstick mishaps in a manner similiar to Harry and Marv from Home Alone. Dennis rides him back to town on his wagon, after which he is arrested by the police. At the same time, Dennis tries to return the villain's weapon.. and when Sam vows vengeance, the police car door is slammed shut in his face, and he cuts himself in the process while his weapon--and his freedom--go down the drain.