The Prodigal (1955)
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19% of users liked it
(145 ratings)
One critic has noted that The Prodigal was aptly titled, inasmuch as it was all too prodigal with the funds of the then-flagging MGM studios. In its retelling of the 22-verse Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, the film helpfully fills in the story details inconsiderately left out of the Old… More One critic has noted that The Prodigal was aptly titled, inasmuch as it was all too prodigal with the funds of the then-flagging MGM studios. In its retelling of the 22-verse Biblical story of the Prodigal Son, the film helpfully fills in the story details inconsiderately left out of the Old Testament. Edmond Purdon plays Micah, the wastrel son of Eli (Walter Hampden) who takes his share of his father's fortune and blows it all in wicked old Damascus. Micah's one redeeming feature is his unserving faithful in the Lord God Jehovah. Pagan princess Samarra (Lana Turner at her most giddily exotic) intends to seduce Micah into renouncing his faith, only to get stoned to death for her troubles. Nearly two hours pass before Micah returns home and the fatted calf is killed in his honor. If for nothing else, The Prodigal would be memorable for Lana Turner's pagan-ritual costume, which is little more than a glorified bikini. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Thorpe
- Written By
- Joseph Breen, Samuel James Larsen, Maurice Zimm
- Genres
- Drama, Faith & Spirituality, Classics
- In Theaters
- May 13, 1955 Limited
- Studio
- MGM
Critic Reviews
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...not even the undistinguished acting is campy enough to save a script that takes itself so seriously. (Cult Camp Classics, Vol. 4: Historical Epics)
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...a lavish MGM spectacle of the era, with the movie's costume and set designers the real stars of the show.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Lana Turner
as Samarra
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Edmund Purdom
as Micah
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Louis Calhern
as Nahreeb
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Audrey Dalton
as Ruth
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James Mitchell
as Asham
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Neville Brand
as Rhakim
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Taina Elg
as Elissa
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Walter Hampden
as Eli Micah's Father
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Francis L. Sullivan
as Bosra the Moneylender
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Joseph Wiseman
as Carmish
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Sandy Descher
as Yasmin
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Cecil Kellaway
as Governor
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Philip Tonge
as Barber/Surgeon
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David Leonard
as Blind Man
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Henry Daniell
as Ramadi
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Paul Cavanagh
as Tobiah
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Tracey Roberts
as Tahra
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Jarma Lewis
as Uba
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Jay Novello
as Merchant
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Dorothy Adams
as Carpenter's Wife
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Phyllis Graffeo
as Miriam
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Eugene Mazzola
as David
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George Sawava
as Kavak
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Richard Devon
as Risafe
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Ann Cameron
as Lahla
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Gloria Dea
as Faradine
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John Rosser
as Lirhan
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Charles Wagenheim
as Zubeir
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Argentina Brunetti
as Woman
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Paul Bryar
as Townsman
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John Damler
as Jailer
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John Dehner
as Joram
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Jo Gilbert
as Mother
- Allison Hayes
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Rex Lease
as Purveyor
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George J. Lewis
as Guard
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Dayton Lummis
as Caleb
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Gordon Richards
as Scribe
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Chuck Roberson
as Chieftain
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Almira Sessions
as Old Lady
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Tom Steele
as Slave
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George Robotham
as Martyr
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Linda Danson
as Owl
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Diane Gump
as Fox
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Patricia Jackson
as Lion