The Prodigal (1955)

17% of users liked it
(141 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

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Richard Thorpe
Written By: Joseph Breen, Samuel James Larsen, Maurice Zimm
Genres: Drama, Faith & Spirituality, Classics

In Theaters: May 13, 1955 Limited
On DVD: Jun 26, 2007
Studio: MGM

Critic Reviews

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)
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.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Well appointed but plodding biblical spectacle with Lana looking beautiful in some eye popping and for the period very revealing costumes. A high quality cast is trapped in this junior league Sunday school lesson. Still if you're a fan of "The Robe", "The Ten… More
Well appointed but plodding biblical spectacle with Lana looking beautiful in some eye popping and for the period very revealing costumes. A high quality cast is trapped in this junior league Sunday school lesson. Still if you're a fan of "The Robe", "The Ten Commandments" and so forth then there are things to enjoy herein.

Cast

            Lana Turner as Samarra

            Edmund Purdom as Micah

            Louis Calhern as Nahreeb

            Audrey Dalton as Ruth

            James Mitchell as Asham

            Neville Brand as Rhakim

            Taina Elg as Elissa

            Walter Hampden as Eli Micah's Father

            Francis L. Sullivan as Bosra the Moneylender

            Joseph Wiseman as Carmish

            Sandy Descher as Yasmin

            Cecil Kellaway as Governor

            Philip Tonge as Barber/Surgeon

            David Leonard as Blind Man

            Henry Daniell as Ramadi

            Paul Cavanagh as Tobiah

            Tracey Roberts as Tahra

            Jarma Lewis as Uba

            Jay Novello as Merchant

            Dorothy Adams as Carpenter's Wife

            Phyllis Graffeo as Miriam

            Eugene Mazzola as David

            George Sawava as Kavak

            Richard Devon as Risafe

            Ann Cameron as Lahla

            Gloria Dea as Faradine

            John Rosser as Lirhan

            Charles Wagenheim as Zubeir

            Argentina Brunetti as Woman

            Paul Bryar as Townsman

            John Damler as Jailer

            John Dehner as Joram

            Jo Gilbert as Mother

            Allison Hayes
            
            Rex Lease as Purveyor

            George J. Lewis as Guard

            Dayton Lummis as Caleb

            Gordon Richards as Scribe

            Chuck Roberson as Chieftain

            Almira Sessions as Old Lady

            Tom Steele as Slave

            George Robotham as Martyr

            Linda Danson as Owl

            Diane Gump as Fox

            Patricia Jackson as Lion
See full cast