The Prodigal Poster

The Prodigal 1931

★ 2.84 votes76 min📅 1931-02-21

In the sultry heart of the American South, Harry A. Pollard's *The Prodigal (1931)* unfolds a poignant tale of redemption and second chances.

Director: Harry A. Pollard

Cast

Lawrence Tibbett
Lawrence Tibbett
Jeffrey Farraday
Esther Ralston
Esther Ralston
Antonia Farraday
Roland Young
Roland Young
Doc
Cliff Edwards
Cliff Edwards
Snipe
Purnell Pratt
Purnell Pratt
Rodman Farraday
Hedda Hopper
Hedda Hopper
Christine
Emma Dunn
Emma Dunn
Mrs. Farraday
Stepin Fetchit
Stepin Fetchit
Hokey
Louis John Bartels
Louis John Bartels
George
Theodore von Eltz
Theodore von Eltz
Carter Jerome

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Prodigal (1931) about?

*The Prodigal* tells the story of a once-privileged singer who loses everything and returns home to his wealthy Southern family as a drifter. His quest for reconciliation tests loyalties and forces him to confront the choices that led to his downfall.

Who directed The Prodigal?

Harry A. Pollard directed *The Prodigal (1931)*, bringing a blend of melodrama and romance to this early talkie classic.

Who stars in The Prodigal?

The Prodigal features Lawrence Tibbett in the lead role, supported by Esther Ralston, Roland Young, Cliff Edwards, and Hedda Hopper.

Is The Prodigal (1931) worth watching?

While *The Prodigal* may not boast the prestige of later classics, Tibbett's performance and Pollard's direction make it a compelling watch for fans of vintage romance. Its themes of redemption and family ties resonate, though its pacing feels dated by modern standards.

How long is The Prodigal?

The Prodigal runs for 76 minutes, a concise runtime typical of early sound films.

About The Prodigal (1931) — A fall from grace, a road to redemption in vintage romance

In the sultry heart of the American South, Harry A. Pollard's *The Prodigal (1931)* unfolds a poignant tale of redemption and second chances. The film follows an ambitious young singer, once the golden heir of a wealthy family, who now drifts through life as a hobo after falling from grace. Haunted by regret and the weight of his past, he returns to the only place that once held promise—the lavish estate of his estranged kin. As he navigates shattered expectations and the allure of his former world, the story becomes a haunting meditation on pride, sacrifice, and the fragile line between dreams and reality.

With its rich visual palette and heartfelt performances, *The Prodigal* captures the essence of early 1930s romance, where ambition clashes with humility and love tests loyalty. Lawrence Tibbett's magnetic portrayal anchors the narrative, while Esther Ralston and Roland Young add layers of emotional depth. The film's atmosphere is warm yet melancholic, mirroring the protagonist's internal struggle as he battles to reclaim his identity and purpose.