(1955)
2.5
Craig Butler
MGM spent -- and lost -- a fortune on The Prodigal, and the money is very visibly spent. There are lavish sets, elaborate costumes and some choice Joseph Ruttenberg cinematography. Now if only the studio had decided to spend more than $1.98 on the screenplay. Actually, to be fair, it's clear that a lot of effort went into the script -- but it was far too much effort and far too little talent. The very simple, very effective Biblical story that is its basis was blown all out of proportion and out of recognition, to the extent that the point of the original story becomes secondary. This is bad enough, but what makes things worse is that the plot that has been concocted is trite and unconvincing, though not as trite and unconvincing as the dialogue that has been ladled onto it. To make matter worse, the crucial leading role was given to Edmund Purdom, a very handsome man but an actor that required careful handling to be effective; in here, he's about as wooden as they come. Lana Turner is anything but wooden, looking about as delectable and fleshy as is humanly possible, and she gives the part everything she has -- unfortunately, to the point that it becomes a bit campy. Still, considering the script, this was the only choice she had, and at least she keeps her part interesting and lively. The only performance that is actually good is James Mitchell -- and that's probably because his character is a mute and is therefore spared the overripe dialogue the others must suffer through. Fans of overdone Biblical epics may enjoy Prodigal, but others should steer clear.
releases for The Prodigal on AllMovie
The Prodigal (1955)
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The Prodigal
Warner Home Video
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June 26, 2007 |
