From a technical point of view,this was a well-done picture.Sets,props,some of the costumes,camera work,etc.,are all quite impressive.That,however,is where the good stuff ends.The plot contains every cliche known to historical,biblical,and costume dramas,and the dialouge is stilted and banal.A fine cast of supporting actors provide characterizations that are stereotypic,at best.The leads don't even provide characterizations that don't even make it to one-dimensional;Purdom,a fine classically trained actor,is wooden,and Turner looks as though she would rather be somewhere else.(Her biographers state that they didn't get along at all,and this shows up onscreen.But isn't part of acting being able to provide the illusion of reality?).Calhern acts more like his crooked lawyer in "Asphalt Jungle"than a power-hungry relgious tyrant,and with his hat he looks like the Grand Wizard.The plot focuses on lust,cruelty,brutality,terrifying horrors of the ancient world,savagery,and bloodthirstiness.The most atrocious sequence focuses on the performance of a ritual human sacrifice that will outrage anyone with the moral fastidiousness of a Gila Monster.The best way to watch this piece of tripe is to get roaring drunk,and then make wisecracks,like on Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Review of The Prodigal
