[[quoteright:300:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/the_prodigal_1955.jpg]]

One of the last films in the big-budget Hollywood Biblical epic tradition, Richard Thorpe's ''The Prodigal'' (1955) is loosely based on the [[Literature/TheFourGospels Parable of the Prodigal Son]].

Micah (Edmund Purdom), the ProdigalHero in question, falls prey to the deadly charms of the pagan high priestess Samarra (Creator/LanaTurner). However, after much debauchery, Micah is betrayed, tossed into jail and almost killed. [[ForegoneConclusion Needless to say]], however, he escapes from prison, [[Film/{{Spartacus}} leads a revolt against the evil pagans]], and returns home.

----
!!This film contains examples of the following tropes:

* AdaptationExpansion: This is a much, much expanded version of what the Prodigal Son was doing.
* BeautifulSlaveGirl: Elissa.
* BetaCouple: Asham and Elissa (at least, [[spoiler:until she's murdered]]).
* TheDutifulSon: Micah's brother is pretty impatient about his behavior.
* HumanSacrifice: As demanded by Samarra's religion.
* IOweYouMyLife: The escaped slave Asham attaches himself to Micah for this reason, despite Micah's insistence that he just go free.
* ImprobableAimingSkills: Asham avenges [[spoiler:his beloved Elissa]] by successfully throwing a knife into another man's neck while balancing on horseback.
* LaserGuidedKarma: [[spoiler:Samarra]] winds up dying in the fire pit.
* TheMakeover: Micah and Asham get new togs in order to fit in properly at Damascus.
* {{Fanservice}}: Samarra's primary purpose. However, Micah and Asham seem to spend a lot of time bare-chested.
* HappinessInSlavery: Asham, when Micah is involved. Otherwise, not so much.
* LostHimInACardGame: Micah wins Elissa for Asham in the pagan gambling den.
* LavaPit: The primary method of dispatching the HumanSacrifice involves a high dive into a flaming pit.
* RebelLeader: Micah turns into one after his imprisonment.
* TakingTheBullet: At the beginning of the film, Asham demonstrates his gratitude to Micah by taking a spear meant for Micah.
* ATasteOfTheLash: Micah undergoes a bad whipping while in jail.
* TheVoiceless: Asham.
* WretchedHive: Damascus.
----