
A Free Soul
Seen it?1931 | 93 min | Drama, Romance
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won an Oscar, though it had soft box office and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Right up the alley of anyone fascinated by the criminal underworld and anyone in the mood for a love story. A look inside a world of loyalty, money and betrayal. Fans of The Public Enemy or Written on the Wind should feel right at home.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 33 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1931: an older pace and style.
- Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.
An alcoholic lawyer who successfully defended a notorious gambler on a murder charge objects when his free-spirited daughter becomes romantically involved with him.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Oscar: Best Actor. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 18K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
More like this
The Public EnemySaturday SpecialAnother mob drama.
Written on the WindFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama that fewer people know today.
The Roaring TwentiesSunday Safe BetAnother mob drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
CasinoFriday Night FlickAnother much-loved mob drama.
I Can't Think StraightMonday Morning MaybeAnother drama. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Clarence Brown
- Norma ShearerJan Ashe
- Leslie HowardDwight Winthrop
- Lionel BarrymoreStephen Ashe
- Clark GableAce Wilfong
- James GleasonEddie
- Lucy BeaumontGrandma Ashe
- Roscoe AtesMan Shot at in Men's Room (uncredited)
- Ann BrodyHamburger Saleslady (uncredited)
- Edward BrophySlouch (uncredited)
- James DonlanReporter (uncredited)