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Poster for A Free Soul

A Free Soul

Seen it?

1931 | 93 min | Drama, Romance

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

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

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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)