Sorrell and Son (1927): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1927, Sorrell and Son is a drama film directed by Herbert Brenon, running about 100 minutes. “Would you give your strength year after year---fight hardship and failure---and finally give your life---that your son might live and love!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Stephen Sorrell, a decorated war hero, raises his son Kit alone after Kit's mother deserts husband and child in the boy's infancy. Sorrell loses a promising job offer and is forced to take work as a menial. Both his dignity and his health are damaged as he suffers under the exhausting labor and harsh treatment he receives as a hotel porter. But Sorrell thrives in the knowledge that his son will benefit from his labors. Sorrell has allowed the boy to believe his mother dead, but when the mother shows up, wanting to re-enter the young man's life, Sorrell must make hard decisions.

Who’s in it. Sorrell and Son stars H.B. Warner as Stephen Sorrell, Anna Q. Nilsson as Dora Sorrell, Mickey McBan as Kit, as a child and Mickey McBan as Flo Palfrey, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, Sorrell and Son has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Sorrell and Son page.

If you liked it. Fans of Sorrell and Son tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.