
Wayward Son
Synopsis
Former fashion photographer Randall Harris debuts with this gritty drama about justice and redemption in rural Georgia during the Great Depression. Jesse Banks Rhodes (Harry Connick, Jr.) is suddenly and inexplicably released from jail after serving part of a life sentence on a trumped up charge for murder. He heads back for Georgia to reclaim his life and finds himself staying with farmer Ben Alexander (Pete Postlethwaite). Initially, Ben's family is mistrustful of the ex-con, but slowly they begin to warm to him, particularly Ben's fragile daughter Wesley (Patricia Clarkson). After witnessing the murder of a black worker at the hands of his drunken white racist boss, Jesse vows to make things right.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Harry Connick Jr.
Jesse Banks Rhodes
Pete Postlethwaite
Ben Alexander
Patricia Clarkson
Wesley
Vinessa Shaw
Cordelia
Walton Goggins
Plantation Owner
Afemo Omilami
Horace
David Pickens
Warden
John Bennes
Lawyer
Matthew Brady
Inmate 1
Stacie Richards Dail
Young Crying Woman
David de Vries
Michael Gaston
Edgar
Rodney L. James
George
Chris Jenkins
Cephus
Michael Perry
Convict
Frank Roberts
Sheriff Pitts
Laura Sametz
Mrs. Blessing
Ron Clinton Smith
Vernon
Release History & Theatrical Window
September 20, 1999
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Randall Harris
- Screenplay & Story
- Randall Harris
- Original Score
- James Newton Howard, Steve Porcaro
- Original Title
- Wayward Son
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 36m
- Production Studios
- Avenue Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Randall Harris
Randall Harris
James Newton Howard, Steve Porcaro
David Hennings
Louise Rubacky
Department Leadership Roster
David Hennings
Director of Photography
David Crank
Production Design
Louise Rubacky
Editor
Randall Harris
Director
Helen P. Butler
Costume Design
James Newton Howard
Original Music Composer
Steve Porcaro
Original Music Composer
Randall Harris
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Wayward Son.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Wayward Son.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wayward Son
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Wayward Son about?
Former fashion photographer Randall Harris debuts with this gritty drama about justice and redemption in rural Georgia during the Great Depression. Jesse Banks Rhodes (Harry Connick, Jr.) is suddenly and inexplicably released from jail after serving part of a life sentence on a trumped up charge for murder. He heads back for Georgia to reclaim his life and finds himself staying with farmer Ben Alexander (Pete Postlethwaite). Initially, Ben's family is mistrustful of the ex-con, but slowly they begin to warm to him, particularly Ben's fragile daughter Wesley (Patricia Clarkson). After witnessing the murder of a black worker at the hands of his drunken white racist boss, Jesse vows to make things right.
Who directed Wayward Son?
Wayward Son was directed by Randall Harris.
Who stars in Wayward Son?
The principal cast of Wayward Son includes Harry Connick Jr., Pete Postlethwaite, Patricia Clarkson, Vinessa Shaw, Walton Goggins.
When was Wayward Son released and how long is it?
Wayward Son was released in 1999 with a total runtime of 1h 36m.
Who composed the musical score for Wayward Son?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Wayward Son was composed by James Newton Howard, Steve Porcaro.
