The Prodigal Judge (1922)

The story takes place in the pre-Civil War era South. Judge Price has a fondness for liquor which really goes into overdrive after his wife runs away with another man and she takes their boy with her. He then spends his time wandering around the country with his tee-totaling pal, Solomon Mahaffy. Years pass and the judge learns that his wife has died and her lover is trying to get his hands on her son's inheritance.