"Carbine Williams" is a seldom seen film. It offers a rare James Stewart in a role that was so opposite to the kind of characters he usually portrayed. The film which was based on a real individual, David Marshall Williams, gives us a glimpse about his life in rural North Carolina. The film, directed by Richard Thorpe, should be seen as a curiosity piece showcasing a great actor.
Marsh Williams' life was not a happy one. He had the misfortune of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Without being a criminal, he was condemned to jail. His time in prison was not exactly a happy one because everything conspired against him. Marsh had high values and evidently, he was ashamed of even corresponding with his family. It takes a wise man, Capt. Peoples, a warden from the facility where he was serving time, to see that Marsh had the potential for achieving greatness, as he proves at the end.
James Stewart plays a much younger man with conviction. Mr. Stewart was an actor that always delivered in spite of playing against type. In fact, his performance is more nuanced in this film. Jean Hagen, the good girl who marries Marsh, is also good. Wendell Corey has the more interesting role of the warden who sticks his neck out because he believes in a man, that by right, shouldn't be helped. Veteran actors Paul Stewart, Porter Hall, James Arness, Rhys Williams, Otto Hulett, and Leif Erickson are seen in supporting roles.
"Carbine Williams" is worth a try because of all the elements that went into the production of the film.
Marsh Williams' life was not a happy one. He had the misfortune of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Without being a criminal, he was condemned to jail. His time in prison was not exactly a happy one because everything conspired against him. Marsh had high values and evidently, he was ashamed of even corresponding with his family. It takes a wise man, Capt. Peoples, a warden from the facility where he was serving time, to see that Marsh had the potential for achieving greatness, as he proves at the end.
James Stewart plays a much younger man with conviction. Mr. Stewart was an actor that always delivered in spite of playing against type. In fact, his performance is more nuanced in this film. Jean Hagen, the good girl who marries Marsh, is also good. Wendell Corey has the more interesting role of the warden who sticks his neck out because he believes in a man, that by right, shouldn't be helped. Veteran actors Paul Stewart, Porter Hall, James Arness, Rhys Williams, Otto Hulett, and Leif Erickson are seen in supporting roles.
"Carbine Williams" is worth a try because of all the elements that went into the production of the film.