Carbine Williams (1952)

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(264 ratings)

The tougher postwar screen image of James Stewart is given a good workout in the fact-based Carbine Williams. In 1952, the world at large knew Marsh Williams as the developer of the US Army's M-1 carbine rifle. The film builds up to this event by detailing Williams' previous existence as a… More The tougher postwar screen image of James Stewart is given a good workout in the fact-based Carbine Williams. In 1952, the world at large knew Marsh Williams as the developer of the US Army's M-1 carbine rifle. The film builds up to this event by detailing Williams' previous existence as a bootlegger and embittered prison inmate, sentenced to 30 years at hard labor for killing a revenue agent. After enduring the rigors of chain-gang life and solitary confinement, Williams (Stewart) gets his mind off his troubles by dreaming up a new type of automatic-gun piston. He is encouraged in this endeavor by prison warden H. T. Peoples (Wendell Corey), previously Williams' bitterest enemy. As Williams continues to develop his innovative weaponry notions, his wife Maggie (Jean Hagen) and Warden Peoples try to overcome penal bureaucracy to win a pardon for Williams. Some TV prints of Carbine Williams have been colorized by computer; despite this artistically offensive practice, the strong dramatic and human values of the story still shine. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Richard Thorpe
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: May 1, 1952 Wide
Studio: Warner Bros

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Cast

            James Stewart as Marsh Williams

            Jean Hagen as Maggie Williams

            Wendell Corey as Capt. H.T. Peeples

            Carl Benton Reid as Claude Williams

            Paul Stewart as "Dutch" Kruger

            Otto Hulett as Mobley

            Rhys Williams as Redwick Karson

            Herbert Heyes as Lionel Daniels

            James Arness as Leon Williams

            Porter Hall as Sam Markley

            Fay Roope as District Attorney

            Ralph Dumke as Andrew White

            Leif Erickson as Feder

            Henry Corden as Bill Stockton

            Frank Richards as Truex

            Howard Petrie as Sheriff

            Stuart Randall as Tom Venner

            Dan Riss as Jesse Rimmer

            Bobby Hyatt as David Williams

            Willis B. Bouchey as Mitchell

            Marshall Bradford
            
            Harry V. Cheshire as Judge

            Lillian Culver as Mrs. Laura Williams

            Sam Flint
            
            Robert Foulk as Torchy

            Nolan Leary
            
            Emile G. Meyer as Head Guard

            Fiona O'Shiel as Mrs. Rimmer

            George Pembroke as Board Member

            Richard Reeves as Guard

            Duke York
            
            James Harrison as Trusty

            Bob Alden as Messenger

            Bert LeBaron
            
            Jon Gardner as Mac Williams

            Marlene Lyden as Mary Eloise Williams

            Erik Nielsen as Child at Wedding
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