Producer: Armand Deutsch. Copyright 14 April 1952 by Loew's Inc. A Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer picture. New York opening at the Capitol: 7 May 1952. U.S. release: May 1952. Australian release: 30 July 1952. 92 minutes. Cut to 8,073 feet in the U.K.SYNOPSIS: A true story about David Marshall Williams who developed the carbine rifle while serving a thirty-year prison term in North Carolina. — Copyright summary.COMMENT: Although it was none too successful on first release, "Carbine Williams" was formerly a frequent player on TV. It was one of the first of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer black-and-white library to be "colorized". But now, of course, following the public outcry against colorization, it is not broadcast at all.For all this fuss, "Carbine Williams" offers no more than medium- range entertainment — except of course for dyed-in-the-wool Jimmy Stewart fans. The script offers little in the way of action but plenty of emotive moments for good old Jim. Indeed, patrons expecting the usual high-charged thrills of the typical prison picture, are going to feel rather short-changed.Despite her star billing, Jean "Singin' in the Rain" Hagen has a paltry role. And whilst it's true we see a lot of Wendell Corey, it's a rather thankless part that offers the glum actor few opportunities to shine.Thorpe's direction is competent enough, production credits are okay. The budget rates as just passable "A".OTHER VIEWS: Stewart's most negligible film of the fifties — the only serious career mistake he made amid a stream of remarkably fine pictures — Carbine Williams doesn't fit Stewart's image or personality at all. — Allen Eyles in "James Stewart".P.S. Your dead right, Allen, but would you believe Jimmy Stewart positively sought this role? Finally, he told Louis B. Mayer that he'd do it for half his usual fee. How could Mayer resist such an offer? If I was in Mayer's shoes, I would have done the same!

"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.

This movie is a great movie for those who are into guns. Weather it be gun collecting, or just history. This movie portrays the actual real life story of how the winchester carbine was brought about. It is correct in it's history, and very interesting. Jimmy Stewart does an excellent job of portraying the feelings of a prisoner who may be wrongly convicted. It was never determined who actually killed the agent. This man made a rifle to help the American fighting man of the armed forces. Lighter, faster and more reliable than anything up to it's time. This was done inside a prison, with nothing but a file. When it was found out what he was doing, the warden of the prison eventually stands behind him and helps him in his efforts. If you are not interested in guns it is still a informative movie with a great human interest story!

Some how I just seemed to have missed this great film of James Stewart and his great acting and a very entertaining film. James Stewart,(David Marshall,'Marsh',Williams),"Bell Book & Candle",'58, winds up in a prison camp with nice stripe uniforms and a very bad attitude towards writing home to his wife, and his prison warden, Wendell Corey,(Capt. H.T. Peoples),"The Big Knife",'55. Capt. Peoples tries to break Marsh down to his way of thinking and as a result, he starts making automatic weapons. Jean Hagen,(Maggie Williams),"The Big Knife",'55, gave an outstanding supporting role as the wife of Marsh. If you want to see a young Stewart and a very entertaining story, watch this great CLASSIC!