Carbine Williams

(1952)
 
92 minutes

Crime / Drama

Directed by Richard Thorpe

Cast:

James Stewart as David Marshall 'Marsh' Williams
Jean Hagen as Maggie Williams
Wendell Corey as Capt. H.T. Peoples
Carl Benton Reid as Claude Williams

The film follows the life of David Marshall Williams (James Stewart), who invented the semi-automatic M1 Carbine used in World War II. Williams was found distilling illegal moonshine, and was held responsible for the death of a federal officer during a raid on his still. He was sentenced to thirty years hard labor. He cycled through the prison system, until a firm, but compassionate warden, H.T. Peoples (Wendell Corey) allowed him to work in a prison tool shop. There he invented the gas system for his famous rifle, and eventually was released from prison in 1929 and worked with Winchester Firearms on development of the M1 Carbine.