Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Air View was the title used for film publicity interviews released to radio stations by M-G-M studios. This particular one was a 12-inch, 33 1/3 RPM disc. Actually, there were two different discs issued. One was pressed on black vinyl:
the other on red vinyl. You’ll also notice that the labels themselves are different.
One side of the record has the complete interview with Dick Simmons (yes, TV’s Sgt. Preston of the Yukon) asking the questions. The real David Marshall “Carbine” Williams is also a part of the interview. On the other side are just Stewart’s answers; Simmons voice has been removed so that a local disc jockey could ask the questions. This is what is called an open-end interview. Let’s listen to both.
First, here is the complete interview with Dick Simmons.
Okay, now it’s your turn to ask the questions. We’ll supply your script and then Mr. Stewart’s answers. You begin with…
Hello, folks, this is your Hollywood reporter, (fill in your name here), again, bringing you today one of Hollywood’s most popular celebrities. He’s a tall, lanky fellow whom you’ve doubtlessly seen many times on screen. Such favorite pictures as The Philadelphia Story, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Stratton Story, Harvey and The Greatest Show on Earth. And that adds up, of course, to Jimmy Stewart. Welcome, Jimmy.
Yes, I understand you’ve really been busy of late, Jimmy. Ah, but you must get time to relax around the house.
Well, Jimmy, we’re glad to give you a chance to sit back and take it easy. That is, as long as you keep talking about yourself.
No?
Who’s that, Jimmy?
Certainly; it’s a mighty friendly weapon to the G.I.s in Korea right now, too.
Well, just what do you mean, Jimmy?
That is startling. When did it happen?
And convicted?
I’m beginning to see what has impressed you so much. Almost any man would have been licked right there, but apparently he wasn’t.
He certainly must have. But, tell me, did Williams stay in prison the full 30 years?
Sounds like it. Jimmy, maybe I should put in a word here to explain how it happens that you know so much about this man. The M-G-M Studios in Hollywood, it seems, were as impressed as you have been…and so now have just completed the motion picture Carbine Williams. Based on his own story and, of course, you were picked to portray him on the screen. You know, Jim, that must have been a strange experience for Mr. Williams watching you reenact events out of his life.
Mr. Williams, we’ve been hearing part of your incredible story from Mr. Stewart; must have seemed quite surprising to you to be in Hollywood watching it unfold again right in front of your eyes.
In what way, Mr. Williams?
Mr. Williams, it strikes me that not every man, particularly a man with a prison record in his past, would reveal his story as you have done…even with such a fine purpose. You’re to be congratulated.
I’m sure it will — and, Jimmy Stewart, thanks for bringing Marsh Williams along with you. And thanks to both of you for a most interesting chat. You know I’ve heard, Jimmy, that you give another one of your top performances in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s Carbine Williams, as do Jean Hagen and Wendell Corey. We’ll be looking forward to seeing it as a picture that promises something…well, really out of the ordinary. Thanks a lot, fellows and come back again, will you.
We’re adding this recently discovered photo of Jimmy Stewart, David Marshall Williams and the famous M-1 carbine rifle.
