Gunsmith of Williamsburg

The gun was a vital part of life in colonial Williamsburg, and this docudrama demonstrates the expertise that went into the making of each weapon. The master gunsmith explains the principal parts of an early American rifle and demonstrates the gun's complex manufacturing process. The guns of the period were crude military weapons, but with revolution stirring, the colonists depended on their weapons to send a message to the British Crown.

Directed by —, Gunsmith of Williamsburg leans on a strong ensemble — Wallace Gusler, Arthur LaBonte, David Brinkley — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1969.