After serving 16 months jail time for a crime he didn't commit, down-on-his-luck Joe Bell (John Garfield) is released from prison when the real criminal makes a confession. Although Joe had told the truth at his trial, he wasn't believed, and now that he's free, he is angry and bitter and vows to look out for #1 from now on.
Hopping a train with two teenage boys, Joe heads out of town; after two additional men jump the train at another location, a scuffle breaks out, alerting the railroad personnel to the men's presence. Charged with vagrancy and disturbing the peace, Joe and the others are sentenced to 90 days labor at the county work farm.
While Joe is on barn duty, he makes the acquaintance of Mabel Alden (Priscilla Lane), the stepdaughter of the farm's superintendent. Though their first meeting is anything but pleasant, eventually, Joe and Mabel fall in love, and for the first time in his life, Joe wants to put down some roots.
When Mabel's stepfather (Charlie) catches the two lovers kissing in the barn, he is enraged and attacks Mabel. Defending Mabel, Joe fights with Charlie; after the altercation, Charlie falls to the ground unconscious and Joe and Mabel go on the run, even getting married at the first opportunity.
After hearing on the radio news that Charlie has died and that convict Joe Bell is being sought for his murder, Mabel urges Joe to give himself up and to explain what really happened. Having told the truth and not been believed before, Joe has no intention of putting faith in the law again; therefore, they remain on the run.
Eventually, Mabel and Joe come to a town where they believe they can settle. Feeling that Joe and Mabel are good, hardworking people, a kindhearted man gives them both jobs. Though Joe is skeptical and mistrustful of everyone, he discovers an abundance of kind, caring people, and he begins to think that maybe, just maybe, things will work out for him and Mabel. As they try to make a life, though, the past has its way of rearing its ugly head, and before long, the newly married couple may be forced to run again.
Will Joe and Mabel ever be able to stop running? Will Joe be cleared of murdering Charlie? Will Joe, who really is an honest man, remain honest? Or will he be forced to use the gun he carries in his pocket? These are the questions which play out in the balance of this touching film.
Dust Be My Destiny is a lovely film. Seems strange to call a John Garfield film lovely, but it's true. There are several very touching moments, especially as Joe discovers that there really are kind people out there, people who are willing to give him a chance. Another especially touching scene (to me) is when Joe and Mabel argue and decide to split up. As they both walk in opposite directions, both are continually looking back at the other, and, finally, Joe runs to Mabel. It's rare in a 30's film for the man to be the one who comes running back, and it really touched me that he did.
In my opinion, John Garfield was a truly amazing actor---really one of the best and quite under-rated. Always fantastic as the cynical, misunderstood man with a chip on his shoulder, Mr. Garfield is totally stellar in this role. Priscilla Lane is wonderful too; in fact, this is just as much her film as it is Garfield's. Dust Be My Destiny is my favorite of her films as well...though The Roaring Twenties is only a miniscule distance behind.
The chemistry between Garfield and Lane is great; of course, they had already worked together in Four Daughters and Daughters Courageous, so perhaps they were just comfortable with one another. At any rate, they were wonderful together in this film. The life and vulnerability they brought to their characters made me really care about both of them. The supporting cast, which includes the always-delightful Alan Hale, is wonderful as well.
To my knowledge, this film is not out on DVD; however, it is on VHS, so perhaps you could track down a copy. TCM airs it periodically (that's how I caught it), so perhaps it will be on their schedule again in the near future. Definitely keep your eyes out for this one, especially if you are a John Garfield fan (as I am).
Happy viewing!!