![Image](http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h150/redsleep/Garfield/lanegarfielddust0qo.jpg)
By 1939, John Garfield was tired of playing Mickey Borden. His fabulous debut in the previous year's Four Daughters had garnered him instant stardom, an Oscar nomination, and, unfortunately, typecasting from Warner Brothers executives who were trying to recreate magic instead of finding new vehicles for their young actor.
The forties would bring changes, but Dust be My Destiny (showing today 9/18) finds Garfield in transition. Paired once again with Priscilla Lane, Garfield plays Joe Bell, an angry antihero accused of murder in this couple on the run flick. While echoes of Four Daughters remain, his ability to stretch the role, making Bell more than a tough/tender stereotype, show a growing maturity and confidence that would serve Garfield well in future projects. Photography from James Wong Howe, Robert Rossen's script, and decent casting also elevate this average film.
Although not a masterpiece, Dust be My Destiny is a turning point in the Garfield cannon and for fans, another chance to see the man at work. John Garfield made only thirty-two films, many of them poor, but his talent is always worth watching.