Now Barabbas (1949) in Color — Starring Richard Greene & Cedric Hardwicke

Now Barabbas (1949) — Buy This Classic in Color

Experience the powerful British prison drama Now Barabbas (1949) Colorized, directed by Gordon Parry, starring Richard Greene and a magnificent ensemble cast including Cedric Hardwicke, William Hartnell, and Richard Burton in an early role, telling interwoven stories of several prisoners serving time in an English jail, each dealing with their crimes, their guilt, and the possibility of redemption in a film that treats its characters with compassion, intelligence, and unflinching honesty about the realities of the British penal system, a compelling and moving drama about justice, punishment, and the human capacity for change, now available for purchase in stunning color for just €15.00. This digitally enhanced version brings this distinguished British drama to vivid new life. Own this DRM-free digital download today.

Plot Summary

Within the grey stone walls of an English prison, a diverse group of inmates serves out sentences that range from months to years to life. Their stories interweave to create a rich, complex portrait of men who have broken society’s laws for vastly different reasons and who face their punishment with varying degrees of acceptance, defiance, and hope.

Among them is Dorit, a charming forger and confidence man whose quick wit and easy manner make him the most popular inmate but whose apparent lightness conceals a deeper loneliness. There is also the young and troubled Dodd, intensely emotional and struggling with demons that even he does not fully understand — a role played by the young Richard Burton with electrifying intensity that announced a major talent. Another inmate faces the ultimate punishment of execution, and his approaching date with the hangman casts a shadow over the entire prison.

The prison governor, a humane and thoughtful man, attempts to balance the demands of justice with genuine concern for the welfare of his charges. He understands that most of these men will eventually return to society and that their rehabilitation is as important as their punishment. His philosophy is tested by the arrival of a dangerous prisoner and by the emotional crises that regularly erupt among men living under extreme psychological pressure.

As the stories unfold in parallel, the film explores fundamental questions about crime and punishment — whether prison reforms or merely punishes, whether society bears responsibility for the circumstances that create criminals, and whether redemption is possible for those who have committed the most serious offenses. Each prisoner’s story reaches its own resolution, some hopeful and some devastating, creating a cumulative emotional impact that is both intellectually challenging and deeply moving.

Cast & Crew

Director: Gordon Parry

Stars: Richard Greene as Dorit, Cedric Hardwicke as the Governor, William Hartnell as Warder Jackson, Richard Burton as Dodd, Kenneth More as Spencer, Ronald Howard as Roberts, Stephen Murray as Doris

The ensemble cast is exceptional throughout. Richard Burton, in one of his earliest film roles, delivers a performance of such raw emotional power that his future stardom seems inevitable. Cedric Hardwicke brings gravitas and moral authority to the Governor, while William Hartnell — later famous as the first Doctor Who — creates a memorably complex prison warder.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

The colorization of Now Barabbas reveals new emotional dimensions in this powerful drama — the cold grey stone of prison walls and corridors, the drab brown and grey of prison uniforms, the warm amber of the Governor’s wood-paneled office suggesting a more humane world, the pale sickly green of prison cell walls, the vivid red of institutional detail breaking the monotony, the warm flesh tones in close-ups that emphasize the humanity of the prisoners, the blue-grey of winter light through barred windows, the dark brown of well-worn wooden furniture, the stark white of the infirmary, and the brief precious glimpses of green grass and blue sky during exercise yard scenes. Now also available in colour. Buy Now Barabbas (1949) Colorized today for €15.00 and own this distinguished classic in a DRM-free format you can enjoy forever.

Historical Significance

Now Barabbas is a significant film in British cinema history, adapted from William Douglas Home’s acclaimed stage play and featuring what is widely recognized as one of Richard Burton’s earliest and most impressive film performances. Burton’s intensity in the role of the troubled young prisoner Dodd announced the arrival of a major dramatic talent. The film also features William Hartnell, who would later become beloved as the first incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. The film’s sympathetic treatment of prisoners and its questioning of the penal system reflected the growing postwar interest in prison reform and social justice. Based on the play’s biblical title, the film draws parallels between contemporary justice and the ancient choice between Barabbas and Christ. Through colorization, this powerful example of postwar British drama is preserved for modern audiences.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD 720p
• Colorized: Yes, professional AI-assisted colorization
• Audio: Original English mono soundtrack
• Runtime: Approximately 87 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is Richard Burton in this film?
A: Yes, a young Richard Burton delivers one of his earliest and most powerful film performances as the troubled prisoner Dodd. This is an excellent opportunity to see the legendary actor at the very beginning of his remarkable career.

Q: Is William Hartnell (Doctor Who) in this film?
A: Yes, William Hartnell appears as prison warder Jackson, years before his iconic role as the First Doctor in Doctor Who. His performance demonstrates the dramatic range that made him one of Britain’s finest character actors.

Q: What does the title mean?
A: ‘Now Barabbas’ references the biblical figure Barabbas, the criminal whom the crowd chose to free instead of Jesus Christ. The title invites reflection on the nature of crime, punishment, and society’s relationship with those it condemns.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as a high-quality MP4 file in HD 720p resolution, compatible with virtually all modern devices and media players.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
A: Yes, your purchase is completely DRM-free. You own the file outright and can watch it on any device without restrictions or recurring fees.

Q: How quickly will I receive the download?
A: Your download link is available immediately after payment is confirmed. You can begin watching Now Barabbas (1949) Colorized within minutes of your purchase.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Third Man (1949)
• Brighton Rock (1948)
• Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
• The Black Castle (1952)
• I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)