I'm ashamed to admit that it's been years (!) since I've seen the film and as a result don't recall Ben Carter. Clearly, long overdue for a viewing.

Zanuck seemed to be right on the money ("formula film") with is assessment regarding the film (he really was a cut above the movie moguls of the day, imho, as he was a filmmaker as well) concentrating on the Technicolor photography with was really the real star of the film, I thought.

I agree with your conclusion regarding the character TP played; a road much travelled upon at that point.