I don't really understand the criticism of Jimmy Stewart. Even in "The Rare Breed" he was pretty interesting. A consummate actor: someone who can range from The Philadelphia Story to Vertigo is no slouch. His westerns (especially the ones from the Winchester Story on by Antony Mann) are extraordinarily good -- Stewart often playing against type.
I can't think of a pure talk, talk, talk movie of his (Bell, Book, and Candle comes to mind, which is a terrible movie, but it has good things in it, like Kim Novak in a tight dress, although it could be her dullest, most mannered performance ever).

yours,

Peter T.