High Noon

1952.

#33 / #27

Winner of 4 Academy Awards

At noon, pardoned-convict Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald) is due to arrive in Hadleyville to seek revenge upon the town's marshal, Will Kane (Gary Cooper). Kane tries to find deputies to help him stand up to Miller's gang, but in the end, he has to face Miller alone.

Eddie: HIGH NOON isn't your average western, and maybe that's why it's one of my favorites. There are no silly duels (until the very end) or horse chases or yeehaws. Instead, the movie glorifies one individual who does what's right, what's expected of him, and what no one else will. God damn, this movie makes me love America.

The movie unfolds in real time, which builds the suspense at a constant, alarming rate. Gary Cooper plays one of the most decent characters in any film. And I'm not sure if the movie is an allegory for HUAC or not, but either way, it's probably more relevant today than the day it was made.

Sarah: Meh. This film underwhelms me. There are no surprises, and narratively it is too simple. Good guy fights bad guys with no complications. Yes the build of tension is well done, but after the movie is through, there is no great catharsis or food for thought.

I think Eddie is giving this film too high of a praise. I'd say SHANE or TRUE GRIT are better examples of courage and doing what is right in the Western genre. HIGH NOON is just too sunshine-y and apple pie.

Why You Should See It: The gunfight at the end. It's the reason Eddie's been biting his nails for an hour and a half.