“High Noon” (1952) starring Gary Cooper / Z-View

High Noon (1952)

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Screenplay: Carl Foreman based on The Tin Star short story in Collier’s by John W. Cunningham

Stars: Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Otto Kruger, Lon Chaney Jr., Harry Morgan, Morgan Farley, Harry Shannon, Lee Van Cleef, Sheb Wooley and Jack Elam.

Tagline:  Simple. Powerful. Unforgettable.

The Plot…

Will Kane (Cooper) and hi bride are ready to start a new life.  It’s their wedding day. Kane is retiring as Marshal of a small western town.  He and his young wife Amy (Kelly) are moving to another town to open a store and raise a family.

Shortly after Will and Amy are married, they learn that Frank Miller is set to arrive on the noon train. Miller is a killer that Kane sent to prison.  Miller’s trial resulted in a death sentence. Miller swore he would return to kill Kane.  Instead of being hung, Miller’s death sentence was commuted.  Now Miller is on his way to keep his word.  Things get worse when Kane learns that three of Miller’s gang are already in town..

Will Kane knows it’s too late to run. Nobody in town is willing to help Kane face down the killers.  What chance does one man alone have against four gunslingers?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

High Noon was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four:
Nominated for…
Best Picture
Best Director (Fred Zinnemann)
Best Writing Screenplay (Carl Foreman)
Won for…
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Winner – Gary Cooper)
Best Film Editing (Winner – Elmo Williams, Harry Gerstad)
Best Music Original Song (Winner – Dimitri Tiomkin: music, Ned Washington: lyrics, for the song “High Noon aka Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'”)
Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Winner – Dimitri Tiomkin)

John Wayne hated High Noon.  Every time I revisit the film, I like it better.  It’s a great film, expertly directed, with a first rate cast and a story that rings true.  At first Will Kane is willing to leave before the train arrives.  Then he realizes that Miller and his gang will track him down.  Kane thinks it’s better to meet them head on. Kane is sure that he will get support from some of the town members.

It’s interesting the way each person he approaches finds a rationale to not help.

Standouts in the cast include Gary Cooper, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Lon Chaney Jr., Lee Van Cleef and Harry Morgan.  High Noon was a comeback film for Gary Cooper.  Lloyd Bridges is great as the cocky, immature Deputy who wants to be Marshal. Katy Jurado owns every scene she’s in.  In High Noon, Lon Chaney Jr. gives the finest performance of his career.  Harry Morgan is a coward doing his best to not appear so to his wife. High Noon was Lee Van Cleef’s feature film debut! Look for Jack Elam in a cameo as a drunk. His part was supposed to be bigger, but it was determined it took away from the suspense of the impending gunfights.

High Noon (1952) rates 5 of 5 stars.