High Noon (dir. Fred Zinnemann)
Runtime: 85 minutes
The western is one of the few original American art forms, and High Noon is the western at its best. The once-mighty town sheriff, Will, (Gary Cooper) is getting married and retiring. But right before he leaves, the lawman is told that a man he sent to prison years ago, Frank Miller, is returning on the noon train to enact his vengeance.
His wife (Grace Kelly) begs him to leave, telling him that it’s not his problem anymore, but Will knows what he has to do, and puts on his tin star for one last rodeo. What Will’s not expecting, however, is the lack of support towards the battle against Miller and his band. When he seeks help from the townspeople he’s served for years, they turn their backs on him, leaving Will to face Miller alone.
High Noon is simply a masterpiece of tension, with a phenomenal performance from Cooper and all around excellent filmmaking. They truly don’t make them like this anymore.
Quote to remember: “I’ve got to, that’s the whole thing.” -Will
Published: Jan 29, 2017 01:00 pm