High Noon
Category
Western
Director
Fred Zinnemann
Cast
- Gary Cooper
- Thomas Mitchell
- Lloyd Bridges
- Katy Jurado
- Grace Kelly
- Otto Kruger
- Lon Chaney Jr.
- Henry Morgan
- Ian MacDonald
Release Date
7 July 1952
Synopsis
Watching one of numerous Fred Zinneman's black and white movies, specifically the film High Noon, is like traveling back in time and actually being there in the Western setting of 1952.
Basically, this story revolves around Gary Cooper's character as the newly married sheriff named Will Kane. Right after being married to his wife Amy Fowler Kane (played by Grace Kelly) and finally deciding to leave behind his position as a sheriff, he hears news about the return of his old enemies in town and that he was asked to meet them by noon. He had a chance to turn his back and get as far away as he can, but he decided to stay put and wait for his enemies' arrival in the station. Unluckily for him, he received no support from the people he had served all his life. Everyone in the whole town turned their backs on him, including his wife.
What makes this plot interesting is that the movie plays in real-time with the thrill and excitement perfectly arousing the viewer and making him more curious on what would happen next. Sorrow and suspense was perfectly blended in this film, something that not all moviemakers can do. And to top it all off, the cinematography was superb and classy, which was even more amplified by its black-and-white treatment. Its unique pacing and mood truly made it stand out from its contemporaries.
Apart from the splendid work done by the people working behind the cameras, the actors must be lauded too as they also made great contribution to the film’s success. Gary Cooper definitely showed his superb acting skills as he portrayed the character of Kane, the man who proved that pride matters more than anything else in the world. He was able to execute the pained emotions of the character pretty well. His supporting cast did well, most especially the backstabbing deputy character played by Lloyd Bridges. Grace Kelly, one of the most beautiful faces that Hollywood ever had, played an unforgettable role in the film as well.
Indeed, there is no surprise why High Noon, even if it was made more than half a century ago, still proves to be one of the most memorable films ever made.