High Noon (1952)

 High Noon (1952)

Before Fred Zinnemann made classics like From Here to Eternity and A Man for All Seasons, he made one of the most recognized Westerns in history, High Noon. Gary Cooper’s career has been in decline for years, so this film helped him put his career in turnaround. He actually won an Academy Award for his performance, and I can say he delivers a powerful performance. The movie also receives credit for being an early “revisionist” Western. In other words, this movie does not play out like traditional Westerns which surprised many people. The build-up towards the explosive ending works very well, and I also liked how feminist the film is when compared to other Westerns. The women (including the great Grace Kelly) are given juicy but significant roles.

The making of film features some exciting drama. The production was beginning in the midst of another Red Scare, so communism was on the minds of many Americans. The screenplay was written by Carl Foreman, who apparently may have had ties to communists. He was brought before HUAC where he was deemed an “uncooperative witness.” His production partner was Stanley Kramer whom believed Foreman was going to accuse him. It was a mess, but Foreman remained with the project although Kramer was given more reign. Before Gary Cooper signed on, John Wayne was the initial choice. Wayne despised the project because he felt like blacklisting was a central theme for the movie and he supported the idea of blacklisting people when Foreman didn’t. The movie did not live up to Wayne’s ideals. Interestingly enough, Cooper shared similar views of Wayne’s, but he still accepted the role and committed to it. But any awards chatter was hearsay for him which is a shame because this is Cooper’s movie. But it goes to show the drama behind the scenes of any film can be very exciting.

Fred Zinnemann changed the course of Westerns with this classic. People were expecting beautiful scenery, explosive action sequences/gunfights, and the traditional male lead saving a civilization from bad guys. Yes, that is the definition of an old-fashioned Western. So, imagine the surprise when people got moralistic and pensive dialogue for most of the running time…until the final showdown. Imagine how people felt when Cooper’s character fights the baddies all alone because the townspeople bailed on him for lame excuses (complete opposite of a traditional Western). And also imagine the surprise when women (Grace Kelly and Katy Jurado) were given strong, beneficial roles. In fact, Kelly’s character had a major role in the film’s ending. Contemporaries of the day, such as Alfred Hitchcock, did not agree with Kelly’s performance. I just suppose they were not ready for changing times.

Played out in real time (really enjoyed this gimmick, but had to get used to it), Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is set to be married to the love of his life, Amy Fowler Kane (Grace Kelly) and to retire from his post. He is, however, told that Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), a man he sent to be hung, is returning on the noon train to exact his revenge on Kane. He seeks the help of the townsfolk whom he protected for so long. In heartbreaking fashion, they all turn their back on him. In the end, it looks like Marshal Kane will be facing off against Miller and his posse…alone.

Gary Cooper shines in what is one of his best performances. His character is different than what he is accustomed to, but he made it work. Definitely gave his character more sadness as a result. Grace Kelly and Katy Jurado are fantastic in their respective roles. Each woman plays a major part in making sure Cooper is alive by the film’s end. Also, Lloyd Bridges as Deputy Marshal Harvey Pell and Thomas Mitchell as Mayor Jonas Henderson likewise deliver strong supporting performances.

Overall, High Noon is worth a watch. If you like Westerns from the 1960’s and later, you owe this film some respect as it changed how Westerns were produced. I find it hilarious how much Wayne hated the movie. Funnily enough, his film Rio Bravo was made in response to High Noon’s success. Also memorable is the film’s theme song, known as “High Noon,” also known as “Do Not Forsake Me, O My Darling.” The song does seem to be beaten across the head as composer Dmitri Tiomkin incorporated it often in his score. The film’s ending remains one of the best endings you will see! I was satisfied. If you think the film runs slow at first, just wait until the end.

My Grade: A-