Amazon.com essential video: Written by Carl Foreman (who was later blacklisted during the anticommunist hearings of the '50s) and superbly directed by Fred Zinnemann, this 1952 classic stars Gary Cooper as just-married lawman Will Kane, who is about to retire as a small-town sheriff and begin a new life with his bride (Grace Kelly) when he learns that gunslinger Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald) is due to arrive at high noon to settle an old score. Kane seeks assistance from deputies and townsfolk, but soon realizes he'll have to stand alone in his showdown with Miller and his henchmen. Innovative for its time, the suspenseful story unfolds in approximate real time (from 10:40 a.m. to high noon in an 84-minute film), and many interpreted Foreman's drama as an allegorical reflection of apathy and passive acceptance of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anticommunist campaign. Political underpinnings aside, this remains a milestone of its genre (often referred to as the first "adult" Western), and Cooper is flawless in his Oscar-winning role. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Amazon DVD High Noon
As ususal, Amazon had it, shiped and I received it in better than good order. I've never had a complaint.
Rating: - Very Satisfied
I was very pleased with my order from this seller. I received it promptly and in better condition then was described. I will buy again from this seller.
Rating: - The quintessential western with deeper meaning
This is the quintessential western with a subtle but unmistakable reference to the bullying techniques of McCarthyism. One man stands alone in the face of intimidation because those who should be his friends fear to share in his fate. This is the common-man, Gary Cooper, at his best and most noble. A must have for any video collection.
Rating: - The Gunman is Coming
First of all, I have seen High Noon but not this particular DVD so I can't comment on the special features.
The film itself is a pretty interesting concept for a western. Gary Cooper plays a local sheriff who learns he will soon be facing a quartet of armed outlaws when the final one arrives on the noon locomotive. Grace Kelly plays his wife who happens to be a pacifist. Other performers include Katy Jurado and Lon Chaney Jr. As time ticks down, Cooper attepmts to get others in the town to join him but ultimately no one is willing. The film plays out essentially in real time on ... Read More
Rating: - " STAR IN THE DUST"
Absolutely the best western ever made. One of the best romances ever made as the somewhat older sheriff and his dainty, cool and, particular younger bride start out their marriage looking down the gunbarrels of oullaws coming to "settle the score with Sheriff Will Kane." The tension builds as the sheriff nervously watches the clock. He does not really want to die this early into his new marriage--the honeymoon has not even quite begun. His frustration boils over as he cannot get even one man to stand up with him against these murderers. Then. . .when he has used up all his ammo and luck, the ... Read More
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