High Noon - 9 stars out of 10

High Noon - 9 stars out of 10

"High Noon" is the quintessential Western.  I tend to dislike Westerns because they drag on but this film is concise with its simple “Lone Marshal Against The Bad Guys” plot.  The storytelling is wonderful with its frequent references to clocks throughout the film, allowing it to unfold in "real time."  Oscar winner Gary Cooper is the perfect fit for Marshal Kane, commanding the screen with bravado while allowing his emotions to penetrate his gruff exterior when things look hopeless.  Although this is the definition of a one man show, Cooper receives support from Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy from "It's A Wonderful Life) as one of his only allies, Grace Kelly as his beautiful new bride (and who I wish would have received more screen time since she's always a pleasure to watch), and Lloyd Bridges (who would go on to play Izzy Mandelbaum in Seinfeld!).  The intensity never falters, growing with each look at the clock.  I thought that the title song was a bit hokey at first, but I love how it developed into the heroic theme that appears every time that Marshal Kane is abandoned by another friend, accepting that the fate of the town lies in his hands.  Despite its simplicity, once the clock strikes noon and the train arrives, this rivetting conclusion remains one of the finest in cinema.  If there is one Western on your movie bucket list, it should be this one.