Product reviewsHigh Noon (DVD, 2001)

Gary Cooper is THE icon of mature manhood, as the aging Marshal facing down four outlaws alone.

Gary Cooper is THE icon of mature manhood, as the aging Marshal facing down four outlaws without any help from the townsfolk he's protecting. Americans, reaching back to the 19th century in search of the pioneer spirit which they believe to be integral to the national character, love Cooper's authentic Montana background and unpretentiousness. Cooper, as Marshal Kane, is the man they aspire to be. His greatness lies not in physical strength, looks, purity, or quickness with a gun, but in the moral courage to stand up, alone if necessary, when his community is under threat. Together, Zinneman & Cooper create the perfect image of individual courage.

However, much of this image is created by contrasting Kane with an American town riddled with moral weakness and downright cowardice. This aspect of the film was considered unpatriotic by some, including John Wayne and Howard Hawks.

The central plotline becomes clear early on, and we know where Kane is headed. Meanwhile, we are fascinated by two women: Kane's bride Amy (Grace Kelly) and his former girlfriend Helen (Katy Jurado). At the start of the film, Amy is missish & pacifist, and even filmed unflatteringly. By contrast, Helen is a beautiful, independent woman, in a very strong performance by Jurado. But then, the two meet, and in a fantastic scene Helen seems to give Amy strength, maturity, and even beauty. From that point on, Amy begins to understand her husband better, and it is no surprise when she runs back to support him as soon as the first shot is fired.

The simplicity of the plot means that it lends itself to a number of metaphorical interpretations. In the age of HUAC, some read the film as a metaphor for the isolation of Hiss, actors, writers, & directors accused of Communism. Others interpret Kane as Harry Truman. His failing popularity in 1952 inevitably led to the victory of the Republicans, who had caused the 1929 crash when last in power. Some might see the film as a retort to the excessive idealism of `It's a Wonderful Life' and other Capra films which show the community helping an individual in trouble. Finally, the film is still ideal propaganda for the NRA, whose philosophy is `a good man with a gun is needed to beat a bad man with a gun.'Read full review...

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A well made western with a great story

To my mind one of the best westerns made the story revolved round a clock the music and the actors first rate.

Excellent - worth ten times the price

I think High Noon is one of the best Westerns ever, All the action at the end but mouting tension throughout. Noted for first (I think) role for Lee Van Cleef. Scenes at rail depot waiting for the noon train to arrrive are superb - I could go on but see for yourself. An excellent product.Read full review...

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A Must For Your Collection

A Great Classic Film That Stands The Test Of Time

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High Noon

A superb western where Gary Cooper is the town Marshall and he knows that a hit squad is coming to kill him.The question is will he servive

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Great value classic movie.

Great value classic movie.

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It's more grim than is usual for an Ealing comedy

I have only watched the first 2 hours of the film and would have to say it has been woefully short on laughs so far.

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a Zinneman movie

Like most Zinneman movies it is over rated a good versus evil film ...Where protagonist faced deserters before the expected ordeal at High Noon and dealt with it himself .... hmmmmmm what is new in modern day - it only got worse since 1952 Read full review...

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high noon

excellent film worth watching again and again

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super a must watch

Brill film good to hear Tex Ritter singing High Noon

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