The Film: High Noon rode into cinemas early in the decade and its appeal continues to endure with audiences. Altogether different to Westerns that had come before it (events unfold in real time and character-wise Coopers sheriff Will Kane is a vulnerable yet stoic protagonist) the film sees Kane at the mercy of old Father Time as he awaits a showdown with some murderous villains. The making of High Noon is almost as exciting as the movie itself screenwriter Carl Foreman was called before the House Un-American Activities Committee and deemed to be uncooperative when he wouldnt fess up with any names and its testament to Cooper and Zinnemann for pushing so hard to keep Foremans name on the credits. Hand to the holster, this is the best Western of all time. Classic Moment: As the film builds up to its payoff, Kanes old lady played by Grace Kelly makes a decision that adds a true element of surprise to the anticipated showdown.
Shaun is a former contributor for a number of Future Publishing titles and more recently worked as a staffer at Imagine Publishing.
He can now be found banking in the daytime and writing a variety of articles for What Culture, namely around his favourite topics of film, retro gaming, music, TV and, when he's feeling clever, literature.
