Synopsis
Will Kane, the sheriff of a small town in New Mexico, learns a notorious outlaw he put in jail has been freed, and will be arriving on the noon train. Knowing the outlaw and his gang are coming to kill him, Kane is determined to stand his ground, so he attempts to gather a posse from among the local townspeople.
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Cast
- Gary CooperMarshal Will Kane
- Thomas MitchellMayor Jonas Henderson
- Lloyd BridgesDeputy Marshal Harvey Pell
- Grace KellyAmy Fowler Kane
- Katy JuradoHelen Ramírez
- Otto KrugerJudge Percy Mettrick
- Lon Chaney Jr.Martin Howe
- Harry MorganSam Fuller
- Ian MacDonaldFrank Miller
- Eve McVeaghMildred Fuller
Recommendations
- 100
The New York Times
Meaningful in its implications, as well as loaded with interest and suspense, High Noon is a western to challenge “Stagecoach” for the all-time championship. (Review of Original Release) - 100
ReelViews
The Western may be one of the few truly American art forms, and High Noon shows exactly how much potential it can embrace. - 100
TV Guide Magazine
Not a frame is wasted in this taut, superbly directed, masterfully acted film, the first so-called "adult Western." (Review of Original Release) - 100
Washington Post
A terrific piece of filmmaking. It's taut, believable as it unspools. It's charismatic, with a slow buildup of tension in near-real time that finally explodes into a blast of violence. - 80
Village Voice
Possibly the most Rorschachian film of all time, a symbol-only text that effortlessly conforms to any political present, and finds a foothold in your social sphere whether you're a free radical or reactionary wing nut. - 80
Variety
Cooper does an unusually able job of portraying the marshal. (Review of Original Release) - 70
Chicago Reader
Some of the results ring false, but the memorable theme song and some equally memorable character acting (by Thomas Mitchell and Lon Chaney Jr. more than Lloyd Bridges and Katy Jurado) help things along.
