The first Western featured on ‘Classic Movie Ratings’ is Fred Zinnemann´s ‘High Noon (1952).’ It marked the revival of Gary Cooper´s career at the age of 51 and the first major role of a 21 year-old Grace Kelly. The captivating story of a town Marshal, who can´t let go of his duties to run of with his wife only minutes after their marriage, is a Must-See for all Western fans. Learn more about this piece of movie history. It doesn´t matter, if it´s not exactly twelve o´clock. Keep on reading at any time, in any place and don´t get shoot by gunslingers.
Gary Cooper, in one of his greatest roles, as Marshal Will Kane. The 1.91m tall man of the law protects a small town against brutal outlaws. He´s only short of helpers as fear has the community in its grip.
Cooper appeared in many Hollywood productions during a time span of nearly 40 years (1923 – 1961). Mostly cast as the hero, he played in movies such as ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936),’ ‘Seargeant York (1941)’ and ‘Cloak and Dagger (1946).’
Amy Fowler Kane (Grace Kelly) with a grim expression on her face. Less than half an hour ago, she was a very happy woman. Now she is on the verge of deciding to leave the city, as her husband is putting his life and her future at risk.
Often people see only her smile and beauty. However, Grace Kelly is a very versatile actress. She has proven this, without any doubt, in several timeless classics. For example, ‘Dial M for Murder,’ ‘Rear Window’ (both directed by Hitchcock) and ‘The Country Girl.’ (Oscar for Best Leading Actress) The three films mentioned are all from 1954.
Mayor Jonas Henderson (Thomas Mitchell) tries to help his old friend. However, the plan to mobilize the citizens goes wrong. They decide to hold back, without any risks.
Thomas Mitchell will look familiar to many of you. Rightly so, because he is an extraordinary actor who celebrated his greatest achievements in westerns. Besides ‘High Noon (1952),’ he also played in ‘Stagecoach (1939)’ (Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role) and ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962).’
Helen Ramirez (Katy Jurado) has a strong personality and a past with two representatives of the law. Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) and his Deputy Harvey Pell (Lloyd Bridges).
The Latin American actress Katy Jurado was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress in a Supporting Role in ‘Broken Lance (1954).’
Deputy Marshal Harvey Pell (Lloyd Bridges) confronts his former boss (Gary Cooper). He wants to be in charge.
Lloyd Bridges played in countless westerns, comedies and also TV shows during his very long career from 1935 – 1998 (!).
Last but (not?) least. The Outlaws from left to right: Ben Miller (Sheb Wooley), Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald), Jack Colby (Lee Van Cleef) and Jim Pierce (Robert J. Wilke) want to kill Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper).
Especially Lee Van Cleef is well known for his acting and unique face. He appeared in many Westerns and Film Noir.
Rating:
‘High Noon (1952)’ climbed ‘Close To The Top’ on the ‘Rating Mountain:’
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