High Noon (Bfi Film Classics)

A small western town, sometime in the late 19th century. Will Kane, an aging sheriff about to retire, hears that a dangerous outlaw whom he put away is now on parole. The outlaw is heading for the town, accompanied by his henchmen and looking for revenge. One by one, Kane's supporters, friends, and sweetheart abandon him, leaving him to stand alone, waiting for the showdown at high noon.

This is the stuff western myths--and great films--are made of. In his book, Phillip Drummond tells you everything you always wanted to know about High Noon (1952), one of the finest westerns ever made. You'll read background information on the movie's producer, director, and writers. You'll learn about the popularity and persona of star Gary Cooper. You'll meet Grace Kelly, an ingenue making her film debut. You'll encounter "The Tin Star," the short story upon which the film was based, and discover the differences between that tale and the film. You'll also hear about the subplot initially intended to accompany the story of Will Kane, which was cut from the final product. You'll ponder the ethics and morality of High Noon, "and their intersection with the social world of citizens of law and order--themes which ... draw the film out of the fifties and project a longer and more complex vision of the cultural and ideological role of popular cinema." --Raphael Shargel