High Noon (1952)

A psychological not an action-packed Western (till the end) that redefined the genre. Watch it if you enjoy a taut, tightly told story above adrenaline-soaked shoot-em-ups (till the end). Gary Cooper does a super job as the lone lawman surrounded by townspeople who fear to lift a finger on his or their own behalf. (Courage and cowardice always reveal themselves in the moment-by-moment speech and decisions that every person makes when setting their own destiny.) Grace Kelly is fine in her first role and Katy Jurado is smokin' with her fiery eyes and expressions. The cast of well-known names all do their roles proud -- such subtlety in every line and facial expression! The script is terse and the photography is lean -- everything is just right, without an ounce of fat on the cinematic menu. The movie's ever-present, understated theme song ("Do Not Forsake Me" sung by Tex Ritter) jump-started the trend for movies to have theme songs and sell the music or soundtrack too. High Noon is a technical masterpiece and a classic among classics but it does run like a train to its inevitable conclusion. Gotta love the ending! Here is a Western that even women can love. 4 stars.