When I first began teaching at a local high school in Phoenix, one of my colleagues, Bonnie, would, at some random time every year, walk around her classroom or mine and sing the movie theme song, DO NOT FORSAKE ME OH MY DARLING with amazing gusto and volume. Please note here that my friend could not carry a tune, but her eyes would light up as she would ask students if they had ever seen the film HIGH NOON. Most would shrug and say no in response. They would argue that watching a 1952 western was not at the top of their ‘to-do’ list. I usually agree. Life was busy for me as a single parent with two kids and a full-time career. It didn’t seem important, but then Bonnie would, in enormous length, describe the plot, the action, and every nuanced bit throughout its one hour and forty-three-minute running time. It was like listening while envisioning one of the extraordinary masterpieces of all time. It was spectacular and, if possible, probably even better than the film. When she finished her rendition with another rousing verse from the title song, she would receive a standing O. How could we not rush home that day and be reintroduced to one of the best westerns ever?
This memory is etched within my past, surrounded by feelings of admiration and love. Bonnie became a very dear friend over the years. She stood tall among her fellow teachers and would stand up to anyone who would dare to take us down. She was our protector, advocate, and leader. The good always die young, and Bonnie is no longer among us. This past week, I heard her voice. I knew it was a message from beyond egging me to rewatch one of the greats… HIGH NOON.
HIGH NOON was nominated for seven Oscars and brought home four Golden Statues for Best Actor, Best Editing, Best Original Movie Score, and Best Song. They lost the Best Picture award to THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, created by Cecil B. DeMille, which was said to be one of the biggest upsets in Academy history even to this day. The controversy centered around the turbulence dealing with the House Un-American Activities Committee. Hollywood was under attack by Joe McCarthy and his cronies. If anyone was called before The Committee and did not give names, then they would be blacklisted. These were years of mistrust, and most did not fight and stand up for their co-workers.
The writer for HIGH NOON, Carl Foreman, refused to cooperate. He wrote the screen play and then safely fled to England. John Wayne was very vocal about how he thought this was a terrible film since it depicted the town of Hadleyville, not supporting the Sheriff, Gary Cooper, against a gang of bullies. Foreman used his own personal story, including some of the arguments the townspeople gave Cooper when he asked for help. It was always intended as an allegory. It took four weeks to film using just 400 camera shots, which required only one to three takes for each scene.
Gary Cooper was brilliant in his role. He did all his stunt work, including his big fistfight scene. He wore hardly any make-up to cover his wrinkles. The director, Fred Zinnemann, wanted the sheriff’s angst and pensiveness to be always at the forefront of each frame. The stunning Grace Kelly played his wife, Amy. Kelly was only 21 when she made this film. Cooper was 52. Some critics argued about that huge age gap. Kelly always thought her character was too stiff and wooden, but the public adored them together, and the two of them had an affair while filming.
HIGH NOON was produced with several phenomenal actors, including Lloyd Bridges, Helen Ramirez, Lon Chaney Jr., and Harry Morgan. The black-and-white cinematography was sparse and captivating. The camera angles of the townspeople’s faces, the traveling train, the ticking clock counting down until noon, the panning out to witness how alone the sheriff was, and the final straw of his badge thrown to the dirt all created intense, exciting, smart entertainment.
How the music was scored for HIGH NOON changed the industry. It was the first time one song was woven throughout each scene. No one thought that could be possible before. The title song was written from the sheriff’s point of view as he pleaded with Amy to stay with him while he accepted this final act of protecting law and order in their small town. The song was sung by Tex Ritter, father, and grandfather to John Ritter and Jason Ritter.
HIGH NOON is considered one of the greatest all-time western classics. It is filled with many of the same themes America is still facing today. Divisive attitudes can bring destruction and conspiracy theories. It can promote a lackadaisical attitude, allowing others to stand up for truth and honor. It can’t be ‘us’ vs. ‘them.’ There are moments when I feel our country is standing on the precipice of another HIGH NOON. This is when I softly hear my friend, Bonnie, in my ear… I will not forsake you. I will stand tall. I am sure she would be pleased.
HIGH NOON is available on TCM.
