High Noon tribute

I have always had a deep appreciation for black and white movies since I was a kid, particularly the old westerns. Arguably the greatest old western ever made is called "High Noon" starring Gary Cooper, Lloyd Bridges, and Grace Kelly (1952). The theme of the movie is set against a retiring town Sheriff who sacrificed his whole life protecting the community in which he lived, only to be abandoned by that same community during his hour of most need. Against all odds, he alone goes on to defend that community against a gang of revenge seeking criminals.

One of the best scenes is a speech given by Gary Cooper's long time friend and mentor. Cooper goes to him for help and advice. Against the advice that Gary Cooper expects to hear, he is given the following description of a lawman's life:

"It's a great life. You risk your skin catchin' killers and the juries turn 'em loose so they can come back and shoot at you again. If you're honest, you're poor your whole life, and in the end you wind up dying all alone on some dirty street. For what? For nothin'...for a tin star. People gotta talk themselves into law and order before they do anything about it. Maybe because down deep they don't care...they just don't care. It's all for nothin' Will...it's all for nothin'."

It is truly an amazing movie about a man who refuses to give up his principles and sacrifice his character in the face of conventional wisdom, even when it may cost him his own life.

If you like old westerns, I'm sure you'll love this one. And if you haven't already seen it, I would encourage you to watch it sometime. It is the greatest showdown in the history of cinema!