High Noon

One of the classic Hollywood westerns, a taut, quick film, frequently referenced by later movies, and starring Gary Cooper.
This film is pretty darn good, without ever being quite transcendent. We have a nice sharp story told with little messing about. We have some tension built up pretty well. Early on we have some beautifully shot scenes, and throughout there are some iconic images of Gary Cooper as the lawman who must go on his own.
One of the especially interesting things about this film is the ambiguity over the character of Will Kane/ Gary Cooper. Why is he even doing this? Is he just an idiot, puffing up his own chest? This isn't an out and out hero, Cooper plays a man beaten, scared, uncertain, who is not liked by many. Overall, of course, he's a bit of a superstar, but the suggestions are there.
On the subject of Cooper, his acting has to be the worst thing in this film. He comes across as wooden, and delivers his lines without the ease of the fabulous supporting cast. Grace Kelly radiates yellow sunshine even through the black and white. They script they have is perhaps a little condensed, thanks to the short run time, but decent enough.
To conclude, here we have a reasonably exciting film, with an incredibly abrupt ending. One for everyone to say, and definetely worth doing so.