Parents' Guide to

High Noon

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Tense 1950s Western is still a cinema classic.

Movie NR 1952 85 minutes
High Noon Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 11+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Spencer H.
Spencer H. Adult
February 12, 2022
age 11+

11+Rating is for theme, content-wise it's ok for 9 and up

I think the 11+ rating is spot on but the reason is that it is more for the theme of this film than the actual content which very little of is objectionable. Yes there are fist fights and gun fights but all are bloodless and are at a PG level. There is cigar and cigarette smoking but this movie was made at the time where it was not promoted as being bad for you so bear in mind. No profanity whatsoever and no sex or nudity. However I do feel younger children may be bored by the film. For one thing it is 70 years old and there is literally no action until the very end. So that is why I feel it should be 11+ because it will most likely not interest smaller children, but as far as the content goes there is nothing in here a 9 year old cant handle if they are even interested in the film. What makes it an amazing western is excellent camerawork, set design, outstanding performance by Gary Cooper and some great dialogue. Cooper's character sticks to his moral conscience even though his wife and the town in which he is the Marshall tell him to do otherwise. So the messages are great. For kids it may be too slow but for teenagers and above you should enjoy it and will probably be able to identify with the characters particularly Cooper's. I would say it is an overall family film. Parents may dislike the fact that the Marshall played by Cooper gets no help or support from the townspeople in stopping the main villian, but it proves the strength that Cooper's character has in his values and morals. Additionally Cooper plays his character very realistically. Even though he is the protagonist he has moments of true fright for his wife and future. For families there should be some entertainment value and some good discussions to come out of watching this.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
ConssumerRay
ConssumerRay Adult
April 10, 2020
age 12+

High Noon Gets High Marks For Entertainment and Storytelling

If you're looking for a great western for the family during these trying times then look no further then the 50's western classic High Noon starring Gary Cooper. Strong storytelling and directing pacts a punch with audiences with crisp writing and a great story line. The dialogue is strong which is why the movie is so effective. Every actor in the film has a defined role with smart writing and powerful action scenes which put Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns to shame. This one's for the late tween and up set as they younger set will have trouble following the story line. A classic western that everyone enjoy and be entertained without trying to figure out why this movie sucks, because it truly is a classic which will keep you in your seats; maybe without even a bathroom break.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
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What's the Story?

In this classic 1950s Western, Marshall Will Kane (Gary Cooper) marries Amy (Grace Kelly) and turns in his badge. She is a Quaker, and he has promised her to hang up his gun and become a shopkeeper. But they get word that Frank Miller is coming to town on the noon train. Kane arrested Miller and sent him to jail, and Miller swore he would come back and kill him. Will and Amy leave town quickly. But he knows that wherever they go, Miller will follow them. And he has a duty to the town. Their new marshal does not arrive until the next day. Will seeks help from everyone. but is turned down over and over again. Amy says she will leave on the noon train and the one man who promised to help backs out when he finds out that no one else will join them. The only others who offer to help are a disabled man and a young boy. Will must face Miller and his three henchmen alone. At noon, Frank Miller gets off the train. The four men come into town. Will is able to defeat them, with Amy's unexpected help. As the townsfolk gather, Will throws his badge in the dust, and they ride off.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

This outstanding drama ticks by in real time, only 84 tense minutes long. Will gets the message about Frank Miller at 10:40, and we feel the same time pressure he does, as he tries to find someone to help him. We see and hear clocks throughout the movie, and as noon approaches, the clock looms larger and larger, the pendulum swinging like an executioner's axe. In the brilliant score by Dimitri Tiomkin (sung by Tex Ritter) the sound of the beat suggests both the train's approach and the passage of time.

HIGH NOON is like a grown-up Little Red Hen story. Will cannot find anyone to help him protect the town. Everyone seems to think it is someone else's problem (or fault). Teenagers may be interested to know that many people consider this film an analogy for the political problems of the McCarthy era. It was written during the height of the Hollywood "red scare." After completing this screenplay, the writer, an "unfriendly witness" before the House Un-American Activities Committee, was blacklisted. But this unforgettable drama of a man who will not run from his enemy, or his own fears, transcends all times and circumstances.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how everyone seems to have a different reason for not helping Will. How many can you identify? Which reasons seem the best to you? Which seem the worst? What makes Amy change her mind? Why does Will throw his badge in the dirt? Do you think the screenwriter chose the name "Will" for any special reason? How do you decide when to stay and fight and when to run? How do you evaluate the risks? What should the law be?

Movie Details

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