STACK NZ 80 December

3:10TOYUMA

(1957)

Drought-stricken rancher Dan Evans (Van Heflin) is hired

to escort notorious outlaw Ben Wade (Glenn Ford) to the

titular prison train, only to discover that Wade’s posse is

waiting for its arrival, too. Based on a short story by Elmore

Leonard and shot in atmospheric black and white,

3:10 to

Yuma

echoes what was great about

High Noon

, with the

suspense building towards a climactic showdown (and

the arrival of a train). Glenn Ford is terrific as the charming

villain, and the cautious respect that develops between the

two men adds a dramatic layer to this classic ‘50s oater.

Watch for the scene in the hotel room.

HIGH NOON

(1952)

“Do not forsake me, oh my darlin’.” Gary Cooper’s

marshal must stand alone against a vengeful killer when

the townsfolk refuse to help him in this unconventional

Western. A highpoint of the genre,

High Noon

is also a tightly

wound suspense thriller set against a Wild West backdrop,

with a ticking clock counting down to the arrival of a train

carrying Cooper’s nemesis. The film won Oscars for Cooper’s

performance, Editing, Original Score, and Original Song.

is out on Dec 30

(2016)

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