STACK NZ Dec #80

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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.

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.

is out on Dec 30 (2016)

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