Classic Movies #37: High Noon
One of the most influential Westerns of all time.
In our latest Classic Movies stream, we discuss what many regard as the quintessential Western, despite its leftist reaction to McCarthyism's supposed persecution. The film is an American myth that asks questions about courage, masculinity, and the problem of the compliant herd. We also talk about High Noon’s modernism in contrast to postmodern tropes.
As an added bonus, I share some real-life stories about when I’ve both passed and failed tests of bravery in the face of potential violence.
Great stuff, as ever.
Regarding the immortal Excalibur, I think you should also watch the equally great 80s Robin of Sherwood series, and if you've the time read Susan Cooper's Dark is Rising sequence. There's a bit of diversity crap in the last book but understandable given the time & place, and easy to ignore. Both the TV show and novels get at something deep, something to do with the land and people.
It's strange & fascinating that the tale of a Celtic warlord fighting Anglo-Saxon invaders would become a part of Anglo-Saxon mythology, as if the Arthur archetype shifted from the disappearing Celts to the triumphant Germanics and then was adopted by the Norman ruling class as a form of decor, as a literary fancy. It's as if Arthur is an expression of the land, like Excalibur emerging from the stone or the lake, and it manifests in whatever NW European warrior folk have come to bond with the land.
I don't see the Arthur archetype manifesting to 80 IQ Pakistanis, which means it either dies this century or reinvigorates whatever NW European folk have any true bond to this land.
I wish we had more Gary Coopers today, regardless of his politics. He was a man.
And yes, despite (or maybe because) of my carrying a gun daily, I've also had tests of courage that I've passed...and failed.