When the topic of “classic Westerns” comes up, it doesn't take long before someone mentions High Noon (1952). Starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, viewers may also recognize Lloyd Bridges, Harry Morgan, and Lee Van Cleef in the cast. Besides maintaining popularity in the genre some sixty years after it was released, High Noon was also critically acclaimed at the time of its release. It was nominated for seven Oscars and won four of the awards, including Best Actor for Gary Cooper.

Cooper stars as Marshal Will Kane, or to be accurate, “just-retired Marshal”. The movie opens as Kane has just married Amy (Grace Kelly). She is a pacifist, and their plan is to leave his town and life behind for something less dangerous. But before they can leave, word gets back that an outlaw Kane put in jail has been released and is headed back to town on the noon train to exact revenge on the Marshal. For years, Kane has been beloved in the community that he protected. However, as he seeks out citizens to stand with him against the returning outlaw and his gang, he soon discovers that no one is willing.

With a straightforward plot and clocking in at just 85 minutes, events unfold on the screen almost in real time with the movie itself. The viewer truly feels the pressure that Marshal Kane is under as he learns that he will face the returning outlaws on his own.

Bring blankets or bag chairs Friday, July 13 for High Noon, the second film of the fifteenth season of the Stars Under The Stars series. The presentation will begin at dusk at the Downtown Crute Stage, located on the corner of Main and Fourth Streets in Farmville. In the event of rain, the film will be shown the following evening at dusk. The final film of the season will be Mary Poppins on August 10.

As part of the ongoing enhancements to the Crute Stage area, this year Downtown Film Series donated permanent outdoor speakers and associated audio/visual equipment. Donations previous years have included a backstage storage area, additional power and lights, and bathroom facilities.

Parking is available on Main Street and in the municipal parking lot behind the court house. Admission is free, and popcorn, candy, and drinks will be available for purchase. Please note, for the comfort and safety of all, there is a “No Pets” policy. For more information on the series, please visit: www.facebook.com/starsunderthestars

Support for Stars Under the Stars is provided by: Caryn's Bridals, Formals and Tuxedos, Central Virginia Regional Library, Putney Mechanical, Real Living Cornerstone, and Sweet Frog. Donations provided by Lib's Place and Pepsi. Special thanks to The Farmville Herald and the Town of Farmville.