The author has done a great job of researching the Penitente Brotherhood! This little known and misunderstood group of religious men have been malinged and misrepresented by many previous writers. This book finally brings to light the spirituality and deep religious devotion of these followers of the teachings and Passion of Jesus Christ. It also corrects much of the misinformation that has been published by others and gives us a much better understanding of the lay brotherhood. Hispanic women who were also dedicated to emulating Christ and Mary are finally given the credit that they deserve in promoting the traditions, history, culture and heritage of the centuries old religious teachings of the Catholic Church. Any reader that wishes to have first hand knowledge of Hispanic culture stemming from Spain and which was carried to the Americas by the settlers and which was concentrated in New Mexico should read this book which also includes the beautiful religious hymns or religious poetry of the area.

No other western reaches this level of suspense in such little time. Gary Cooper is perfect as Marshall Kane who stands tall and alone against a bunch of outlaws. Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado and Lon Chaney Jr. are all excellent in support. Fred Zinneman directs this one in 'real time', repeatedly showing us faces of clocks to remind us that the showdown will begin at noon, this elevates the tension and suspense. The last shootout is also memorable. Dimitri Tiomkin's score is one of the greats and his song; 'Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling' is the best theme song of any western. One of the all time greats. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 10!

High Noon is a magnificent film. It is textually rich, multi-layered, incredibly well-acted (particularly Gary Cooper,) well-directed/edited, and portrays adults rather than adolescents-with-attitude, which seems to be the hallmark of so many modern American movies. The film was written by Carl Foreman and directed by Fred Zinneman, both highly intelligent and mature individuals with something quite important to say. That gets us to the multi-layered aspect of the film. Yes, it is a morality play about responsibility, fear, the vagaries of duty, and society's hypocrisy/cowardice. However, it is a great movie because when you get right down to the basics, it is a compelling, character-driven drama about a man making very difficult choices under very difficult conditions. It is particularly poignant when Marshall Will Kane (Cooper) is trying--and failing--to enlist the townspeople's help for the showdown that will occur at high noon when the train arrives carrying his mortal enemy. Kane's feelings are complex: scared, hurt, angry, vacillating, defiant and fatalistic. As he walks back to his office, a group of children are playing and one boy falls against him as another boy points a wooden stick and shouts, "Bang, bang, you're dead Will Kane." These children are his neighbors. He has known, and served, their parents for years. How would you feel? Well, unlike most movies that shy away from complex human emotions, Kane feels like most of us would feel--he feels those same complex emotions I mentioned above--and so does the viewer. A rare experience in film.

This Western is told in a real time, nail biting, how does it feel to be alone scenario. Digitally remastered the picture & sound are extrodinary to the story telling. Oscar winning opening song "Don't Forsake Me" sung by Tex Ritter sets the stage for the "Miller Gangs" return.

Will Cain (Cooper) on this his happiest day of his life having a wedding and retirement ceremony (from being the town Marshall) has his past suddenly become the challenge of a lifetime. Vengeful returning outlaws are seeking Cain.

Everyone wants him to go on his honeymoon and leave town immediately. His sense of loyalty & duty is to stay until the new Marshall arrives. Problem no one stands beside him to defend the town. Will Cain must do it alone.

What is so wonderful about this classic black & white western is the real-time scenario from about 10:40 am until 12:00pm "High Noon". Clocks & railroad tracks are the major ingredients to the suspense. These desparados are coming on the noon train.

This is a great movie and "The Making of High Noon" with Leonard Maltin is wonderful. You'll be watching this movie more than once. This is a western to have in your DVD library now!

Edward Koch has done a remarkable job illlustrating to the reader the true story behind politics in which he includes controversies such as the death penalty and gay rights among others. "Politics" depicts his rise and struggle in the game of politics stating that it is extremely important to understand our government and know our politics if we would like to better our surroundings; participation is key. This book was quite enjoyable to read because Edward Koch has a great sense of humor. "Politics" is not at all boring to read, you would think so because of the title, but really, trust me, it is not.