The "Tin Star" includes elements from "High Noon". The black and white photography and the town have the same look as the 1953 Academy Award winner. There is also an emphasis on the script rather than the non-stop action that the genre so often offers. In both films the marshal must stand alone at the end against the bad guys.
Although there are many similarities, the script and plot here are quite different. Henry Fonda plays a bounty hunter and Anthony Perkins plays the acting sheriff who'd like the job permanently. The two of them become an unlikely team as bounty hunter Morgan Hickman waits on his reward for bringing in a killer. Hickman is more than a little cynical. He was once a sheriff, but gave it up to pursue criminals in his own way. He gets little respect from the townspeople. "Our officers of the law bring their prisoners in alive", says the mayor. "Your officer of the law never brought in Jamison at all", Hickman replies.
Perkins as the Marshal is more than a little green. When he drops his gun while twirling it in the opening sequence it is apparent he needs to work on his skills. He quickly realizes he needs help when the local bad guy Bart Bogardus (played by Neville Brand) is released with a mere fine after killing an Indian. "He had witnesses", he tells Hickman. He asks for Hickman's help in learning how to be a sheriff. Ultimately, both of them realize that the sheriff will have to confront Bogardus.
The film follows Fonda and Perkins as the latter learns what he must do. "Learn how to study men", Fonda tells him in one scene. In another he chides him for shooting too quickly. "I'd be dead if I didn't", Perkins demurs. "Be quick up here", Fonda replies pointing at his head, "but take that extra split second." The sheriff's problem, he says, is that he lacks confidence.
As it turns out, there is much for both of them to learn. Perkins gains confidence and is able to stand up to Bogardus and a lynch mob. Fonda appreciates once again the rewards of being a sheriff.
This is a serious film. The script has little or no humor. There is an undercurrent of racism here. When Bogardus shoots the Indian outside the saloon he tells Perkins that "no White Man is going to arrest me for shooting a mangy Indian". As a bounty hunter Fonda is not welcome in town. He can't even stable his horse in town. The only place he can find to stay is in a house at the edge of town. Nona Mayfield (played by Betsy Palmer) has been banished to this house, because she married an Indian. She is widowed now and living there with her young son, who takes a liking to Fonda. The feeling is mutual, but there are some tense moments initially when Nona Mayfield accuses Fonda of being a bigot. He isn't and quickly proves it to her.
The direction by Anthony Mann is first rate. I liked the attention to little details. There is a window in the sheriff's office that showcases the normal life of the town. In one scene a man nonchalantly pushes a wagon wheel down the street as the scene in the sheriff's office unfolds. Located just outside the window is a conspicuous hanging tree.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film with sturdy performances by Fonda and Perkins. The film spawned a television program entitled "The Deputy", which featured Fonda as a United States Marshal and Perkins as his deputy. Enjoy it.
Although there are many similarities, the script and plot here are quite different. Henry Fonda plays a bounty hunter and Anthony Perkins plays the acting sheriff who'd like the job permanently. The two of them become an unlikely team as bounty hunter Morgan Hickman waits on his reward for bringing in a killer. Hickman is more than a little cynical. He was once a sheriff, but gave it up to pursue criminals in his own way. He gets little respect from the townspeople. "Our officers of the law bring their prisoners in alive", says the mayor. "Your officer of the law never brought in Jamison at all", Hickman replies.
Perkins as the Marshal is more than a little green. When he drops his gun while twirling it in the opening sequence it is apparent he needs to work on his skills. He quickly realizes he needs help when the local bad guy Bart Bogardus (played by Neville Brand) is released with a mere fine after killing an Indian. "He had witnesses", he tells Hickman. He asks for Hickman's help in learning how to be a sheriff. Ultimately, both of them realize that the sheriff will have to confront Bogardus.
The film follows Fonda and Perkins as the latter learns what he must do. "Learn how to study men", Fonda tells him in one scene. In another he chides him for shooting too quickly. "I'd be dead if I didn't", Perkins demurs. "Be quick up here", Fonda replies pointing at his head, "but take that extra split second." The sheriff's problem, he says, is that he lacks confidence.
As it turns out, there is much for both of them to learn. Perkins gains confidence and is able to stand up to Bogardus and a lynch mob. Fonda appreciates once again the rewards of being a sheriff.
This is a serious film. The script has little or no humor. There is an undercurrent of racism here. When Bogardus shoots the Indian outside the saloon he tells Perkins that "no White Man is going to arrest me for shooting a mangy Indian". As a bounty hunter Fonda is not welcome in town. He can't even stable his horse in town. The only place he can find to stay is in a house at the edge of town. Nona Mayfield (played by Betsy Palmer) has been banished to this house, because she married an Indian. She is widowed now and living there with her young son, who takes a liking to Fonda. The feeling is mutual, but there are some tense moments initially when Nona Mayfield accuses Fonda of being a bigot. He isn't and quickly proves it to her.
The direction by Anthony Mann is first rate. I liked the attention to little details. There is a window in the sheriff's office that showcases the normal life of the town. In one scene a man nonchalantly pushes a wagon wheel down the street as the scene in the sheriff's office unfolds. Located just outside the window is a conspicuous hanging tree.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable film with sturdy performances by Fonda and Perkins. The film spawned a television program entitled "The Deputy", which featured Fonda as a United States Marshal and Perkins as his deputy. Enjoy it.