Gary Cooper was in a slump. This popular actor had enjoyed a string of successful movies over two decades. He was one of the most famous faces in the world and had won his industries top prize, the Academy Award for best actor, for his portrayal of American hero, Sargent York in 1941.

But Cooper had not had a major hit for 8 years when he received a script for a western movie. He read the script, and something stirred within him.

The script was for an inexpensive, simple, black and white film about a small-town sheriff who is forced to decide whether to stay and protect a cowardly community from a gang of violent killers.

The sheriff has just gotten married and announced his retirement. When he is alerted to the gang’s expected arrival, he has eighty minutes to choose whether to leave with his new bride or stay and fight alone. He chooses to stay.

Everyone who worked on the film remembered the effect of the story. The director, cinematographer and cast all remarked that the account of courage and grit inspired and moved them.

Gary Cooper said later, that the role of Sheriff Will Kane, “took everything I had and I gave it everything I had.”

The film became a surprise hit and earned 7 Oscar nominations, winning 4, including Cooper’s second best actor award.

President Dwight Eisenhower said it was his favorite movie and screened it three times in the White House as a lesson in courage. It was also a favorite of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, who screened it in the White House seventeen times.

This simple film, “High Noon” is still a cinematic testament to “doing the right thing”, no matter the cost. It still inspires courage against the odds today.

What is God calling you to do? Always trust God and “do the right thing”.

The Bible says in Proverbs 21:3, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice…” NIV

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