Good and Evil

Good and Evil-----High Noon

Lionking81

Throughout history both men and women’s behavior has been based on their moral and ethical beliefs. Regardless of the intent, their behaviors and actions have been labeled good or evil. Sometimes this distinction can be hard to identify. This paper will present the relationship between the characters in the motion picture ‘High Noon’ to Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative (deontological concept of duty) theory of ethics or to John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism (greatest good for the greatest number concept) theory of ethics.

High Noon

This 1952 movie tells the story of a man named Will Kane who was a small town marshal of Hadleyville. Will has just resigned his position as marshal to marry Amy Fowler and start a new life elsewhere. Following the ceremony, Kane is informed that Frank Miller, an outlaw that Will had arrested for murder 5 years ago, was to arrive back in town on the noon train. Three of Miller’s associates have already arrived and waiting on Miller at the train depot. Knowing that Frank Miller and his gang are seeking revenge, the townspeople urge Will and Amy to leave town immediately to avoid danger. Halfway out of town, Will changes his mind, knowing the new marshal wouldn’t arrive until the following day, and tells Amy that he must go back, that he has never been anyone and that Miller would track him down no matter where they went. Amidst much protest from Amy and threats to leave without him, Will and Amy return to town and begin making plans for the town to defend it against Miller and his gang. Much to Will’s surprise, the townspeople are suddenly not available to help defend the town that he had protected for years. Evidently there were ill feelings toward Will for cleaning the town up, making it a decent place to live. He had run the “dirty business” out of town and decreased financial revenue for many of the towns “hot spots”. Will is also surprised when the judge that sentenced Frank Miller to be hanged suddenly up and leaves town. Will’s deputy suddenly quits, angry that he wasn’t chosen to take Kane’s place as marshal. Next Will goes and visits Ms. Ramirez, store owner and old flame, to warn her that Frank is coming to town. Ms. Ramirez was a former mistress to Frank. She informs Will that she has sold the store and plans to leave on the noon train. Will then goes to the town saloon to ask for help and finds more support for Frank Miller than for the town. Next, Will goes to the home of a friend where his friend tells his wife to lie and tell Will that he is not here. Next, Will goes to the church and interrupts services to plead for help. After much talk and argument, Will leaves the church without anyone to help. Next Will visits his old mentor and friend, a former marshal, and once again