The Ballad of High Noon The Ballad of High Noon “The Ballad of High Noon” (or “Do Not Forsake Me, O My Darlin’”) is a popular song published in 1952, with music by Dimitri Tiomkin and lyrics by Ned Washington. It is the theme song of the movie "High Noon", sung over the opening credits by Tex Ritter, with its tune repeated throughout the film. It was awarded the 1952 Academy Award for Best Original Song, and was performed that night for the Academy by Ritter. The song is about the film's main character, Will Kane (played by Gary Cooper), and the moral dilemma of
Otto Kruger the supporting role of Judge Percy Mettrick, who unsuccessfully urges Will Kane to leave town in "High Noon" (1952). Kruger is also remembered for playing the villain Tobin in Alfred Hitchcock's spy film "Saboteur" (1942) and mob boss Stevens in the film noir "711 Ocean Drive" (1950). His television roles included those of Dr. Mumford in the 1959 episode "Experiments in Terror" of the NBC science fiction/adventure series "The Man and the Challenge", as Ben Tully in "Gun City" of the ABC western series, "The Rebel", and as Franklyn Malleson Ghentin in the 1961 episode "A Fool for a Client"