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
Carol Kane for her role in the film "Hester Street". She starred in the off-Broadway play "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" in February 2010. Kane made her West End debut in January 2011 in a major revival of Lillian Hellman's drama "The Children's Hour", at London's Comedy Theatre. She starred alongside Keira Knightley, Elisabeth Moss and Ellen Burstyn. In May 2012, Kane appeared on Broadway as Betty Chumley in a revival of the play "Harvey". Kane is known for her portrayal of the evil headmistress Madame Morrible in the Broadway musical "Wicked", whom she played in various productions from 2005 to