It's important to note that 'High Noon' was filmed in Black and White, even though every film with even a low budget at the time would have been filmed in colour. Director Fred Zinnemann was constantly pestered by the Studio, the writers and even the actors to reconsider and film it again in colour. However, he never gave in, and such was born a classic.
I am not a fan of 'Westerns'. I do not like them. I will not watch then in a boat, I will not watch them with a goat. And therein lies the best part -- 'High Noon' is a Western in setting only. It could more aptly be compared to a dramatic play than to a Western. It lacks horse chases, long gunfights and concentrates more on motivations of the characters than action.
...oh, don't forsake me oh my darling; I only know I must be brave. For I must face a man who hates me, or I'll be a coward in my grave...