Black Noon

I recently watched the horror western Black Noon (1971) on Tubi. The storyline follows a reverend whose wife falls ill during their journey across the desert as they head to their new home. Forced to seek refuge in a small town until his wife recovers, the reverend is asked to speak at the local church. Miraculous events unfold as he speaks, leading the townsfolk to implore him to stay and continue aiding them. Meanwhile, the reverend's wife grows increasingly suspicious of the sinister forces at play.

Directed by Bernard Kowalski (Stiletto), Black Noon stars Roy Thinnes (Airport 1975), Yvette Mimieux (The Time Machine), Gloria Grahame (In a Lonely Place), Ray Milland (Dial M for Murder), Leif Garrett (The Outsiders), and Lynn Loring (Horror at 37,000 Feet).

This movie evokes the atmosphere of a feature-length Twilight Zone episode. While it starts with a slow, methodical setup, it excels in establishing the characters, the town, and the circumstances that draw the reverend into the unfolding events. Although the acting isn't extraordinary, the authentic settings, attire, and props contribute to the film's immersive feel. The climax of Black Noon is truly captivating. With a clever twist and a magnificent ending at the church, it couldn't have been executed better. The reveal at the end is reminiscent of a classic Twilight Zone episode, leaving viewers mesmerized by the revelation of what was truly happening all along.

In conclusion, Black Noon is a must-see for patient horror movie fans who appreciate films from this era. I would rate it 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

I too watched "Black Noon" as a ten-year-old in the States on ABC's "Movie of the Week". In particular, Hank Worden, as old Joseph, really scared the hell out of me as a kid.

It's possible that if I were to view it now as an adult (having watched many creepy movies since then, like "Carnival of Souls", "Rosemary's Baby", and "The Shining", it may not stand up to the creepy memories I have of this movie. But I'd love to get the chance to see for myself!

ABC produced a couple of high quality films for their "Movie of the Week" series. Some better than others. "Crowhaven Farm" was actually the scariest of them all. Hope Lange as an unwitting victim amongst a secret coven of witches was so chilling.

Seared in my memory, though probably not as scary as the above two mentioned "Movies of the Week" would be "The House on Greenapple Road" (with a young Eve Plumb as the young daughter in a brutally bloody scene in the kitchen) and "The House That Wouldn't Die" with Barbara Stanwyck. Also, I vaguely remember another "Movie of the Week" with Lesley Ann Warren, Peter Haskill, and Ryan Hope. Pretty good, though not truly as scary as "Black Noon" or "Crowhaven Farm".

One other last "Movie of the Week" I remember was "Maybe I'll Come Home in the Spring" with Sally Field. Kind of hooky, not at all scary, but I do remember enjoying it as a young girl.

Whenever people ask me to name the scariest movie I've ever seen, I invariably reply "Black Noon" and to this day nobody's ever heard of it.

I watched it alone some 30 years ago at the tender age of 13 when my parents had gone out for the evening. As far as I know its only ever been shown once in the UK and sadly is unavailable on DVD or VHS.

If anyone can trace a copy please let me know.

If I watched it again now it would probably be a big disappointment but it has always stuck in my memory as a particularly disturbing little film!

Finally got to see this classic TV movie on an unofficial disc recorded from an old VHS, it is a classic piece of horror. Its a pity more of this neglected corner of horror in terms of official releases on DVD and VHS ... the TV horror movie. Recommended for all fans of the 70's TV movie much like trilogy of terror. Those interested should get the book on the subject by David Deal - Television Fright Films of the 70's. Email me for a chance to see it.....its fabulous to see it again.

It does have it problems like many TV movies they have to be rather inventive in the effects dept and even at 70 mins it can seem to drag possibly we are all used to more modern editing but still great stuff and far better than many theatrical frights released today.

I feel like I have some uber-rare disease that no one has heard of and I have finally come across a support group on the net! I finally found this title by asking for an answer on an "experts" site on the web. I too, saw this movie in my youth and was struck by the atmosphere and especially the ending. I have never forgotten it and have never seen it since. No one I know saw the film and I had almost given up on ever finding it's title. Alas, even knowing the name, I shall probably never see the film again as it is impossible to find commercially. Small steps...

G