25 Best Gary Cooper Movies: The Classic Allure of a Hollywood Legend

Gary Cooper was one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for his rugged good looks, understated acting style, and strong screen presence.

Throughout his career, he starred in a wide range of films, from epic Westerns to romantic dramas to political thrillers. His performances were always marked by a sense of quiet intensity and a naturalness that made him one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation.

Some of his most memorable films include “High Noon” (1952), in which he played a small-town sheriff forced to face a gang of outlaws alone, “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936), in which he played a small-town man who inherits a fortune and tries to do good with it. 

“Sergeant York” (1941), in which he played a pacifist who becomes a war hero in World War I. In all of these films, Cooper’s naturalistic acting style and commanding screen presence made him a true Hollywood legend.

Best Gary Cooper Movies

Despite his untimely death in 1961 at the age of 60, Gary Cooper’s legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and his enduring influence on Hollywood cinema.

1. High Noon (1952)

High Noon is a 1952 American Western film directed by Fred Zinnemann and starring Gary Cooper. The film tells the story of Will Kane, a marshal who is about to retire and leave his small town to start a new life with his new wife.

However, just as Kane is about to leave, he receives word that a dangerous criminal he had arrested years before has been released from prison and is coming back to town to seek revenge.

The film takes place in real time, as Kane struggles to gather support from the townspeople to face the criminal, who is due to arrive on the noon train.

The film explores themes such as courage, duty, and the conflict between individual morality and social conformity.

High Noon was a critical and commercial success, and it won several Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gary Cooper and Best Original Song for “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling” by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington.

The film is regarded as a classic of the Western genre and has been praised for its innovative narrative structure and intense, suspenseful storytelling.

2. Sergeant York (1941)

“Sergeant York” is a classic American biographical film released in 1941, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper.

The film tells the true story of Alvin C. York, a reluctant hero from Tennessee who became a World War I hero after initially objecting to serving in the military due to his religious beliefs.

The film is notable for its patriotic themes, powerful performances, and impressive battle scenes. It portrays York as a complex and relatable character, struggling with the moral implications of violence while also recognizing his duty to serve his country.

The film was a critical and commercial success, winning two Academy Awards and earning praise for its effective storytelling and heartfelt portrayal of a national hero.

3. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is a 1936 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Frank Capra and starring Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur.

The film tells the story of Longfellow Deeds, a small-town poet who inherits a fortune from his deceased uncle and moves to New York City to manage his estate.

Once in the big city, Deeds becomes the target of greedy businessmen and scheming reporters, who try to take advantage of his naivete and simplicity.

The film explores themes such as wealth, social status, and the corrupting influence of power, while also delivering a heartwarming romance between Deeds and a newspaper reporter named Babe Bennett.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town was a critical and commercial success, receiving several Academy Award nominations and grossing over $2 million at the box office.

It has since become a classic of the screwball comedy genre, known for its witty dialogue, charming performances, and poignant message about the importance of staying true to oneself.

4. The Pride of the Yankees (1942)

“The Pride of the Yankees” is a 1942 American biographical film directed by Sam Wood and starring Gary Cooper, Teresa Wright, and Walter Brennan. The movie is a tribute to the life and career of legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig, who died of ALS at the age of 37.

The film traces Gehrig’s rise to fame, his record-setting career with the New York Yankees, and his struggles with the debilitating disease that would later become known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.”

The movie features real-life footage of Gehrig, as well as a memorable farewell speech delivered by Cooper as Gehrig in Yankee Stadium.

“The Pride of the Yankees” was well-received by critics and audiences alike and is considered a classic sports film. Cooper’s performance as Gehrig was widely praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

The movie is also notable for its emotional and inspirational tone, as well as its depiction of the camaraderie and passion of baseball players and fans.

5. Meet John Doe (1941)

Meet John Doe is a drama film directed by Frank Capra and released in 1941. The movie stars Gary Cooper as Long John Willoughby, a down-and-out former baseball player who becomes a political pawn in a newspaper publisher’s scheme to boost circulation.

The film follows Willoughby as he is hired to portray “John Doe,” a fictional character created by the publisher to rally public support for his conservative agenda.

The John Doe movement quickly gains momentum, but Willoughby becomes disillusioned as he realizes he has been used for political gain.

Meet John Doe was a critical and commercial success, with many praising its strong performances and its message of the importance of individualism and freedom.

The film was also notable for its commentary on the rise of fascism in Europe and the need for grassroots movements to combat it.

Overall, Meet John Doe is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, manipulation, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion.

The movie remains relevant today as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and resisting the forces that seek to exploit and control us.

6. Friendly Persuasion (1956)

“Friendly Persuasion” is a 1956 drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, and Anthony Perkins.

The movie is based on the novel “The Friendly Persuasion” by Jessamyn West and follows the story of a Quaker family living in Indiana during the Civil War.

Gary Cooper plays Jess Birdwell, the patriarch of the family, who is a devout Quaker and pacifist.

However, when their community is threatened by Confederate soldiers and local raiders, Jess struggles with his beliefs and whether or not he should take up arms to defend his family and community.

The film is a beautiful and poignant exploration of family, faith, and the struggle between pacifism and self-defense. It features outstanding performances from the entire cast, with Cooper’s portrayal of Jess Birdwell being a standout.

The film also features a memorable score by legendary composer Dimitri Tiomkin, which enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, “Friendly Persuasion” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is both touching and inspiring. It is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates a compelling and heartfelt story.

7. The Hanging Tree (1959)

The Hanging Tree is a 1959 American Western film directed by Delmer Daves and starring Gary Cooper. The film tells the story of a doctor named Joseph Frail (Gary Cooper) who is living in a gold-mining town in Montana during the late 1800s.

Frail has a mysterious past and has been living in the area for some time, but he becomes involved in the lives of several local residents, including a young girl named Elizabeth (played by Maria Schell) and a criminal named Rune (played by Ben Piazza).

The film explores themes such as redemption, morality, and the effects of greed and ambition. The Hanging Tree was praised for its strong performances, particularly by Cooper and Schell, as well as its stunning cinematography of the Montana wilderness.

Although it was not a major commercial success upon its initial release, The Hanging Tree has since become a cult classic among Western fans and has been praised for its exploration of complex moral issues within the context of the genre.

The film is also notable for its haunting theme song, “The Hanging Tree”, which was written by Jerry Livingston and Mack David and became a popular hit.

8. Ball of Fire (1941)

“Ball of Fire” is a classic American screwball comedy film released in 1941, directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck.

The film tells the story of a group of eccentric professors who are researching slang language for a new encyclopedia and become entangled with a nightclub singer named Sugarpuss O’Shea.

The film is notable for its witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and zany characters. It features strong performances from its ensemble cast, including Dana Andrews, Oskar Homolka, and Henry Travers.

The film was a commercial success and received several Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Stanwyck. It is regarded as a classic of the screwball comedy genre and is often cited as one of Hawks’ most entertaining films.

9. Beau Geste (1939)

Beau Geste is a 1939 adventure film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston. The film is based on the 1924 novel of the same name by P.C.

Wren and tells the story of three brothers who join the French Foreign Legion to escape their troubles back home in England.

While serving in North Africa, the brothers discover a shocking secret about a valuable family heirloom and must fight to clear their names and restore their family’s honor.

Beau Geste is known for its impressive set pieces, thrilling action sequences, and strong performances from its lead actors.

The film explores themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the bonds of brotherhood, while also providing a thrilling adventure story set against the backdrop of the exotic Sahara desert.

It was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $3 million at the box office and receiving several Academy Award nominations. The film has since become a beloved classic and is considered one of the best adventure films of the 1930s.

10. The Westerner (1940)

“The Westerner” is a 1940 American western film directed by William Wyler and starring Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Doris Davenport.

The movie tells the story of a drifter named Cole Hardin (played by Cooper) who becomes embroiled in a conflict between a ruthless cattle baron, Judge Roy Bean (played by Brennan), and a group of homesteaders.

Hardin initially tries to avoid taking sides in the dispute, but when he falls in love with one of the homesteaders, he is drawn into the conflict and must use his wits and gun skills to protect their rights.

The film is notable for its complex portrayal of Bean, who is depicted as a villain but also as a charismatic and sometimes sympathetic character.

“The Westerner” was well-received by critics and is considered a classic of the western genre. Cooper’s performance was praised, as well as the film’s cinematography and direction by Wyler.

The movie is also notable for its portrayal of the violent clashes between cattle ranchers and homesteaders in the American West during the late 19th century.

11. Design for Living (1933)

Design for Living is a romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch and released in 1933. The movie stars Fredric March, Gary Cooper, and Miriam Hopkins as a trio of friends who find themselves in a complicated romantic situation.

The film follows the three friends as they navigate their love triangle and struggle to find a way to be together without sacrificing their individuality and independence.

The characters challenge societal norms and conventions of monogamous relationships, exploring the idea of a “threesome” in a way that was considered daring and controversial at the time.

Design for Living was a critical success and was praised for its witty dialogue, sparkling performances, and its exploration of unconventional romantic relationships.

The film was also notable for its sophisticated and stylish direction by Lubitsch, who was known for his innovative approach to comedy.

Overall, Design for Living is a timeless classic that challenges traditional ideas of love and relationships, and celebrates the freedom and independence of the individual.

The movie remains a landmark in Hollywood cinema for its progressive and boundary-pushing themes, and for its ability to balance humor and romance with thought-provoking social commentary.

12. Operator 13 (1934)

“Operator 13” is a 1934 historical drama film directed by Richard Boleslawski and starring Marion Davies and Gary Cooper.

The movie is set during the American Civil War and follows Gail Loveless (Davies), a Union spy known as “Operator 13”, who is sent to infiltrate Confederate forces in order to gather intelligence.

Gary Cooper plays Captain Jack Gailliard, a Confederate officer who becomes romantically involved with Gail, unaware of her true identity.

As the two sides engage in battles and espionage, Gail and Jack’s relationship is tested by their loyalties to their respective causes.

The film is a classic example of the Hollywood historical drama, with lavish costumes, elaborate sets, and sweeping battle scenes.

However, it also features a strong female lead character in Gail Loveless, who is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and brave. Marion Davies gives a nuanced and engaging performance as Gail, while Gary Cooper brings his trademark understated style to the role of Jack.

Overall, “Operator 13” is a solid historical drama that is worth watching for its performances and its portrayal of the Civil War era.

While it may not be as well-known as some of Cooper’s other films, it is a testament to his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters.

13. The Lives of a Bengal Lancer (1935)

The Lives of a Bengal Lancer is a 1935 American adventure film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, and Richard Cromwell.

The film is set in colonial India during the 1920s and follows the lives of a group of British soldiers, known as the Bengal Lancers, who are tasked with maintaining order and protecting the British Raj from local rebellions.

The film explores themes such as duty, loyalty, and the clash of cultures between the British colonizers and the indigenous people of India. The film is also notable for its action sequences, which include several thrilling battle scenes and horse chases.

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The Lives of a Bengal Lancer was a critical and commercial success, and it won several Academy Awards, including Best Assistant Director and Best Sound Recording.

The film has been praised for its realistic depiction of colonial India and its exploration of the moral complexities of imperialism. However, some critics have also criticized the film for its stereotypical portrayal of Indian characters and its uncritical endorsement of British colonialism.

14. Man of the West (1958)

“Man of the West” is a classic American western film released in 1958, directed by Anthony Mann and starring Gary Cooper, Julie London, and Lee J. Cobb.

The film tells the story of a reformed outlaw named Link Jones who is on his way to hire a schoolteacher for his small hometown when he is ambushed by a group of his former gang members.

The film is notable for its psychological depth, intense action sequences, and stark visual style. It explores themes such as redemption, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the Old West.

Cooper delivers a strong performance as Link, a complex character struggling to reconcile his past actions with his desire for a better life. The film was a commercial and critical success and is regarded as one of Mann’s most powerful and enduring works.

15. Love in the Afternoon (1957)

Love in the Afternoon is a 1957 romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Audrey Hepburn and Gary Cooper. The film tells the story of a young cello student named Ariane who becomes fascinated with a wealthy American playboy named Frank Flannagan.

Despite her father’s warnings about Flannagan’s reputation as a womanizer, Ariane finds herself drawn to him and the two begin a romantic affair.

Love in the Afternoon is known for its charming performances, witty dialogue, and elegant Parisian setting.

The film explores themes such as love, infidelity, and the complexities of romantic relationships, while also providing a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience.

It was a commercial success, grossing over $2 million at the box office, and received positive reviews from critics. The film has since become a beloved classic and is considered one of the best romantic comedies of the 1950s.

16. City Streets (1931)

“City Streets” is a 1931 American pre-Code film noir directed by Rouben Mamoulian and starring Gary Cooper, Sylvia Sidney, and Paul Lukas.

The movie tells the story of a young woman named Nan (played by Sidney) who is the daughter of a bootlegger and falls in love with a well-meaning but naive truck driver named The Kid (played by Cooper).

When Nan’s father gets into trouble with a gangster named The Big Fellow (played by Lukas), The Kid tries to help her by getting involved in the criminal underworld.

As the situation becomes increasingly dangerous, Nan and The Kid must navigate their relationship and their loyalty to each other while facing the consequences of their actions.

“City Streets” was well-received by critics and is considered a classic of the crime drama genre. The film is notable for its innovative cinematography and direction by Mamoulian, as well as its early portrayal of the gritty urban landscapes and criminal underworld of early 1930s America.

The chemistry between Cooper and Sidney has also been praised, as well as the film’s use of sound and music to heighten its suspenseful atmosphere.

17. Morocco (1930)

Morocco is a romantic drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and released in 1930.

The movie stars Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper and takes place in Morocco, where an American woman named Amy Jolly (Dietrich) is a nightclub singer who falls in love with a foreign legionnaire named Tom Brown (Cooper).

The film explores themes of sexuality, desire, and the clash between Western and Eastern cultures.

Amy is a strong and independent woman who challenges traditional gender roles, while Tom struggles to reconcile his duty to the military with his feelings for Amy.

Morocco was a critical and commercial success and is considered a classic of the pre-Code era of Hollywood cinema.

The film was notable for its daring depiction of female sexuality and its subversion of gender roles, as well as for its stunning cinematography and atmospheric setting.

Overall, Morocco is a groundbreaking and influential film that explores complex themes with nuance and depth. The movie remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of cinema that continues to captivate and inspire audiences today.

18. If I Had a Million (1932)

“If I Had a Million” is a classic American comedy film that was released in 1932. The film features an ensemble cast of some of the biggest stars of the time, including Gary Cooper, Charles Laughton, W. C. Fields, George Raft, and others.

The premise of the film revolves around a dying millionaire who decides to give away his entire fortune to random people he selects from a phone book. Each recipient receives a check for $1 million and is left to their own devices to see how they will use the money.

The film is a series of vignettes, each focusing on a different person who has received the millionaire’s gift.

Some use the money wisely, while others squander it on frivolous pursuits. The film explores the idea of how money can both solve and create problems, and how it can change people’s lives in unexpected ways.

“If I Had a Million” was well-received by audiences and critics alike and is considered a classic of the early Hollywood era. Its ensemble cast and episodic structure have influenced many films that followed in its footsteps.

19. Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife (1938)

“Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife” is a 1938 romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Claudette Colbert and Gary Cooper.

The movie follows the story of Michael Brandon (Cooper), a wealthy American playboy who has been divorced seven times and is looking for his eighth wife.

He meets Nicole de Loiselle (Colbert), a beautiful Frenchwoman who is initially resistant to his charms but eventually falls for him.

The film is known for its witty script and Lubitsch’s deft direction, which balances the humor and romance of the story perfectly.

The chemistry between Colbert and Cooper is electric, and their banter is both charming and hilarious. The supporting cast, including Edward Everett Horton and David Niven, also add to the film’s comedic appeal.

Despite its light-hearted tone, “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife” is also a commentary on the excesses and frivolity of the wealthy elite, with Michael Brandon’s character being a parody of the stereotypical American millionaire.

The film’s setting in the glamorous French Riviera also adds to its allure and sophistication.

Overall, “Bluebeard’s Eighth Wife” is a delightful romantic comedy that showcases the talents of its stars and its director.

It is a must-watch for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and anyone who appreciates a good laugh and a charming love story.

20. Vera Cruz (1954)

Vera Cruz is a 1954 American Western film directed by Robert Aldrich and starring Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster.

The film is set in Mexico in the 1860s, during the Franco-Mexican War, and follows two American adventurers, Ben Trane (Cooper) and Joe Erin (Lancaster), who team up to transport a shipment of gold from Mexico to the United States.

Along the way, they become embroiled in a conflict between Mexican revolutionaries and the forces of the French Emperor Napoleon III.

The film explores themes such as greed, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of war. Vera Cruz was notable for its innovative visual style and its use of handheld cameras, which gave the film a documentary-like feel.

The film was also praised for its action sequences and its strong performances, particularly by Cooper and Lancaster.

Vera Cruz was a commercial success and helped to establish the popularity of the Western genre in the 1950s.

The film has since become a classic of the genre and has been influential in the development of later Westerns, particularly in its depiction of anti-heroes and its use of moral ambiguity.

21. Desire (1936)

“Desire” is an American romantic thriller film released in 1936, directed by Frank Borzage and starring Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper.

The film tells the story of a jewel thief named Tom Bradley who falls in love with a wealthy widow named Madeleine de Beaupre while on the run from the police.

The film is notable for its stylish visuals, sophisticated dialogue, and steamy romantic scenes. It features strong performances from its lead actors, who have a palpable chemistry on screen.

The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews from critics, who praised its blend of romance, suspense, and glamour.

It is regarded as a classic of the pre-Code Hollywood era, which was known for its more daring and provocative films before the enforcement of the Production Code in 1934.

22. Peter Ibbetson (1935)

Peter Ibbetson is a 1935 romantic fantasy film directed by Henry Hathaway and starring Gary Cooper and Ann Harding.

The film is based on the 1891 novel of the same name by George du Maurier and tells the story of two childhood sweethearts, Peter and Mary, who are separated by circumstance and forbidden to see each other.

However, they discover that they can meet in their dreams, where they can live out their love affair and escape the boundaries of their reality.

Peter Ibbetson is known for its imaginative storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and strong performances from its lead actors.

The film explores themes such as love, memory, and the power of imagination, while also providing a unique and captivating viewing experience.

It received mixed reviews upon its release, but has since gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the romantic fantasy genre.

23. The Winning of Barbara Worth (1926)

“The Winning of Barbara Worth” is a 1926 American silent western film directed by Henry King and starring Ronald Colman, Vilma Bánky, and Gary Cooper in one of his early film roles.

The movie tells the story of three characters who become involved in the construction of an irrigation system in the American West: engineer Willard Holmes (played by Colman), landowner Abe Lee (played by Cooper), and Lee’s adopted daughter Barbara (played by Bánky).

As the trio works to build the irrigation system and overcome the challenges posed by the harsh desert landscape, they also become embroiled in a love triangle.

The film is notable for its portrayal of the struggle to tame the western frontier and the role of water in shaping the landscape and the lives of the people who live there.

“The Winning of Barbara Worth” was well-received by critics and audiences and is considered a classic of the silent film era.

The movie features stunning cinematography and impressive special effects, including a large-scale flood scene that is still considered a landmark in film history.

The chemistry between the three leads has also been praised, as well as the film’s themes of perseverance and the transformative power of human ingenuity.

24. For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943)

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a war drama film directed by Sam Wood and released in 1943. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Ernest Hemingway and stars Gary Cooper and Ingrid Bergman as two partisans fighting against Franco’s forces during the Spanish Civil War.

The film follows American Robert Jordan (Cooper) as he joins a group of guerilla fighters and falls in love with a Spanish woman named Maria (Bergman). Together, they face the harsh realities of war and struggle to maintain their humanity in a world of violence and chaos.

For Whom the Bell Tolls was a critical and commercial success, with many praising its powerful performances, stunning cinematography, and its exploration of themes such as sacrifice, loyalty, and the brutality of war.

The movie was also notable for its use of Spanish language and culture, which added an authenticity and richness to the film.

Overall, For Whom the Bell Tolls is a gripping and emotional work of cinema that captures the devastating effects of war on both individuals and societies.

The movie remains a classic of Hollywood’s Golden Age and a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience.

25. They Came to Cordura (1959)

“They Came to Cordura” is a Western drama film released in 1959. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Glendon Swarthout and is set during the early 1900s, after the Mexican Revolution.

The story follows a group of soldiers who are sent on a mission to capture a group of revolutionaries in Mexico.

The leader of the mission, Major Thomas Thorn (played by Gary Cooper), is determined to prove himself and win a promotion, but his methods are harsh and controversial. Along the way, the group encounters various obstacles, including hostile locals and dangerous terrain.

As the mission progresses, the soldiers begin to question the motivations behind their orders and the ethics of their actions. The film explores themes of honor, duty, and morality in the face of difficult circumstances.

“They Came to Cordura” was praised for its complex characters and nuanced portrayal of the conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by soldiers.

The film also features an all-star cast, including Cooper, Rita Hayworth, and Van Heflin. While not a commercial success upon its initial release, the film has since gained a cult following among fans of Westerns and classic Hollywood cinema.

3 Reasons To Watch Gary Cooper Movies

Iconic performances: Gary Cooper was a talented actor known for his iconic performances in classic Hollywood films.

He starred in many critically acclaimed movies, such as “High Noon,” “Sergeant York,” and “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” which earned him numerous awards and nominations.

Hollywood history: Watching Gary Cooper movies is like taking a trip through Hollywood’s Golden Age. His films capture the glamour and sophistication of a bygone era, and provide a window into the cultural and social values of the time.

Timeless themes: Many of Gary Cooper’s movies deal with timeless themes such as love, honor, courage, and sacrifice.

These themes resonate with audiences today just as they did when the movies were first released, making Cooper’s work relevant and meaningful to contemporary audiences.

Best Gary Cooper Movies – Wrap Up

Gary Cooper was one of the most iconic actors of Hollywood’s golden era, known for his understated acting style and rugged good looks. He appeared in numerous classic films over the course of his career, spanning several decades. Here are some of the best Gary Cooper movies:

“High Noon” (1952) – Cooper won an Oscar for his role in this classic Western, in which he plays a sheriff who must stand alone against a gang of outlaws.

“Sergeant York” (1941) – Cooper delivers a powerful performance as Alvin York, a World War I hero who became a conscientious objector before ultimately enlisting in the military.

“Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936) – This Frank Capra-directed comedy features Cooper as a small-town poet who inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where he becomes the target of greedy opportunists.

“The Pride of the Yankees” (1942) – Cooper plays legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig in this biopic, which tells the story of his life and career.

“Ball of Fire” (1941) – Cooper stars opposite Barbara Stanwyck in this screwball comedy about a group of professors who become embroiled in a gangster’s plot.

Other notable Gary Cooper movies include “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (1943), “Meet John Doe” (1941), “The Fountainhead” (1949), and “They Came to Cordura” (1959).