(1901 – 1961) Whether stumbling into truth and love in Capra comedies (Mr Deeds Goes to Town Goes to Town, 1936; Meet John Doe, 1941), saving America reluctantly on the battlefield (Sergeant York, 1941, Oscar), or standing alone to define justice in the West (High Noon, 1952, Oscar), Cooper stood for American myths of masculine virtues—strong, silent, reluctant to become involved, yet ultimately committed to justice and truth. A star without appearing to want the trappings, Cooper’s inter-texts made Sergeant York powerful propaganda for entry into the Second World War, perhaps also foreshadowing the apparent reluctance America overcame in global situations to follow.