Watch They Came to Cordura

They Came to Cordura is a gripping western film from 1959 starring icons like Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, and Van Heflin. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Glendon Swarthout, which was published in 1958. The story takes place in 1916, during the waning days of the Mexican Revolution. A group of US soldiers, under the command of Major Thomas Thorn (played by Cooper), are tasked with finding a cohort of the Medal of Honor recipients in Mexico. Their mission is to escort the captured soldiers back to the US for a victory parade.

As they make their way back through the treacherous Mexican desert, things start to go wrong. The soldiers begin to turn on each other, tensions rise, and alliances are formed and broken. Cordura, the town where they are headed, becomes a place of reckoning as the group tries to survive its hostile streets and the dangers of the desert.

The film explores the themes of bravery, loyalty, and patriotism in a unique and unyielding fashion. The soldiers' characters are built up throughout the movie, and by the end, the audience is attached to certain individuals, hoping they make it out of the journey alive.

Gary Cooper's portrayal of Major Thorn is masterful. He plays the tough, no-nonsense leader who is willing to do anything to get the job done. He is extremely convincing in his role and manages to carry the movie's weight with ease. The rest of the cast members, including Heflin and Hayworth, are equally impressive, with each actor bringing a unique flavor to their characters.

The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the beauty of the Mexican desert while also emphasizing the peril the soldiers face. The camera work is excellent throughout the movie, with long, panoramic shots of the landscape, as well as close-ups of the soldiers' faces, which perfectly highlight their emotions.

The film's screenplay is also first-class, and the dialogue between the soldiers is often poignant and philosophical. The script provides a deep exploration of the human psyche and morality in times of war, making it a truly thought-provoking film.

The movie's ending is also memorable, as it leaves the audience with a sense of thoughtful contemplation. Although the film was considered a box-office failure at the time of its release, it has since gone on to become a classic of the Western genre.

Overall, They Came to Cordura is an excellent film that will appeal to fans of the Western genre, as well as anyone interested in movies that explore human morality and patriotism. With its great cast, stunning cinematography, and thought-provoking plot, it is a movie that will leave an impactful impression on anyone who sees it.

They Came to Cordura is a 1959 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.