(1959) Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, Van Heflin, Tab Hunter,
Richard Conte, Dick York, Michael Callan, Robert Keith,
Edward Platt.
They Came to Cordura is one of the most ironic character studies of
the 1950s. It’s unconventional and disturbing.
Gary Cooper plays Major Thomas Thorn, who falls prey to victimizing
forces, the worst being his very own conscience, while trying to find
himself.
The story opens in Mexico, with Colonel Rogers (Keith) leading the
“last classic cavalry charge” against Pancho Villa and his rebels.
After an action-packed battle, Thorn, who has been branded a coward,
is given the task of taking five soldiers worthy of the Congressional
Medal of Honor through dangerous country, to the military base in
Cordura, Texas. To add to his troubles, he is forced to take an
American woman (Rita Hayworth) charged with treason.
Along the way, Thorn examines the brave men, trying to discover
what they have, that he lacks. His quest is hampered when their true
personalities are revealed. Thorn’s journey is complicated further
when………………………………………………