They Came to Cordura

They Came to Cordura (1959) is an American Western directed by Robert Rossen, featuring established movie stars like Gary Cooper, Rita Hayworth, and Van Heflin. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the 1916 Mexican expedition of the US Army, it is both a war film and an intense character study marked by brilliant performances, thoughtful dialogue, and a unique storyline.

Gary Cooper, celebrated for his distinguished, calm persona that reverberates through his characters, plays Major Thomas Thorn, an Army officer who somewhat reluctantly accepts the responsibility of recommending men for the Medal of Honor. Rather than focusing on outward heroics, Major Thorn is more interested in the less tangible qualities of courage and moral compass that compose the essence of a true hero.

Our story begins in the aftermath of a major attack on a Mexican stronghold, where Major Thorn is assigned to select a group of soldiers for the prestigious military honor. Among the five selected are Sgt. John Chawk (Van Heflin), Cpl. Milo Trubee (Tab Hunter), Pvt. Renziehausen (Richard Conte), Pvt. Hetherington (Michael Callan), and Lt. William Fowler (Dick York). These men are initially showcased as heroic figures, each embodying the traditional imagery of gallantry.

As the plot progresses, we discover an interesting complexity within their character arcs, with their valor on the battlefield juxtaposed against less-than-heroic off-field behavior. Thorn’s struggle to distinguish between acts of courage in the face of enemy fire and consistent moral strength forms the central narrative thread.

Adding to the overall tension is the presence of the enigmatic Adelaide Geary (Rita Hayworth), an American expatriate living in Mexico, charged with treason for aiding the Mexican rebels. She joins this motley crew on their journey to Cordura after her property is seized following the attack.

The relationship between Hayworth's Geary and Cooper's Thorn intensifies as the journey limps along. Hayworth delivers a captivating performance as the estranged woman whose presence among the soldiers acts as a catalyst for moral contemplation and introspection. Despite her character being accused of aiding the enemy, it is Geary who arguably displays the most consistent strength of character throughout the movie. Their fragile relationship and their distinct views on courage form the emotional backbone of the film.

Throughout They Came to Cordura, director Robert Rossen utilizes the Mexican desert as a potent metaphor for the harsh, inhospitable terrain of introspection. As the group travels through the harsh terrain, their respective veneers of heroism start to peel away. This further emphasizes the overarching theme of the reevaluation of heroism, as embodied by Thorn's introspection as he grapples with his choices.

The film is also notable for its exploration of the societal implications of war glory and hero-worship. It questions certain simplistic notions of valor and heroism commonly associated with war, calling into focus the contrast between a single act of bravery and long-term moral courage. Throughout the film, Major Thorn's struggle with his view of heroism provides thought-provoking scenes.

The cinematography of They Came to Cordura successfully captures the isolated and desolate Mexican landscapes, adding to the movie’s overall tense atmosphere. Using wide shots, the director is able to emphasize the emptiness and ruggedness of the terrain, mirroring the loneliness and moral complexities faced by the characters.

Even as it faces some criticism for being verbose and heavy on dialogue, the movie triumphs in its unique take on war heroes and its focus on their moral character over blatant displays of bravado. For the connoisseurs of slow-burning drama, They Came to Cordura is a classic worth the time. It’s a film with a deep bench of acting talent led by Cooper and Hayworth, a compelling storyline, and rich visual language – a welcome addition to the 1950s era of Westerns, yet standing apart due to its introspective perspective.