They Came to Cordura (1959)
Disappointing western set during the battle between Pancho Villa and the US cavalry.
Following what is described as the last ever cavalry charge on a bandit stronghold, Gary Cooper's Major is assigned with recommending Medal of Honor recipients following the battle. Upon picking six men he is asked to lead then to Cordura along with alleged prisoner Rita Hayworth (Sadly underused) where they will be given their citations.
Whilst the initial cavalry assault is nicely staged the film quickly begins to plod as Cooper and co set off for Cordura. Heroes aren't what they seem and neither is Cooper's Major quite the honorable officer he's made out to be.
There's an incessant amount of squabbling throughout without much in the way of action taken and by the halfway stage it becomes a little tedious mainly because nobody is particularly likeable, even the usually heroic Cooper.
The final reels are a battle of both wills between factions in the group and a grueling trek through the desert and whilst it passes the time much of the ideas in the film have been done before and also in infinitely more interesting movies
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