Both a psychological query into the dark nature of courage as well as a tremendous Cinemascope western adventure, They Came to Cordura exemplifies the best of 1950’s Hollywood. Gary Cooper stars as a disgraced Army major re-assigned to observe battles from afar and nominate soldiers for the military’s most prestigious decoration, The Medal of Honor, during skirmishes between the U.S. and Pancho Villa on the eve of American’s involvement in WWI. He leads a private detail of these select “heroes” across the desert to the base at Cordura to wait out fighting so they can live to receive their commendations, and also escort a spitfire prisoner (Rita Hayworth) who’s accused of giving aid and shelter to the enemy. The harrowing circumstances prove chance enough for the Major to exhibit his own kind of bravery, and contemplate the self-conscious pursuit of glory.
