Review of They Came to Cordura (1959) by Allan C — 15 Jul 2011

Film historians don't seem to think much of this one, but I've always had a soft spot for this film, particularly because of the fine cast and the excellent score by Elie Siegmeister (the only film to his credit).

Cooper and Hayworth are excellent, but it's Van Heflin who I've always remember in an uncharacteristically villainous role. The themes and symbolism are pretty obvious and heavy handed, but it could be argued that this film was something of a precursor to the revisionist westerns of the late 60s and early 70s (John Wayne condemned as unpatriotic and for the homosexual subtext).