“What is courage? What is cowardice?” These lines appear onscreen before They Came to Cordura begins. The nature of bravery is an essential component of any war film but rarely has it been examined as directly, or as penetratingly, as it is here. Directed by Robert Rossen, Columbia’s They Came to Cordura was disliked by critics and ignored by audiences in 1959, but its contemplative, relentless burrowing into its themes should find more appreciative audiences today since moviegoers are now more accustomed to characters consumed with self-examination (and interested in analyzing others). As war movies go, this one is talky, but in its verbiage it offers an unusually probing look at human behavior under inhuman circumstances, specifically combat and its ever-after repercussions. They Came to Cordura has a massive, superbly executed battle sequence, yet the film stands out more for its willingness to tackle uncommon psychological issues than for its action. It’s a cerebral war movie without clear-cut heroes or cowards, and it emphasizes introspection, ambiguity, and conscience over victory and glory.
excerpted from John DiLeo’s
Screen Savers: 40 Remarkable Movies Awaiting Rediscovery
© 2008 Hansen Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Rod Croft // Mar 10, 2012 at 12:44 am
As you have stated ,”They Came To Cordura” is “a thinking man’s film”, and perhaps this is the reason as to why it did not attract more attention by critics, and acceptance by audiences when first released in 1959.
The film boasted a competent director, Rossen, (who was allowed to re-write the script), and a well-known and respected cast. For Gary Cooper’s thoughtful performance , (his usual demeanour tempered by self-doubt), he was awarded a P.G.A. “Golden Laurel”.
Cooper was strongly supported by other members of the cast; in fact Rita Hayworth, stripped of her youthful beauty, gave perhaps one of her finest performances – her isolation and vulnerability, palpable.
The theme, the distinction between bravery and cowardice, is an interesting one, and, as you have mentioned, is comprehensively examined.
Yes, this film deserves a “re-evaluation” as do many distinctive films that, over the years, have been disgarded and neglected.
2 John DiLeo // Mar 10, 2012 at 9:22 pm
Hi Rod,
Glad to hear that you like this one as much as I do. Gary Cooper’s daughter, Maria, told me that it was a special film to him. We have to keep getting the word out about how good it is!
Best,
John
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