Last week I reviewed Robert Aldrich’s Kiss Me Deadly and this week I’m reviewing another Robert Aldrich film, Vera Cruz (1954). Burt Lancaster and Gary Cooper are at the top of their games. The supporting cast, Ernest Borgnine as Donegan, Charles Bronson as Pittsburgh, Jack Elam as Tex, James McCallion as Little-Bit, and Archie Savage as Ballad, make a great band of cut-throats. Cesar Romero delivers a strong performance as Marquis Henri de Labordere. The plot involves a Mexican Civil War that attracts adventurers and mercenaries. Lancaster, Cooper, and their band of ruffians are hired to guard a carriage carrying the Countess Marie Duvarre (played by Denise Darcel) to Vera Cruz. But there’s also $3 million in gold hidden in the carriage and everyone is double-crossing (and triple-crossing) each other to get the gold. The Mexican scenery is spectacular and this new Blu-ray version shows it off in crisp detail. Vera Cruz is a Top Ten western. GRADE: A
A fan of this one as well.
Watching VERA CRUZ in Blu-ray was like watching the movie for the first time, Randy. The movie was shot entirely in Mexico. Those Mayan ruins are eye-popping!
The story is classic Borden Chase, well-adapted by all concerned.
Love Borden Chase, Dan. The double-dealing characters keep you guessing throughout the movie.
Denise Darcel!
Denise Darcel is very hot in this movie, Bill. Even Gary Cooper was ready to run away with her.
Amen, Bill. I haven’t seen this one in ages but still remember parts of it vividly. It was definitely a classic. I’m a huge Burt Lancaster fan and look at that supporting cast!
VERA CRUZ has a modern feel to it, Jeff. Greed motivates most of the characters.
With those two actors, it had to be a winner.
Burt Lancaster and Gary Cooper give VERA CRUZ plenty of tension, Patti.
For me Lancaster’s presence dominates the movie. He embodies all the corruption. Cooper is good too of course. But Lancaster–with this performance and his role in Sweet Smell of Success–he’s defined evil for his generation.
You’re right, Ed, Lancaster embodies evil and corruption…with a winning smile.
While I like Burt Lancaster in this film, and agree with Ed’s comments, I never really trust him in VERA CRUZ the way I do in other roles. Much like in THE GUNS OF NAVARONE where I was never sure who was going to backstab who before it was all over.
Yes, all those reals settings in Mexico and the ruins are incredible scenery. The one big battle scene is great!
Characters who trusted Burt Lanchaster’s Joe Erin because of that beaming smile paid dearly, Tom. VERA CRUZ is one of those movies that really sparkle in the Blu-ray format.
Denise Darcel. How could I have forgotten her? Ha!
I remember watching this many years ago. I was a big fan of Burt and Bronson and Elam. Great band of cuthroats is right.
Denise Darcel played a great role in VERA CRUZ, Yvette. It’s well worth watching again in the sharpness of Blu-ray.
Top ten? Not in mine, but top 20 perhaps. I haven’t seen it in years but I recall liking it. Great showdown at the end.
Yes, the Big Battle at the end is impressive, Bob. I always loved a movie with a Gattling gun in it!
I always think I’ve seen this film, but have it confused with another one set in Mexico, GARDEN OF EVIL, with Cooper and Susan Hayward. You got me interested in seeing this one now.
Be sure you watch the new Blu-ray version of VERA CRUZ, Ron. It’s a gem.