Following the Civil War, two mercenaries—Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster—cross paths in Mexico and find themselves hired by Maximilian I, the Emperor of Mexico, to guide a noblewoman (Denise Darcel) from Mexico City to Vera Cruz on the coast. Despite assistance from imperial soldiers, they encounter attacks from Juarez’s rebels who are after gold. “Vera Cruz,” released in 1954, is a Western that deserves more recognition; it was filmed consecutively with Cooper's “Garden of Evil.” I believe both films are quite good, but this one has a slight advantage. It incorporates elements reminiscent of comic books—like the minor squabbles and unrealistically accurate shooting—that don’t appeal to me, however, beyond that, it’s a stark, fast-paced, survival adventure set against impressive Mexican scenery, including the Pyramid of the Sun, plus two lovely women, Denise Darcel and Sara Montiel. This is one of Lancaster's best parts; he portrays a passionate, morally ambiguous character with his trademark charming, slightly rough smile, which contrasts with Gary Cooper’s older, introspective antihero. One of these men can be saved while the other cannot. It’s fairly apparent, but the ending makes it clear. The supporting cast includes Cesar Romero, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson and Jack Elam. The film runs for a concise 1 hour, 34 minutes, and was filmed in areas near Mexico City, including at the Pyramid of the Sun. GRADE: A-/B+

Source on TMDB