Following the American Civil War, two hired guns are brought together in a tense partnership. "Trane" (Gary Cooper) is more polished than "Joe" (Burt Lancaster), who seems barely above a common criminal, but both men handle firearms skillfully – a trait that draws them to the attention of “Marquis” (Cesar Romero). He proposes they earn money by assisting Emperor Maximilian of Mexico (George Macready). After demonstra…

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 recog…

When a movie centers around men of action, one naturally anticipates plenty of action. "As the American Civil War came to an end, another conflict was starting. The people of Mexico were trying to get rid of their foreign Emperor—Maximilian. Into this struggle rode several Americans—former soldiers, adventurers, criminals—all looking for profit. They made their way South in small groups—AND SOME CAME ALONE." Ga…