September 5, 2022

Reflection

THEY  CAME  TO  CODORA

Just watched the movie, "They Came to Cordora."

It was a western that tells a story within a story. The place is New Mexico and Mexico - in 1916. - with Gary Cooper and Rita Hayworth.

Pancho Villa sent soldiers to attack the town of Columbus, New Mexico. They killed a dozen Americans - wounded others and destroyed propeerty. The President of the United States sent an army to retaliate - especially to capture Pancho Villa.

It was not a great movie.  

It was too talky, talky.

It seemed implausible - impossible  - and stupid.

Yet I stayed up with William Guri to watch it to "The End".

Gary Cooper plays the part of a soldier - an officer - whose job it is to watch a battle and then to recommend battle honors to those he thought deserved them. He won't give any honors to a guy who leads a charge on Ojos. It is badly planned.  They don't make any reconnoitering - other than just charging the town of Ojos.

The Mexicans lose the fight because they don't have rapid fire rifles.

The United States officer does it for ego and recognition and honors - so he will get an award and retire at 60.

Gary Cooper won't make any recommendations for honors.  In an earlier fight he was in a battle.  and got scared.  His position was being hit with bullets flying by his face he jumps into a ditch to survive. He's labeled a coward for avoiding battle.

And here he is an Army major trying to capture what is courage.

Four or 5 soldiers are sent as heroes back for honors.  Throw into the story, Rita Hayworth, an American, who was very friendly with the Mexicans and is sent back to the U.S, forces.

As I thought, the movie is horrible.

Gary Cooper is trying to get the thoughts of the soldiers. He spends time writing down notes.

"All 5 are little wounded children." That's how he described them in his notes - which they take from him when he is almost dead.

Yet he has to courage to bring them to Cordura.  They are trying to kill him. They don't want to be labeled heroes. They see the implications gaining that recognition - one of them is wanted.

That was the movie - an exploration of courage and cowardice.

Motive! We try to figure them out in court rooms, crimes, and movies.