This is a buddy movie long before the term came into vogue. Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster are wonderful as friends and adversaries, allies and enemies, in Mexico during Maximillian's rule. Far ahead of its time in combining humor and action and drama within the same framework, Vera Cruz starts with a bang and rarely pauses to catch its breath. French director Francois Truffaut thought this one of the best films ever made in America. It is filled with double crosses, triple crosses, and enough twists and turns to have audiences guessing right up to the final bittersweet shootout.
Cooper is the man of high principles who stands for justice and equality are great together.
As a curiosity you will also see Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson in the beginning of their careers. Filmed on location in Mexico this is a highly recommended film, not to be missed. HIGH NOON - with Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado and Grace Kelly. Kane seeks assistance from deputies and townsfolk, but soon realizes he'll have to stand alone in his showdown with Miller and his henchmen. VHS One of the finest screen adaptation of any of Hemingway's novels.