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Poster for Vera Cruz

Vera Cruz

Seen it?

1954 | 94 min | Western

Sunday Safe Bet

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

It earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for most people. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Easygoing.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 34 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1954: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

After the American Civil War, mercenaries travel to Mexico to fight in their revolution for money. The former soldier and gentleman Benjamin Trane meets the gunman and killer Joe Erin and his men, and together they are hired by the Emperor Maximillian and the Marquis Henri de Labordere to escort the Countess Marie Duvarre to the harbor of Vera Cruz.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    81% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.7 out of 10

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $11 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 50K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Robert Aldrich

  • Gary CooperBenjamin Trane
  • Burt LancasterJoe Erin
  • Denise DarcelCountess Marie Duvarre
  • Cesar RomeroMarquis Henri de Labordere
  • Sara MontielNina
  • Ernest BorgnineDonnegan
  • Charles BronsonPittsburgh
  • George MacreadyEmperor Maximilian
  • Jack ElamTex
  • James McCallionLittle-Bit