Cannon for Cordoba

Cannon for Cordoba

Year: 1970

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Paul Wendkos

WesternAdventureAction

In 1912, amid the Mexican Revolution, raids by Mexican insurgents who call themselves freedom fighters set the Texas‑Mexico border ablaze. The United States commissions General John J. Pershing to capture the notorious rebel leader General Héctor Córdoba. Pershing tracks Córdoba to his fortress, prepares his troops, and makes the decisive move to storm the stronghold.

Cannon for Cordoba (1970) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the summer of 1912, the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution spills over the Rio Grande, turning the once‑quiet borderlands into a crucible of uncertainty. Villages and towns on both sides are gripped by raids, and the thin line between law and rebellion blurs beneath a relentless sun. The atmosphere is charged with a restless energy, where loyalties shift as quickly as the wind across the desert plains, and every outpost feels the echo of distant gunfire.

The United States, wary of the growing instability, places the mission in the hands of General John J. Pershing. Tasked with neutralizing the most formidable insurgent force, he zeroes in on the elusive leader who has become a legend among the rebels. Pershing’s approach is methodical yet urgent, reflecting a blend of disciplined strategy and the gritty reality of frontier warfare. The tone is one of measured resolve, underscored by the weight of an operation that could tip the balance along the border.

Leading the field effort is Captain Rod Douglas, a seasoned officer whose reputation for tough decisions precedes him. He assembles a small, diverse band of men, each drawn from different corners of the military and prison system, hinting at a mix of expertise, personal grudges, and hidden agendas. Among them are Jackson Harkness, a soldier bound by a promise of vengeance; Andy Rice and Peter, two fugitives whose freedom hangs by a thread; and Antonio Gutierrez, a Mexican lieutenant whose personal score with the rebels adds another layer of complexity. Their uneasy camaraderie hints at an uneasy alliance forged by circumstance rather than trust.

Adding to the intricate web is Leonora Cristobal, a woman whose motives intertwine with the larger conflict, and General Héctor Córdoba, the charismatic yet feared commander whose presence looms over the entire operation. The film’s mood balances the stark, sun‑baked brutality of desert combat with the quieter, psychological tensions among its characters, promising a story where honor, duty, and personal vendettas collide against a backdrop of geopolitical unrest.

Last Updated: December 04, 2025 at 23:10

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Tense stories of high-stakes military operations set against the harsh backdrop of the frontier.If you liked the tense, action-driven military operation in Cannon for Cordoba, you'll find similar high-stakes stories here. These movies focus on specialized teams undertaking dangerous missions along the frontier, blending classic Western settings with gritty, tactical action and themes of sacrifice.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative builds towards a clear objective, often involving intense conflict and violence. While the protagonists ultimately succeed in their primary goal, the journey results in profound losses—such as the death of key allies or deep personal scars—undercutting the victory with a sense of melancholy and the high price of success.

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These films are united by their shared emotional structure: a high-stakes plot resolved with a successful outcome that feels tempered by loss. They blend fast-paced, high-intensity action with a medium to heavy emotional weight, leading to an ending that is more contemplative and sobering than celebratory.

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