The second of the four films that Burt Lancaster and Robert Aldrich made together is the story of two mercenaries (Lancaster and Gary Cooper) in Mexico after the American Civil War who are hired by Emperor Maximillian (George Macready) to safely bring a countess (Denise Darcel) to Vera Cruz. When they discover that millions of dollars in gold are hidden in the countess’ stagecoach, complications ensue. This was one of Aldrich’s personal favorites, and it features a solid supporting cast including Jack Elam, Ernest Borgnine and Charles Bronson.

Images courtesy of UNITED ARTISTS / THE KOBAL COLLECTION