The Professionals

The Professionals is a 1966 American revisionist Western film written, directed, and produced by Richard Brooks and starring Burt Lancaster, Lee Marvin, Robert Ryan and Woody Strode, with Jack Palance, Claudia Cardinale and Ralph Bellamy in supporting roles. Based on the 1964 novel A Mule for the Marquesa by Frank O'Rourke, it is about four mercenaries who are hired to rescue a kidnapped bride amidst the Mexican Revolution. The film was a critical and commercial success. At the 39th Academy Awards, the film received nominations for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography – Color. It was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Drama.