NR | 1h 23m | Drama, Romance, Western | 1953
It’s fascinating to reflect on the life of “Hondo” director John Farrow, especially given how much he accomplished both in and out of Hollywood. Born in Sydney, Australia, his early travels provided him with a rich tapestry of life experiences that fueled his creativity as a filmmaker. His transition from a short story writer to a sought-after screenwriter in the 1920s speaks volumes about his adaptability and talent. Working for RKO, Warner Bros., and Paramount, he clearly knew how to navigate the competitive world of Hollywood.
“Hondo” had production challenges. In one of those quirks of filmmaking, it went over schedule. To solve this, John Wayne, the film’s star and a legend in his own right, called in a favor from John Ford to wrap up the project. This connection between Wayne and Ford, both Western icons, helped maintain the film’s quality despite the change in directors.
One of those homesteaders is Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page), whose husband Ed (Leo Gordon) prefers spending time in town rather than tending to their ranch. As a result, Angie is essentially raising their son Johnny (Lee Aaker) on her own.
Hondo’s first encounter with Angie and Johnny is somewhat ominous. He stumbles in from the desert in a battered state, accompanied by his loyal dog, Sam. Despite his disheveled appearance, Angie quickly perceives him as a principled and honorable man. Rather than posing a threat, Hondo assumes a protective role for the family.
As Hondo helps with chores around the ranch, he urges Angie and Johnny to return with him to the local Cavalry fort, warning them that the Apache, who have grown more hostile, are reportedly taking white scalps. However, Angie remains confident in her safety, explaining that she’s on good terms with the Apache.
Soon after Hondo leaves for the fort, Angie and Johnny are suddenly surrounded by Apache warriors at their ranch. As Johnny rushes to retrieve his father’s pistol from inside the house, one of the Apache warriors draws a knife and charges at him. Will Hondo return in time to save the day?
At the story’s core is Hondo, a hero who is selflessly concerned about the safety of others. He consistently does the right thing, regardless of the situation.
Nuanced Portrayals
The script is well-crafted, offering interesting and believable twists as the plot unfolds. What elevates Hondo above many Westerns is its nuanced portrayal of the Apache. The film provides an understandable motive for their hostility, revealing that the U.S. Army betrayed a treaty with the tribe, leading to their righteous anger.The tribe’s leader, Vittorio (Michael Pate), embodies a sense of honor and even expresses concern for some of the white settlers, despite the betrayal by the Cavalry. His ability to judge individuals on their personal actions, rather than condemning an entire group, adds depth to his character and to the film as a whole.
One questionable aspect of the story is Hondo’s brief act on his attraction to Angie when he kisses her—an action she doesn’t resist—before returning to the Cavalry fort. Although Angie’s husband neglects her, she remains married to him. This sends the wrong moral message, suggesting that individuals can disregard their sacred vows based on their impulses. That undermines the importance of loyalty and commitment in relationships.
The film features stunning landscapes throughout the American West and Mexico. It’s impressive that the production managed to shoot in such a variety of locations, including Arizona, Utah, and Sonora, Mexico. These breathtaking backdrops add to the film’s visual appeal, enhancing the rough and rugged frontier setting.
While Ford was uncredited as a director, he took the film to the next level with the intense action sequences that build up to the film’s fiery conclusion.
The heart of “Hondo” lies in the performances of John Wayne and Geraldine Page. The two leads complement each other perfectly. Hondo is a practical, no-nonsense man who offers sound advice, and Angie, an idealistic woman, yearns for a protective figure to help her raise her son. Page’s film debut earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 1954 Academy Awards.
Ultimately, “Hondo” stands out as a remarkable Western that captures the essence of the wild frontier. With strong acting performances and solid direction, the film presents an engaging narrative and memorable characters, making it a must-see for enthusiasts of the genre.
