Film Review: Hud, Based on a Novel by Larry McMurty, Directed by Martin Ritt

The film "Hud" was released in 1963. Hud, played by Paul Newman, is the black sheep of the family with a certified chip on his shoulder. Although Hud is a self-centered cowboy that enjoys driving his old pink Cadillac fast and furious, perhaps there is a well-founded reason for his disgruntled behavior. The other stars include Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, Brandon De Wilde and Whit Bissell. The film is based on a novel by Larry McMurtry, "Horseman, Pass By," Screenplay by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch, and Directed by Martin Ritt. The filming took place primarily in Claude, Texas.

The tale centers around an unyielding patriarchal father Homer Bannon, played by Melvyn Douglas whose sense of principle and honor brings him into conflict with the unrelenting Department of Agriculture as well as Hud, a dishonest, self-centered libertine whose only aspiration in life is drinking, barroom brawls, joyriding, and sleeping around with woman, married or not, except the one that got away, Alma Brown, played by Patricia Neal.

Hud is reminded by his patriarchal father, Homer of his disappointment whenever he feels inclined, which is most of the time. Hud is angry and a relentless tyrant the only way he gains the attention of his father is through his negative or self-depredating actions. The force of the movie is towards the personal growth of the central figures, Homer and Hud.

The tension is between Homer and Hud. Homer sacrifices by doing the right thing, trusting the U.S. government. Hud tries to gain the respect of his father by displaying nature and reality. Hud staunchly opposes the intervention of the government into their ranching, but Homer, based on his ethics, explains he is doing right. The feud continues and envelopes into something larger than the government, Homer or Hud, but into something we all must face at one time or another, ethics or nature, which hose trail do we trust and which do we choose?

This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Actor for Paul Newman, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black and White by Hal Pereira, Tambi Larsen, Samuel M. Comer and Robert R. Benton, Best Director by Martin Ritt, Best Screenplay by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch. The film won three Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, played by Melvyn Douglas, Best Actress in a Leading Role, played by Patricia Neal, and Best Cinematography, Black and White by James Wong Howe.