Hondo (1953)
This is quite a compliment, since I’ve seen almost all of his movies: Hondo is my favorite John Wayne film. It’s an excellent story, features a couple of great themes from Hugo Friedhofer, and contains John’s best performance. He’s just adorable as the title character, a visiting cowboy who falls in love with a strong single mom living on a ranch in the middle of Indian territory.
Released in 1953, the same year as Shane, this western wasn’t nearly as successful. Everyone knows and raves about Shane, but I can’t understand why – especially when there’s Hondo to compete with. A rugged stranger comes to town, and a little boy with a strong mother looks up to him. He goes by one name only, and although he wants to avoid violence, circumstances force him to defend himself. Sound familiar? Those of you who were never impressed by Shane, check out the much better version, directed by the great John Farrow.
John Wayne is so cute in this movie, with his sorrowful expressions and shy smiles. When he arrives on Geraldine Page’s farm, he offers to be useful in exchange for some food and water. He sharpens her axe, shoes her horse, and notices that the husband she claims will be back any minute hasn’t been home for a long time. And as Geraldine notices how nice it is to have a man around the house, he notices certain things about her, too. In a very funny and oddly romantic speech, John describes her scent, from baked bread to bath soap. If you’ve never thought of him as a particular convincing romantic lead, you’ve never seen this movie. He’s such a sweetheart!
This was Geraldine Page’s first movie, and she doesn’t seem at all green in front of the camera. A Broadway actress, you can easily imagine how wonderful she must have been as the strong spinster in The Rainmaker. Ironically, this role was originally slated for Katharine Hepburn, who dropped out when the final script showed the character having a supporting part. Geraldine didn’t mind, and she was nominated for both an Academy and Hot Toasty Rag award!
This western has it all: characters to root for, great music, interesting struggles, and romance. Morals, integrity, and honor play just key roles as the actors themselves. John Wayne, the epitome of the good cowboy, has never been better. And if you need one more incentive, it’s Ward Bond: He plays John’s pal, and sport a funny gray beard. “I was born ready!” is his catchphrase, adding great energy to the film.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thank "Ric Vani" for posting!
More Ward Bond movies here!
Released in 1953, the same year as Shane, this western wasn’t nearly as successful. Everyone knows and raves about Shane, but I can’t understand why – especially when there’s Hondo to compete with. A rugged stranger comes to town, and a little boy with a strong mother looks up to him. He goes by one name only, and although he wants to avoid violence, circumstances force him to defend himself. Sound familiar? Those of you who were never impressed by Shane, check out the much better version, directed by the great John Farrow.
John Wayne is so cute in this movie, with his sorrowful expressions and shy smiles. When he arrives on Geraldine Page’s farm, he offers to be useful in exchange for some food and water. He sharpens her axe, shoes her horse, and notices that the husband she claims will be back any minute hasn’t been home for a long time. And as Geraldine notices how nice it is to have a man around the house, he notices certain things about her, too. In a very funny and oddly romantic speech, John describes her scent, from baked bread to bath soap. If you’ve never thought of him as a particular convincing romantic lead, you’ve never seen this movie. He’s such a sweetheart!
This was Geraldine Page’s first movie, and she doesn’t seem at all green in front of the camera. A Broadway actress, you can easily imagine how wonderful she must have been as the strong spinster in The Rainmaker. Ironically, this role was originally slated for Katharine Hepburn, who dropped out when the final script showed the character having a supporting part. Geraldine didn’t mind, and she was nominated for both an Academy and Hot Toasty Rag award!
This western has it all: characters to root for, great music, interesting struggles, and romance. Morals, integrity, and honor play just key roles as the actors themselves. John Wayne, the epitome of the good cowboy, has never been better. And if you need one more incentive, it’s Ward Bond: He plays John’s pal, and sport a funny gray beard. “I was born ready!” is his catchphrase, adding great energy to the film.
Want to watch it? Click here to see it on ok.ru and thank "Ric Vani" for posting!
More Ward Bond movies here!
Hot Toasty Rag Nominations:
Best Picture of 1953
Best Actor: John Wayne
Best Supporting Actress; Geraldine Page
Best Musical Score: Hugo Friedhofer