Watch Hud

In the 1963 movie Hud, directed by Martin Ritt and starring Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, and Patricia Neal, we follow the story of Hud Bannon, an arrogant and selfish young man who clashes with his father Homer, a hardworking and respected rancher, over their different views on life. Hud is the black sheep of the family who lives a reckless and carefree lifestyle. He drinks heavily, gambles and flirts with his father's housekeeper. Homer, on the other hand, values honesty, integrity, and hard work. He runs the ranch with his loyal and devoted ranch-hand, Lonnie, and takes pride in his cattle, treating them with utmost care and respect.

When an outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease threatens to destroy the entire herd, Hud suggests selling the cattle before the inspectors arrive to avoid a total loss, despite the fact that it's illegal. Homer, however, insists on following the law, insisting on a quarantine and then a painful culling of the sick cows. The tension between the two men escalates as the disease spreads, and Hud's selfishness and recklessness threaten to destroy the family legacy.

At the same time, Hud begins a relationship with Alma, his father's housekeeper, who is recovering from a recent divorce. Despite her initial resistance to Hud's advances, the two become involved in a passionate affair that further complicates the familial tensions. Alma becomes the voice of reason in the film, representing the rational and logical perspective that the other characters struggle to see.

The performances of the cast are exceptional, particularly those of Newman, Douglas, and Neal, who bring depth and complexity to their characters. Newman's portrayal of Hud is particularly fascinating, as he imbues the character with a charismatic yet detestable quality that makes him hard to like but impossible to ignore. Douglas, in turn, offers a performance that is both vulnerable and strong, as he navigates his role as the patriarch of the family. Neal's portrayal of Alma is both sensual and smart, and she shines as the character who sees things more clearly than the men in her life.

The film's themes of family, responsibility, morality, and legacy are timeless and relatable, as they highlight the complexities of human relationships and the difficult choices we face in life. The setting of the Texas Panhandle is captured beautifully by James Wong Howe's stunning cinematography, which showcases the majestic landscapes and gorgeous sunsets of the region.

Overall, Hud is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the human condition with honesty, compassion, and a touch of cynicism. It's a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in character-driven stories that don't shy away from the darker aspects of life.

Hud is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 62.