Based on Louis L’Amour’s story, The Gift of Cochise, Hondo Lane (John Wayne) is a former sharpshooter and dispatch rider for the U.S. Calvary. In 1870 New Mexico, Hondo arrives horseless, and with a loyal dog (Pal, the son of Lassie) at his side, arrives at the ranch of Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page), and her 6-year-old son Johnny (Lee Aaker).
The barren desert has become a dangerous place to be, as the Apache are mounting a war against the United States Army. Hondo lets Angie know that the Apache general, Vittorio (Michael Pate) is upset by the latest treaty violations committed by the white man. Despite the danger, Angie refuses to leave the homestead until her husband returns from what she says is a trip to round up cattle in the mountains.
Hondo Lane is a man who has killed more than one man in his life. While not proud of it, he’s not running from it either. While Hondo is a bit of a mystery, it’s clear that he wishes to avoid .killing more men. Resourceful and decent, Hondo helps safeguard Johnny. While Hondo is clearly smitten with Angie (the feelings just might be mutual), he won’t take advantage of a married woman. After Hondo returns to his post with the Calvary, Angie and Johnny are able to gain the respect of Vittorio. However, Silva (Rodopho Acosta), Vittorio’s second-in-command, isn’t quite as eager to make friends. Meanwhile, Hondo finds himself ambushed by one Ed Lowe (Leo Gordon), who just happens to be Angie’s husband…
In “The Making of Hondo,” a documentary included here as part of the special features, historian Frank Thompson says, “Hondo is a very classic Wayne role…There’s nothing really surprising about the part, but I think It does stress something that is a real Wayne attribute, in his honesty and straightforwardness.” Essentially Hondo Lane isn’t unlike many other characters John Wayne played throughout his illustrious career—tough and headstrong with a heart. Much of the praise Hondo receives is likely due to the presence of Geraldine Page (a stage actress), who made her debut on the big screen here.
In an appearance that earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, Page looks a bit overmatched by the elements and her co-star, which makes her perfect for the role of Angie. While Angie clearly has strength, there’s an unmistakable vulnerability. After all, she’s a woman alone, waiting on a husband in the barren desert. If Hondo had come upon Maureen O’Hara at that homestead, I’m not sure the film would have struck the chord that it does.
Among the supporting cast are a handful of recognizable names: Ward Bond, who John Wayne liked to have in his films plays army scout Buffalo Baker; Paul Fix plays the Calvary commander, Major Sherry; and James Arness who would soon go on to star on television’s Gunsmoke, plays Lennie, an Army scout with a serious chip on his shoulder.
One final note: There’s an intermission in the middle of the movie. Since Hondo is only 83 minutes long, this seems a little odd. I understand it in regards to the roadshow theatrical releases, but those films were generally more than two hours in length. The included audio commentary explains that the intermission was necessary to allow for the 3-D projection.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Paramount has done a solid job with this title. The studio has chosen not to release Hondo on Blu-ray 3D at this time. As it is, the Blu-ray offers a handful of shots that lack any real detail, appearing out of focus. However, colors are bright in an entirely natural way. Skin tones are fairly realistic, though they run a bit dark at times.
The native English soundtrack is offered in Dolby TrueHD 5.1 and monaural options. The multi-channel mix handles the musical cues very well, but tends to push the dialogue to the background. I thought the mono option actually worked better here. Whichever you choose, the dialogue is always clear.
English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese spoken languages, as well as subtitles are available.
The special features, all in standard definition unless otherwise noted, have been ported over from the 2005 Special Edition DVD.
- An Introduction by Leonard Maltin (2:33) A film critic and historian, Maltin provides some historical context for Hondo. He also gives some very basic information on principal cast members.
- Audio Commentary with Leonard Maltin, Western historian Frank Thompson, and actor Lee Aaker: Maltin and Thompson do the heavy lifting, discussing the actors, the stuntmen, the purpose of the intermission, and more. Aaker talks sparingly, offering a few memories of life on the set.
- The Making of Hondo (43:22) is a solid retrospective documentary. Surviving cast members discuss making the film, while actor Ward Bond and screenwriter James Edward Grant are profiled.
- From the Batjac Vaults (2:28) In a 1994 Entertainment Tonight segment, John Wayne’s son Michael shows Maltin around the Wayne Estate vault holding his films, wardrobe items, and props.
- The Apache (14:51) Dody Fugate of The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture offers her thoughts on the Apache, and the film’s portrayal of Indians.
- Photo Gallery (HD) Viewer navigated, this photo gallery offers 53 stills from the film. Most are black-and-white publicity stills, but there are a few color photos and lobby cards mixed in.
- Original Theatrical Trailer (2:50, HD)
