Hud Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charismatic jerk in Texas ruins everything, but mostly his dad’s cattle.

🍿 Hud: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Bannon Ranch

The film introduces the Bannon family living on a Texas ranch: Homer Bannon, the principled patriarch; his son Hud, a charismatic but amoral cowboy; and Lonnie, Homer’s grandson and Hud’s nephew. Lonnie admires Hud’s rebellious nature but is also drawn to Homer’s strong moral compass. Alma, the family’s housekeeper, provides a grounded perspective amidst the family tensions.

Cattle Disease and Ethical Conflict

When a mysterious disease threatens the Bannon’s cattle, the conflict between Homer and Hud intensifies. Homer insists on reporting the outbreak, potentially leading to the destruction of his herd, while Hud proposes selling the cattle to unsuspecting buyers to avoid financial ruin. This moral dilemma highlights their opposing values and sets the stage for further conflict.

Hud’s Schemes and Failed Attempts

As the situation worsens, Hud attempts to undermine Homer’s authority and gain control of the ranch. He tries to convince Lonnie that Homer is too old to manage the ranch effectively. His ruthless ambition culminates in a disturbing scene where he attempts to force himself on Alma, further revealing his lack of moral boundaries.

Destruction and Departure

The cattle are ultimately diagnosed with foot-and-mouth disease and are euthanized, devastating Homer. Alma, disgusted by Hud’s behavior and the toxic atmosphere of the ranch, decides to leave. This marks a turning point for Lonnie, who begins to see Hud’s amorality clearly.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hud Bannon (Paul Newman): Hud is an amoral and reckless man who clashes with his father and attempts to exploit situations for personal gain.
• Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas): Homer is a principled rancher struggling to maintain his values against the changing times and his son’s selfishness.
• Lonnie Bannon (Brandon De Wilde): Lonnie is a teenager torn between his admiration for his uncle Hud and the traditional values of his grandfather Homer.
• Alma Brown (Patricia Neal): Alma is the Bannon’s housekeeper, a divorcee who provides a grounded perspective on the family’s conflicts while navigating their advances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hud: “The only question I ever ask any woman is, ‘What time is your husband coming home?’” – Illustrates Hud’s amoral attitude toward relationships and his blatant disregard for societal norms.
• Homer Bannon: “Little by little, the look of the country changes because of the men we admire.” – Homer reflects on the negative influence Hud has on the younger generation, particularly Lonnie.
• Hud: “This world is so full of crap, a man’s gonna get into it sooner or later whether he’s careful or not.” – Hud’s cynical outlook on life as he justifies his unscrupulous behavior.
• Alma Brown: “No thanks. I’ve done my time with one cold-blooded bastard. I’m not looking for another.” – Alma’s firm rejection of Hud’s advances, highlighting her awareness of his character flaws.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $7,000,000

💥 Hud Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by Paul Newman’s performance. He plays a character you kind of hate, but can’t look away from. The scene where he tries to take advantage of Alma was shocking, but it showed how selfish he was, and the ending left me feeling empty. It’s a movie that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate morally ambiguous characters”
  • “People interested in films exploring American social issues”
  • “Paul Newman fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Attempted rape”
  • “Animal slaughter”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Newman delivers a performance brimming with complex charm and underlying menace. Ritt’s direction is taut, and Howe’s cinematography beautifully captures the stark Texas landscape. A powerful, morally ambiguous tale.
• The New York Times: “A stark and honest look at family conflict and the clash of values in the modern West. Douglas and Neal offer nuanced support to Newman’s electrifying portrayal of a man both captivating and repulsive.
• Los Angeles Times: “Hud is a brutal character study, unblinking in its depiction of amorality. The film’s impact lies in its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the changing American landscape.

Audience Reactions

Paul Newman’s captivating performance as the amoral Hud.: The stark black-and-white cinematography beautifully captures the harshness of the Texas landscape.

The nuanced performances of Melvyn Douglas and Patricia Neal as Homer and Alma.: The film’s unflinching look at family conflict and moral ambiguity resonates with audiences.

Overall Consensus: A powerful, albeit bleak, character study elevated by strong performances and striking visuals. It remains a relevant exploration of moral decay in a changing America.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 1964
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor)- 1964
3. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1964

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Martin Ritt originally wanted to film in color, but James Wong Howe, the cinematographer, convinced him that black and white would better capture the starkness and isolation of the Texas landscape.”
• “Paul Newman prepared for his role by spending time on a real Texas cattle ranch, learning about the lifestyle and mannerisms of cowboys.”
• “The film was based on Larry McMurtry’s novel ‘Horseman, Pass By,’ but the screenplay significantly altered the ending and some character motivations.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hud?

Hud is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for possible television airings or streaming options through subscription services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hud, you might like these similar films:

• Giant (1956): Explores themes of family conflict, wealth, and changing values in the Texas oil country.
• The Last Picture Show (1971): Another Larry McMurtry story, depicting the bleakness and disillusionment of small-town Texas life.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): A dark exploration of ambition, greed, and the exploitation of land and resources in the American West, mirroring Hud’s ruthless pursuit of self-interest.
• Cool Hand Luke (1967): Features Paul Newman in another iconic role as a rebellious anti-hero, defying authority and societal expectations, which may appeal to fans of Newman’s performance in Hud.

🛒 Hud Related Products

• Hud (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A high-quality Blu-ray edition with restored visuals and audio, offering a definitive viewing experience for fans of the film.
• Larry McMurtry’s Horseman, Pass By (The Novel that inspired Hud): Ebook edition. Dive into the original novel that inspired the movie, providing a deeper exploration of the characters and themes.
• HUD Movie Poster Print – Paul Newman – Drama – Cult Film: This poster is professionally printed on premium paper and depicts Paul Newman as Hud. This poster will be a conversation piece in your home for years to come.
• HUD Bannon Belt Buckle: Replicate the ‘Look’ of the star Paul Newman from the movie Hud, with this western-style belt buckle. Sturdy metal design, perfect for everyday wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hud features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Elmer Bernstein
• “The Pig Chase” – performed by Elmer Bernstein
• “It Was Sad When That Great Ship Went Down” – performed by Paul Newman and Brandon De Wilde

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why PAUL NEWMAN was so CRUEL to PATRICIA NEAL before filming began on the movie “HUD”!

Ever wonder if the actors on screen get along in real life? This video delves into the surprising (and maybe a little harsh) way Paul Newman prepped for his role with Patricia Neal. It definitely makes you see their scenes in a whole new light!

Script to screen #3: Hud

Want to see how a scene transforms from script to screen? This video breaks down a key moment between Hud and Alma, showing you what stayed the same and what changed. It’s fascinating to see how much goes into bringing a movie to life!

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