Hondo (1953)

 

Hondo is a pretty solid genre picture, an almost archetypal John Wayne Western. However, one you get past the standard conventional traits such as a conflict between the Apache and the settlers, the arrival of the cavalry to rescue the settlers, even the circling of a wagon train trying to escape the Apache, the movie’s real focus is upon the romance between Wayne’s title character of Hondo and Page’s Angie Lowe. The growing trust between them mirrors the growing tensions with the Apache, and the emphasis on the love story elevates the film above the standard genre fare. It’s an interesting pairing of an established star and a new performer making her first credited screen appearance. They’re both rather understated, Wayne being his usual almost silent self and Page bringing her very interior-focused Method acting. She’s rather expressionless throughout the movie. For example, Page’s Angie is unafraid of the Apache, particularly the chief who has made her son a blood brother because he admired the youngster’s courage. The movie was filmed in 3-D, a common strategy at the time for competing with the growing phenomenon of television, but it’s not really used much here. Interesting historical note: The movie’s nomination for Best Motion Picture Story was removed after author Louis L’Amour said the story was actually an adaptation of a short story he had published in Collier’s magazine and not a story originally created for film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Geraldine Page) and Best Motion Picture Story (later removed as nominee)