Western Wednesdays: Hondo (1953)

     Hondo was released on November 27th, 1953. Adapted from a short story by Louis L'Amour it was produced by John Wayne's newly formed production company, Batjac, and directed by John Farrow. In it Hondo Lane (Wayne), an army dispatch rider, becomes the protector of Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page) and her son Johnny (Lee Aakar) during an Apache uprising in Arizona.

     Hondo presents complex view of American/Indian relations. Hondo, we learn, was once married to an Apache woman named Destarte who died. He has great respect for the Apache and their way of life. What's more, he blames whites for stirring the Indians up, "We broke that treaty, us Whites." The main Apache character in the film is there chief Vittorio (played by Australian actor Michael Pate and loosely based on the real-life Apache chief Victorio). Vittorio is portrayed as a ruthless but wise and honorable leader. He spares Mrs. Lowe and her son after Johnny openly defies him. Impressed by the boys courage he adapts him into the tribe and makes him a blood brother. He has some rather sexist views about marriage (views not really in line with Apache culture) and insists that Mrs. Lowe choose an Apache husband if her own husband doesn't return before the next rain because "Small Warrior should have father." When he mistakes Hondo for Mrs. Lane's husband he accepts him as a suitable guardian and the two men gain respect for each other when Hondo promises not to help the Calvary fight the Apache, though refusing to lie about the tribes whereabouts. "Indians hate lies" he says.

     Of course Hondo is ultimately forced to fight the Apache when Vittorio is killed, leaving Mrs. Lane and Johnny without an advocate. In the end, when the Calvary discuss the imminent arrival of a larger force to subdue the remaining Apache, Hondo reflects that this will mean the end of their way of life. "Too bad, it's a good way," he muses. This line is pretty indicative of the attitude that so many Hollywood films would take toward Native Americans during this period. Despite this Hondo's portrayal of the Apache is still more nuanced then one might think.

    In general, the film is refreshingly atypical. When Hondo is forced to kill Angie's husband Ed (Leo Gordon) he initially hides this from her, as she has fallen in love with him and he doesn't want to burden her with the real reason for her husband's death. When she inevitably finds out, rather then hold it against him, she simply accepts it. "Poor Ed," she says "I guess he wasn't the sort of man to die well. Sorry now I hated him so much. I guess he couldn't help being weak and selfish." When Hondo tries to tell Johnny what he did, Mrs. Lowe intervenes, as it would scar Johnny unnecessarily. Most films would use this event to force drama between the romantic leads, but Hondo doesn't.

     The film has an interesting production history. It was shot in 3-D (yes Hollywood was toying with the format as far back as the early 50s!) and, as the popularity of the format was starting to wane at the time, Warner Brothers promoted their own 3-D camera process, claiming it was superior to the 3-D films found elsewhere. The director, John Farrow, opted not to put many gimmicky shots of objects flying at the camera in the film, instead using it to produce a greater depth of field in the film's may panoramic landscape shots. Farrow was unable to complete the film as he was under contractual obligation to do another movie and Hondo went over schedule. As a result, John Ford was brought in to complete the film, directing the wagon train attack. Ford was uncredited for his contributions.

     Farrow's direction is competent and restrained. The few times he throws in a gimmicky 3-D shot stick out in a bad way, but they are few and far between. He and cinematographer Robert Burks (a frequent collaborator of Hitchcock) really capture the rugged Mexican landscape beautifully. John Ford does a bang up job with his (uncredited) scenes, creating a really memorable climax for the film. The score by Hugo Friedhofer is memorable and effective. All the actors do a great job, particularly Geraldine Page. She imbues Mrs. Lowe with a quiet dignity. She may be caught between various male figures (Ed, Vittorio and Hondo) but she holds her own and makes the best of it. Page was nominated for an Academy Award for her role. Wayne is at his best as Hondo Lane, combining his rugged, swaggering demeanor with his more romantic, seductive side. He makes Lane a uniquely independent and single minded individual. Ward Bond is also quite good in a small but memorable supporting role as Buffalo Baker. Also look out for James Arness in an early, pre-Gunsmoke role.

     The film is not without its faults. As I said, despite treating them with more nuance then is typical, Hondo still treats Native Americans in a somewhat cliche and stereotypical manner. (I'm not an expert but, to my knowledge the Apache didn't encourage widows to marry nor did they make blood oaths). Though I like where it ends up going the drama surrounding Lane's killing of Ed Lowe is rather tiresome. It's also awkwardly paced with an, at times, episodic structure and a rather rushed denouement.

     Despite this Hondo remains a really solid western with featuring steady direction, a really good script and stellar performances from Wayne and Page.

Score: 8/10