The supporting cast in this "character study" is nothing short of superb. Melvyn Douglas as the pious and self-righteous father is the perfect mirror image of HUD. Patricia Neal (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress) is simply outstanding as the earthy, motherly yet somewhat-still-sexy housekeeper who both HUD and Lon (Brandon De Wilde) have sexual yearnings for, but for very different reasons. James Wong Howe's cinematography is top notch and his choice of black and white film really makes this movie work - far more than it would have in color.

There are also other "small touches" that add so much to the film. When HUD picks up Patricia Neal by the side of the road with her groceries, she offers him a Fig Newton. The same effect was used again when Lon is discussing the book "From Here To Eternity" with the local drugstore owner. Not a just a "cookie" or a "book", but real pieces of "Americana" the help set the mood, tone and timeframe of the film.

There is one last item I think is worth commenting on, because it is often overlooked. That is the seeming genuine affection that HUD has for his nephew (Lon). Yes, HUD is a scoundrel out for himself first and foremost, but there are many scenes where HUD appears almost human (particularly when HUD finally tells Lon how his father died), and those scenes are always with Lon. This is why, if the movie has any flaw in my mind, it is the ending where Lon is leaving the ranch and HUD is left all alone. I get the sensation that HUD is practically begging Lon to stay, though outwardly this isn't the case at all and HUD tries to act aloof and non-caring, shouting one of his famous lines "This world is so full of ..., a man's gonna get into it sooner or later whether he's careful or not." Whether my reaction was the one Martin Ritt had in mind I am not sure, but the last scene always leaves me unsettled, at least in terms of HUD's humanity.

Regardless, a first class film in every way. There are very few this good.


Finally! This wonderful film on DVD.   February 16, 2004
 18 out of 20 found this review helpful

HUD, quite simply, has some of the best performances ever put on film by its four leading cast members: Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal and Brandon De Wilde. Equally powerful is the black and white photography, which serves as the perfect background for the story and the performers. (B&W just can't be beat for some types of stories, and this is one of them.) Newman has never been given as much credit as he deserves, in my opinion, and he makes the tactless, self-centered, womanizing Hud come to life spectacularly. Patricia Neal, who won the Oscar for this, is amazing to watch, using her body language and her voice with consummate mastery. This film leaves you with an appreciation of how simple stories, handled by talented professionals, can pack a punch even forty years later. When compared to half of the "product" that's pumped out these days, HUD towers over most, propelled by character and story. Not a bad thing, if you ask me!


Hard Hitting Drama......"Newman's Own" Brand   December 12, 2003
 16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This review refers to the widescreen DVD edition(Paramount) of "HUD"....

Hud Bannon...he's a self centered, cold, bitter,womanizing lout. But hey..what's not to like..I mean after all, Hud is Paul Newman in top form.Newman has given us so many fine performances over the years and this is one his his best.

Martin Ritt directs this moving story and 40 years later it has not lost it's appeal.It's a modern western/drama that will have you hanging on every word.Hud does everything he can to make life miserable for all those around him. His father(Melvyn Douglas)can't seem to reach him, and years of resentment have built a deep rift between them.There seems to be no way to heal the wounds they carry inside themselves.The cattle ranch that Hud plans to take over from his aging father is facing ruin, adding to the tension of the story.The movie will captivate and keep you till the end, and it's one you'll want to watch many times.

Newman and Ritt always work brillantly together and were both nominated for Oscars for their marvelous work. Newman's protrayal of this brooding rebel is stirring, and Ritt's direction superb. Melvyn Douglas took home a well deserved Oscar for Best Supporting as did the wonderful Patricia Neal(Best Actress), for her shining work as the overworked and under appreciated housekeepper, who's subtle beauty keeps Hud and his nephew(Brandon de Wilde) longing for her. The wonderful Black and White cinematography garnered a statue for James Wong Howe as well.Elmer Bernstein also contributes his talents with a moving musical score.So many wonderfully talented names attached to this film and it shows!

I waited a long time for this film to finally be released to DVD, and the wait was worth it. I found that overall the transfer was crisp and clear, the sound enhanced in 5.1 was a welcome addition(It may also be viewed in in the original mono which has been restored), and the widescreen captured all the great photography. There were a few scenes which did not seem to be as clear and bright as the rest, but there was nothing about it that would take away from the enjoyment of this film.
There are no special features, but may be viewed in French(mono) and has subtitles in English for anyone who may need them.

Thanks Paramount for adding another of Newman's great 'H' films to my collection("Hombre"/"The Hustler"), and we are still waiting for "Harper" and another great Newman/Ritt collaboration "The Outrage" to be released.

Settle in for a Newman classic and enjoy....Laurie


A Morality Play on the Plains   January 16, 2000
 9 out of 11 found this review helpful

This is one of Newman's best. "The Verdict" and "The Hustler" are a couple of his other movies that I would rate as being in the same class. But then I like the great majority of his movies. He's really a national treasure.

To me the movie is about the old school morality of the father, Melvyn Douglas, who believes in human decency, responsibility towards others and the community, love of the land, etc. versus Paul Newman (the son) who only believes in looking out for #1 (a truly modern American). Douglas tells Newman to the effect that, "You don't give a damn. You only care about your own appetites and that makes you unfit to live with." Very good writing by McMurtry. Excellent cinemaphotography by Wong.

I thought Patricia Neal was quite good and very sexy. When I first saw it I thought she was a bit "middle-aged." Time does change your perspective. I thought Bryan de Wilde gave a very good performance as a slightly spoiled, sensitive ranch kid. In the end Newman comes up with the prize, but like so many "victories" in our world, you're left questioning as to what he has really won.

A masterful piece of movie art.