Sammy Davis Jr. in A Man Called Adam on DVD
Wim Wender's Paris, Texas on DVD
14th Annual Kansas Silent Film Festival - Feb. 26 & 27
Bad Girls of Film Noir, Vol. 2 on DVD
Bad Girls of Film Noir, Vol. 1 on DVD
Roberto Rossellini's War Trilogy on DVD

Hondo (Special Edition) on DVD

The character of the American West remains a product of the rugged individuals that settled this unforgiving country. Amidst cactuses and tumbleweeds, these brave men and women lived and died by a strict code, that of survival. The lore of the Wild West mythologizes this code by recounting the challenges faced by these pioneers, and nowhere does this theme ring more true than in John Farrow's classic western Hondo (1953) recently released as a Special Collector's Edition DVD through Paramount Home Video.

Based on Louis L'Amour's short story "The Gift of Cochise," this beautifully re-mastered rendition of Hondo exemplifies the strong spirit of the Hollywood Western. As a man and his dog trek across the desert, laboring their way through blistering heat, the viewer immediately recognizes the tough demeanor of one Hondo Lane (John Wayne) and his loyal companion Sam. Creatures of the West, both man and beast appear at home in this hostile environment, unlike those who waged war with both the land and its native inhabitance. Separated from his horse during an Apache raid, Hondo confidently makes his way to the homestead of Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page in an Oscar® nominated performance) and her young son Johnny (Lee Aaker). With her hot-tempered husband away, Mrs. Lowe extends Hondo the kind of hospitality he has come to miss, hospitality he once knew while living peacefully among the Apache people. Angie's pleasant way proves engaging to Mr. Lane, resulting in an attraction that binds this rogue hero to a married woman and her endearing son. Thus, as danger looms just over the horizon, tempers flaring between the Apache and the American settlers, our protagonists find themselves caught between the proverbial "rock and a hard place."

In the midst of these struggles, a predictable romance develops between Hondo and Angie as circumstances draw this couple together. Dedicating himself to protecting the family, Hondo sacrifices his own well being in order to keep Angie safe from the Apache. Despite confronting such threats as Vittorio (Michael Pate), a renowned Apache leader, and Ed Lowe (Leo Gordon), Angie's abusive husband, Hondo remains true to his unwavering sense of right and wrong. Hondo sums this ideology up best when he states, "A man oughta do what he thinks is right" and by golly he does just that.

Although the above synopsis seems to classify Hondo as just another installment in a long line of formulaic westerns, this film actually remains one of the more innovative examples, not only for its progressive narrative, but also for its inventive use of technology. In the vein of films such as Broken Arrow (1950), Hondo portrays the Apache people in a rather sympathetic light. Michael Pate's heroic role of Vittorio displays the unfair treatment of the Native American people during western expansion. Vittorio lives by the aforementioned code of survival, defending his people from the devastating invasion of American settlers. Both Hondo and Angie respect this stoic leader, despite the threat he poses to themselves and the other settlers in the area. This is not to say that Hondo avoids all of the trappings of a stereotypical "Cowboys and Indians" storyline, but the film certainly makes inroads. John Wayne demonstrates this appreciation for the Native American culture when after defeating the Apache in the climatic battle scene at the conclusion of the film (shot by second unit director John Ford), Hondo Lane ponders, "The end of a way of life. Too bad. It's a good way." To its credit, the DVD bonus features also compliment this progressive narrative with a short documentary entitled "The Apache," describing the plight of the Native American people through a retelling of historical accounts.

As for technical innovations, the filming of Hondo took place during the height of the 3D craze in 1953. Although a cumbersome process, many still viewed 3D as a means of combating the popularity of television in the early 1950's. By offering an experience unique to theatrical film going, studio heads such as Jack Warner of Warner Bros. hoped 3D would draw audiences out of their homes and back to the theater. The strategy was short lived and by the close of 1953 the use of 3D was already waning on the patience of American audiences. In spite of this Hondo's use of 3D went on according to plan, minus the "awe" factor gimmicks common in other films such as the notorious paddleball in House of Wax (1953). The 3D camerawork in Hondo instead accentuates the picturesque landscapes; particularly those scenes shot under a striking Mexican sky. To shoot 3D film in these remote locations was no small feat (due to the unwieldy nature of the two camera process) and in turn led to delays in the production. This extension proved a determent, as setbacks forced Warner Bros. to release the film in November of 1953. By this point 3D had run its course and the majority of the country would therefore see the film via conventional 2D prints. The DVD follows this same approach and does not offer a 3D option, but does present the film in vivid Warnercolor at the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Either way, viewers should still appreciate those characteristic moments that play to the 3D effect.

The Collector's Edition DVD also includes two other features worth mentioning, each of which highlight noteworthy collaborators within John Wayne's career. The first documentary profiles James Edward Grant, a prolific screenwriter who routinely worked with John Wayne. This partnership included such famed titles as Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), Flying Leathernecks (1951), and McLintock! (1963), simply put Grant had a superb knack for writing succinct dialogue that favored Wayne's minimalist style of acting. The second documentary discusses one of the most productive character actors in Hollywood history, Ward Bond. Noted for his role as Major Adams on the television series "Wagon Train," Bond worked together with John Wayne in over twenty films, including Hondo. Best of friends until Bond's untimely death in 1960, John Wayne and John Ford frequently teased the gruff character actor, but their love and admiration for this man was undeniable. Bond remains a legend in the industry and his report with Wayne always shined through on screen. Each of these features along with commentary by Leonard Maltin, Frank Thompson (western historian), and Lee Aaker make this John Wayne classic a pleasure to watch. We may have had to wait quite some time for the release of this western on DVD, but in all honesty, Hondo: Special Collector's Edition is well worth that wait.

For more information about Hondo, visit Paramount Home Entertainment. To order Hondo, go to TCM Shopping.

by Christian Pierce