Hud

Hud

Year: 1963

Runtime: 112 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Ritt

Drama

In sun-scorched Texas, rugged individualist Hud Bannon cultivates a life of reckless abandon, fueled by whiskey and womanizing. His moral compass skewed, Hud relies on his hardworking father and the family ranch to sustain him. Meanwhile, young Lonnie's innocence is threatened as he's torn between his reverence for his uncle and disgust with Hud's self-destructive ways.

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Timeline & Setting – Hud (1963)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Hud (1963). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in a contemporary period for its release in the 1960s, reflecting attitudes and societal norms of that era. It explores themes of masculinity, family dynamics, and the struggle against government regulations in agricultural practices. This period brings a sense of modern tension in a traditionally rooted environment.

Location

Texas

The movie takes place in the wide-open landscapes of Texas, characterized by vast fields, ranches, and rural communities. It's known for its cowboy culture, cattle ranching, and strong familial ties intertwined with the land. The setting provides a stark backdrop to the conflicts between tradition and modernity faced by the characters.

🏞️ Landscape 🌾 Ranch 🐄 Cattle

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – Hud (1963)
Meet the key characters of Hud (1963), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hud Bannon (Paul Newman)

Hud is a charming yet reckless man who prioritizes his desires over family and ethical considerations. His self-serving nature creates conflict with his father, Homer, and serves as a negative role model for his impressionable nephew Lon. Hud’s complexity lies in his charisma, making it difficult for others to see his darker traits.

😎 Protagonist 🚬 Charismatic 💔 Reckless

Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas)

Homer is the moral center of the film, embodying traditional values and the responsibility of caretaking his ranch and family. His struggles against Hud's influence and the pressures from the government highlight the theme of integrity in the face of adversity. Homer’s deep love for his land and family contrasts with Hud's more hedonistic approach.

🧓 Traditional 💪 Determined 🌱 Caretaker

Lon Bannon (Brandon De Wilde)

Lon is a naive and impressionable teenager who finds himself caught between the conflicting influences of Hud and Homer. His character represents hope and the pursuit of a better future, but he also grapples with the consequences of Hud's reckless behavior. Lon's journey of self-discovery marks the film's emotional core.

👦 Impressionable 🌟 Hopeful 📚 Naive

Alma (Patricia Neal)

Alma is the housekeeper with a complex relationship with Hud, alternating between flirtation and resistance to his advances. Her character introduces themes of desire and self-respect, adding depth to the narrative's exploration of female roles in a male-dominated environment. She represents both vulnerability and strength.

👩‍🍳 Caregiver 💁‍♀️ Strong-willed ❤️ Desirable

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – Hud (1963)
Explore the central themes of Hud (1963), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Conflict

The theme of conflict runs deeply through the movie, particularly between Hud and his father Homer. Their conflicting values regarding responsibility and ethics create a tense dynamic in the household. Additionally, the struggle between the desire for independence and the duty to family is highlighted throughout the narrative.

⚖️ Morality

Hud embodies a morally ambiguous character whose self-serving decisions challenge traditional values and ethics. The film questions what it means to be 'good' or 'bad' in a world where survival often trumps moral responsibility. The characters navigate complex moral dilemmas that expose their true nature.

👨‍👦 Family

The relationship between family members is central to the story, particularly the strained bond between Hud, his grandfather Homer, and Lon. The film explores generational differences and the impact of upbringing on individual identity and choices. Lon’s admiration for Hud highlights the challenges of familial loyalty against moral judgment.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

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