Blu-ray Review: Mark Father’s Day with John Wayne Classic ‘Hondo’

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CHICAGO – If you haven’t picked up a cheesy tie or a new pair of socks for dear old dad, may we suggest a movie? Paramount has released a beloved John Wayne classic, “Hondo,” on Blu-ray for the first time to coincide with the day in which you’re supposed to give your pops a little more respect than usual. What dad doesn’t love John Wayne?

Rating: 3.5/5.0

Well, I’m a dad and I’m not a huge fan of “Hondo.” It’s not my favorite Wayne by any stretch of the imagination but it is iconic Wayne and therefore an interesting film to add to your collection. It is classic settlers vs. Indians material as Wayne plays a cavalry rider who protects a woman (the great and Oscar-nominated Geraldine Page) and becomes a father figure to her son. Hondo is a variation on the Wayne archetype — tough enough to kill the bad guys but sentimental enough to teach a young boy how to be a man. And the Blu-ray transfer is a beauty. The special features are not as notable, having been previously available, but dad probably won’t notice. He’ll just be happy you thought to get him something different this year.

Hondo was released on Blu-ray on June 5, 2012
Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis:
Apache war drums sounds an ominous warning for an isolated female rancher and her young son in this exciting and memorable John Wayne classic. Wayne plays Hondo Lane, a cavalry rider who becomes the designated protector of the strong-willed Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page) as well as a father figure to her boy, Johnny (Lee Aaker). Angie, determinedly awaiting the return of her brutish husband (Leo Gordon), refuses to leave their homestead despite the growing danger from nearby warring Native American tribes. And she finds herself growing more and more enthralled with this stranger, Hondo - a man hardened by experience but still capable of sympathy, kindness and love. Ward Bond, Michael Pate, James Arness and Rodolfo Acosta co-star; Page received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in this, one of her first film roles.

Special Features:
o Introduction by Leonard Maltin
o Commentary By Leonard Maltin, Western Historian Frank Thompson, and Actor Lee Aaker
o The Making of Hondo
o Profile: James Edward Grant
o The John Wayne Stock Company: Ward Bond
o From the Batjac Vaults
o The Apache
o Photo Gallery
o Theatrical Trailer

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com