Paul Newman was in a lot of movies in the 1960's, but Hud stands out as one his best performances. Based on Larry McMurtry's debut novel Horseman, Pass By, the film racked up seven Oscar nominations, winning three of them. Watching the incredible cast move about cinematographer James Wong Howe's immaculate black and white Texas landscapes, it's not hard to see why.

Newman is the title character, a loutish and handsome cowboy who drinks too much and is a constant disappointment to his principled father Homer, played by Melvyn Douglas. Also on the ranch are Hud's nephew, Lon (Brandon De Wilde) who both idolizes Hud and also grows frustrated by his uncle's behavior, and the live-in housekeeper, Alma (Patricia Neal). Things get complicated with the family's cattle herd and with Homer's health, but Hud can't help but keep dealing with his problems in selfish, irresponsible ways. His attitude toward women is similarly arrogant, and even extends toward Alma, providing another layer of tension in the household.

The adapted screenplay of McMurtry's novel by Irving Ravetch and Harriet Frank Jr. is outstanding, and largely responsible for the quality on the screen. Howe's images (self-described as his best work) are lovely to behold, and Douglas, De Wilde, and Neal are all excellent. In fact, Patricia Neal's work is on record as the shortest on-screen performance to win the Best Actress Oscar. But if you need another reason to seek this out, Paul is definitely it. The exquisite contrast between his gorgeous physicality and coarse persona yields an amazing charisma that repels and attracts. Few Hollywood stars can successfully pull this off. Hud's not a man to emulate, but Hud is a movie to enjoy!