Hud
Hud Bannon is a ruthless young man who tarnishes everything and everyone he touches. Hud represents the perfect embodiment of alienated youth, out for kicks with no regard for the consequences. There is bitter conflict between the callous Hud and his stern and highly principled father, Homer. Hud's nephew Lon admires Hud's cheating ways, though he soon becomes too aware of Hud's reckless amorality to bear him anymore. In the world of the takers and the taken, Hud is a winner. He's a cheat, but, he explains, "I always say the law was meant to be interpreted in a lenient manner."
Critics Sentiment
Homer confronts Hud about corrupting Lonnie in heated argument
Government orders entire herd destroyed and buried on ranch
The dramatic drop from the powerful father-son confrontation to Hud's attempted rape of Alma, showing his complete moral bankruptcy.
Critics praised Hud as a masterful character study that builds to powerful dramatic confrontations before declining into tragedy and moral reckoning. The film maintains strong approval throughout for its uncompromising portrayal of an amoral protagonist, with particular acclaim for key dramatic scenes. Most reviewers appreciated the film's refusal to provide false redemption, viewing the downbeat but honest ending as a strength rather than weakness.
Full cast
Paul Newman
Hud Bannon
Melvyn Douglas
Homer Bannon
Patricia Neal
Alma Brown
Brandon De Wilde
Lon 'Lonnie' Bannon
Whit Bissell
Mr. Burris
Crahan Denton
Jesse
John Ashley
Hermy
Val Avery
Jose
George Petrie
Joe Scanlon
Curt Conway
Truman Peters
Sheldon Allman
Mr. Thompson
Pitt Herbert
Mr. Larker
Robert Hinkle
Rodeo Announcer Frank
Sharyn Hillyer
Myra
Yvette Vickers
Lily Peters
Don Kennedy
Charlie Tucker
Carl Low
Mr. Kirby
Wag Blesing
Show Spectator
Peter Brooks
George
Crew
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