Hombre means man... Paul Newman is Hombre!

Starring: Paul Newman, Fredric March, Richard Boone, Diane Cilento, Cameron Mitchell, Barbara Rush, Peter Lazer, Margaret Blye, Martin Balsam, Frank Silvera, David Canary, Val Avery, Skip Ward

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You better put down that gun. You got two ways to go, put it down or use it. Even if you tie me, you're gonna be dead." - John Russell

Why watch this? This gritty Western showcases Newman's cool-eyed confidence.

Plot Summary: John Russell is a captive white man who was raised by Apaches on an Indian Reservation. He was later adopted by a white business owner. Now grown, "Hombre", as people call him, prefers to live with the Apaches, and he's very capable of taking care of himself. When his adopted father dies and leaves him a boarding house, John decides to trade it for a herd of horses, however this requires a stage ride to seal the deal. Enroute, the stage is held up by a ruthless gang of thieves who have inside information regarding money on board.

Dad's Preview: In the late '60's it was becoming more acceptable for films to depict Native Americans as real people, not the savage villains of the past. Much of Newman's acting is curt or completely non-verbal, but he sells the part. I was reminded of Stagecoach (1939), as we are introduced the seven passengers, all with their own agendas. I also reminded that Richard Boone may be one of the best bad guys in the Western genre - he's tough and really enjoys being nasty.

Hombre Productions; 20th Century Fox