Rent Hombre (1967)

Liberal Western. - Hombre review by Steve

Modern revisionist, western that reflected contemporary American civil rights as much as the historic persecution of Native Americans. Paul Newman plays a white settler who was adopted by Apaches as a young man. Finding himself a second class citizen on a hazardous stagecoach journey, he reluctantly employs his combat skills to save the lives of his fellow passengers when they are held up by bandits.

So it's a liberal reshuffle of the old western classic Stagecoach. Though John Ford is unlikely to have featured the avaricious Fredric March who starves Native Americans on a reservation and pockets the profit. Newman plays that archetype of American cinema, the isolationist who is eventually persuaded to act for the greater good.

It is a terse morality tale with few diversions. In the ensemble cast, Newman is effortlessly cool. Diane Cilento is moving as a sassy, wise but lonely woman facing up to middle age. As ever, Richard Boone makes a convincingly brutal outlaw.

There is an epic score and fine cinematography. The film deals with the oppressive, psychological violence of prejudice, and the personal injury of living in its grip. It's a philosophically interesting film, with plenty of suspense and strong characters, and a key star vehicle for peak period Paul Newman.

Beautifully Shot and Intelligent Western - Hombre review by CD

This film well deserves its good critical reviews. The acting is great and the characters are build up carefully, even in the minor parts. Paul Newman is well cast and convincing in the lead part. The pace of the film is excellent with some great photography and just enough action to keep things interesting. Strongly recommended for those wanting a more "modern" style of western, with moral points that are kept admirably open for thought.