As infection threatens to wipe out the heard, a cruel and selfish cattle rancher (Paul Newman) lives wildly and dejectedly on his family's homestead inspiring admiration from his nephew (Brandon De Wilde), disappointment from his father (Melvyn Douglas), and both lust and fear in his emotionally wounded housekeeper (Patricia Neal). Directed by Martin Ritt from a Larry McMurtry story, Hud is a perfectly realized, doleful and wretched anti-Western, heavy on atmosphere, exquisitely filmed, and featuring an unforgettable cast.
**** out of ****
