One reviewer wrote a lengthy review touching upon the dark side of human nature. Some believe we are all capable of behaving just as Paul Newsman's "Hud" character. That is just not so. Hud appears as a rowdy hard drinking womanizing cowboy living in the Texas panhandle 1961 on his father's ranch. What Hud really is is a classic example of a sociopath. The person who cares only about himself. Period. He has all the traits and no sympathy for the plight of others or the damage he does to them. Everyone is a victim to a sociopath. Most sociopaths are not serial killers but every serial killer is a sociopath. Hud's victim is his father and he plays it just cool enough to be welcomed but not enjoyed in the home. Hud knows that when his father dies the ranch will be his. The only other heir was his brother who was killed when drinking with Hud years earlier. Hud knows but it is not mentioned much that there is oil and gas waiting to be drilled on the ranch. The father will not consent to "punching holes" in his land...Not while he is alive he says anyway. Hud's nephew does not know this neither does his father or the housekeeper but they all know Hud is a tornado in their lives. Had they known he was a sociopath they would have sent him down the road. A sociopath does not know nor care about right or wrong and they will never change or be cured. They learn their victim's weaknesses and play on them. Newman and Melvyn Douglas show that they are two fine actors in this film, none better. Filming Hud in black and white makes the movie timeless. Why John Mellencamp was so enamored by this film that he stole some lines from the film for his own songs and named his son Hud is certainly a question to which I would be interested to know the answer.

HUD is a drama film with elements of a western about an arrogant and irresponsible son of a rancher, whose life is very messy. This is a story about relationships and conflicts within a family. It is based on Larry McMurtry's 1961 novel, "Horseman, Pass By".Hud is an amoral and unemotional rancher. He, very often, comes into a conflict with his father, which has a negative impact on his young nephew. His father holds Hud responsible for the death of his other son. He tries to imbue his grandson with a sense of decency and responsibility to others. When their cattle fall ill, the conflict between father and son begins to escalate...The Texas cow country is represented through a discord in a family. It's nothing new, but a realistic approach is enriched with dose of a sick materialism and immorality, which is probably the biggest asset of this film. This is a cold review of one human mind, which rejects any kind of traditional values. Characters is placed on the scale several times, but it is clear that there is no winner. One thing is certain, this is not a conflict between traditional and modern ways of thinking.The scenery is a kind of combination between a poor ranch and cheap city. The atmosphere is grim and tense. Characterization is very good.Paul Newman as Hud Bannon is a restless, arrogant and ambitious rancher. He is a man, who has fallen into a trap of modern understanding of life around him. He, at the same time, understands and despises the people around him. Mr. Newman is a charming monster in this film.Melvyn Douglas as Homer Bannon is a traditional farmer who loves his ranch and cattle more than his own son. He is an old man who sees his own disappointment and shame in actions and behavior of his son. Mr. Douglas has offered a very touching performance.Brandon deWilde as Lonnie Bannon is a young man who is torn with relationship between his venerable grandfather and his harsh and greedy uncle. He is naive, sensitive and, perhaps, sexually depressed. Patricia Neal as Alma Brown is a lonely housewife with a broken heart and a strong dignity. Ms. Neal has almost stole this show.

Hud is a true masterpiece , I doubt if it was really made in 1963 because it shows the life of a hot blooded , party lover young man of 21st century . I mean who don't want a life like Hud , working in day , helping father in farm and then in the night driving to Town , grab a drink , talk to girls or taking her on a ride and partying all night .I really wish , i had a life like Hud but i was born in an Army family and following rules , regulation , discipline since childhood i know outside the Military area where i live people party , roam like free birds and have all the fun .well lets come back to the movie , its really awesome to have an older brother or uncle to company you and take care of you if you stuck in a fight or brawl , drinking together really brings family feelingsHaving an Old man in house is a good thing as he tries his best to maintain discipline in family and showing the right path , This movie will never fail to entertain you , you can watch it over and over again and you will never bore because every time you see it , it makes you partying out and having a fun Brawl after getting drunk !!!

After watching Melvyn, Paul, Brandon, Patricia and co. in a few films I could not for the life of me differentiate any new approach to character development. If this were a silent film I would be enthralled, the visuals are inspiring, poignant, and magnificent! However, the dialogue is non-stop slick, too cool for school, with good liking evil and evil spitting back.Film is unclear of thematic exposition. Having to trade off oil wells for dead cattle and two gorgeous longhorns? Hating a living child and revering a deceased one? Methods of entertainment in small Texas farming community? Hoof and Mouth disease is a conspiracy theory? Government officials are not to be trusted? Or, yet another vehicle to pronounce Newman sexiest man alive...again? Lest I sound ungrateful for this conundrum, it did educate somewhat of how to perceive films of this genre and the attempt to appreciate the unsung hero. Despite the prolonged ending, education was King for the moment and we all left the farm content.Recommend for Newman fans, de Wilde at 17 (gorgeous), Texas Longhorns and one fine seXy scene with Neal.