Customer Reviews

Hard Hombre [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like the way this film mixes both classic western themes with slapstick comedie. It is also a lot less violent than most of the westerns I've seen and would be a good one to watch with younger children. It has a nice air of innocence to it that I appreciate and the plot is much more subtle and complex than most that I have seen. A good little flick.

"Truly a welcome departure from the hackneyed spaghetti Western format. I'm impressed by how `The Hard Hombre' makes me take a second look at the meaning of courage. Hoot Gibson plays the antitypical, pacifist cowpuncher to perfection. You can have my vote for this classic film anytime."

The Hard Hombre, 1931 film

The story begins with a view of the valley below. A lone rider observes the shots fired below. Is there conflict over range land? "There's nothing I prefer to do than go to church with you." Peaceful Patton wants a job. A young woman plays the piano. His test is to go to a neighboring ranch to retrieve cattle. He will do it peacefully. Patton gets cash for the cattle. He was mistaken for a notorious killer, the "Hard Hombre"! "I took it." That ranch owner wants to get rid of this "Hard Hombre", a notorious killer, and will pay a reward. There is more subtle humor in these scenes. Now there is a drought in the land. Can something be done? Mistaken identification again? False assumptions? Can Bill buy range rights for watering cattle? Flip a coin? Bill tells a lot of stories! "Pleasant dreams."

The Sheriff has to go to Green River Valley to stop a range war. One man offers to rid the valley of Patton. Breach of promise? There is a challenger. His body is placed on the wagon. The land along the river is divided up. Then Mrs. Patton shows up to cause a ruckus. What if the real "Hard Hombre" shows up? There is a fight and shots. The Sheriff arrives to sort things out. There is a happy ending.

This comedy is a change from the usual western movies. Would such a farce find an audience? I wonder how many other movies used this mistaken identity plot?