Hondo 1953

In the scorching desert landscape of New Mexico, homesteader Angie Lowe (Geraldine Page) and her young son Johnny (Lee Aaker) stumble upon a mysterious stranger (John Wayne), whose rugged features are etched on his weathered face like the lines on a well-worn saddle. The enigmatic figure, introduced only by his surname - Lane - claims to be part Apache and a veteran US Army Cavalry scout, recounting tales of exploration in Indian Territory. His horse having been pilfered just days prior, he offers US Army scrip in exchange for one of Angie’s horses, sparking her suspicion. Lane’s words are laced with an air of authenticity, yet the faint scent of trouble wafts behind him like the dust devils that dance across the desert floor.

As the stranger settles into their makeshift home, his eyes lingering on the worn axe blade and untended firewood, Angie senses a calculating glint in his eye. Lane’s words are measured and deliberate, as if weighing every ounce of information before speaking. His gaze darts about the ranch, taking in the signs of neglect - the unbroken horses, the overgrown fields - and Angie’s forced admission that her husband has not set foot on their land for some time.

As night descends, casting a dark silhouette across the desert landscape, Lane’s presence becomes increasingly imposing. The butt of his rifle bears an inscription that sends a shiver down Angie’s spine: “Hondo” Lane, a name synonymous with outlawry. With trepidation, she pulls her pistol from its holster and fires - only to discover that it is empty. In a flash of insight, she realizes that the gun was left unloaded to prevent accidental firings by her young son. As the storm rages on outside, Angie’s instincts scream warning: this stranger may be more than just a lost soul seeking shelter in the desert.

As Hondo returns to his Cavalry post, he leaves behind Angie and Johnny at their ranch, where they’re soon surrounded by a menacing band of Apaches led by the cunning Chief Vittorio (Michael Pate) and his loyal sub-chief, Silva (Rodolfo Acosta). Despite the tension, Angie remains composed, her confidence stemming from the fact that she’s always allowed the Apache tribe to water their horses at her ranch without incident. However, this time is different, as Vittorio and his men threaten and capture Angie. Johnny, fueled by bravery, emerges from the house with a loaded pistol and shoots at Silva, breaking his weapon in the process. Impressed by the young boy’s valor, Vittorio makes him an Apache blood brother by cutting his thumb and giving him an Apache name, solidifying their bond.

Vittorio’s curiosity is piqued as he questions Angie about her husband’s whereabouts, to which she assures him that he’ll return soon. However, the chief’s words are laced with a warning, implying that unless her husband returns to guide Johnny, Angie may be forced to seek out an Apache husband instead. The situation at the ranch is precarious, and Hondo’s timely arrival could be the difference between life and death.

Meanwhile, back at the fort, Hondo engages in a heated poker game, which escalates into a fight when one of his opponents, Ed Lowe (Leo Gordon), becomes increasingly agitated. Despite being outnumbered, Hondo emerges victorious, sending Lowe fleeing for his life. Buffalo Baker reveals to Hondo that Lowe was none other than Angie’s missing husband, leaving our hero feeling guilty and compelled to return the ranch to offer an explanation.

As Hondo makes his way back to the ranch, he’s trailed by a vengeful Lowe and his accomplice, who seek revenge for the bar beating. Hondo camps near a river but senses danger lurking nearby and decides to move on. Unbeknownst to him, Lowe and his partner have set up an ambush, hoping to catch their quarry off guard. However, Hondo’s intuition proves correct once again, as he detects the presence of three Apaches stalking him and quickly departs.

The very same night, Lowe and his partner make a fateful mistake by entering Hondo’s camp, only to be met with a fierce resistance from two Apache warriors. The friend is killed in the ensuing battle, but Hondo manages to fend off the attackers, killing one of them before they can deliver the final blow. In the aftermath, Lowe, fueled by anger and a thirst for revenge, turns his gun on Hondo. However, our hero remains steadfast, defending himself with deadly precision until Lowe meets his demise.

As Hondo surveys the carnage, he’s shocked to discover a photograph of Johnny alongside Lowe’s lifeless body, confirming that Lowe is indeed Johnny’s father and Angie’s husband. The truth is finally revealed, leaving Hondo to ponder the complex web of relationships and loyalties that have been woven throughout this tumultuous chapter in his journey.

As Hondo presses onward, a chance encounter with an Apache party swiftly escalates into a perilous pursuit through the arid expanse. With his wits and mettle tested, he ultimately falls captive to the unforgiving mesa dwellers. Vittorio’s sudden appearance amidst this desolate backdrop brings forth a peculiar twist: Hondo is mistaken for Angie’s husband, prompting Vittorio to set aside his own vendetta against Silva in favor of an unexpected duel. The two men engage in a savage knife fight, with Hondo emerging victorious but not without sustaining a grievous shoulder wound. As the dust settles, Vittoria’s mercy is extended, and Hondo is taken to Angie’s ranch, where he finds himself bound to her by more than just shared circumstances.

As Hondo recuperates from his ordeal, he shares with Angie the photograph of Johnny, whose untimely demise at Lowe’s hands still weighs heavily on his conscience. The gravity of the situation is palpable as Angie inquires about the manner of Johnny’s passing, prompting a hesitant pause before Hondo reveals the brutal truth. Over the ensuing weeks, Hondo and Angie find themselves increasingly drawn to one another, their love blossoming amidst the harsh realities of their surroundings.

However, just as it seems that Hondo is poised to reveal the dark secrets surrounding Lowe’s demise, Vittorio’s timely intervention disrupts the fragile equilibrium. With the pony soldiers mere days away from arriving on the scene, Vittorio implores Hondo to remain neutral and keep the Apache encampment hidden from prying eyes. Though Hondo agrees to abide by his request, Angie is left to ponder the weight of her own emotions as she stands at the threshold of a tumultuous future.

As the Army’s arrival becomes imminent, Lt. McKay and his cohorts - Baker and Lennie - bring with them an aura of uncertainty and upheaval. The ambitious young officer is determined to spirit away all settlers in the area, citing the need for protection against Apache raids. Meanwhile, Lennie reveals that he discovered Lowe’s lifeless form and has matched the horse tracks to Hondo’s trusty steed, seeking a token of silence regarding Hondo’s fateful encounter with Lowe in exchange for his loyalty. Angie overhears Lennie’s demands, her thoughts consumed by the treacherous landscape unfolding before her.

As Hondo readies to depart, he reveals the unvarnished truth about Angie’s husband’s demise, his words heavy with the weight of sincerity. However, before divulging this information to Johnny, she persuades him to keep silent, her emotions raw and exposed as she confesses that her husband’s philandering and gambling had drained her spirit, leaving her a shell of her former self. She implores Hondo not to reveal the brutal truth about her husband’s death, arguing that such candor would be unkind, particularly in light of their imminent departure from the Apache territory. Hondo’s response is a solemn Indian phrase, “Varlabania”, which he explains means “forever” - a vow sealed with the promise of a squaw-seeking ceremony. As promised, Hondo refuses to join the Army as they venture deeper into Apache country, instead revealing Vittorio and his party’s location.

The Army’s return is met with devastating news: they’ve suffered heavy casualties in an ambush by the Apaches, including wounds to Lt. McKay (played by). The loss of Vittorio has sent the Apaches into disarray, prompting them to regroup and select a new leader. Hondo leads the Cavalry and settlers back towards the fort, accompanied by Angie and Johnny. However, their journey is soon interrupted by an Apache attack, led by Silva - a relentless pursuit that sees the group circle their wagons twice before making a daring escape. As the Apaches continue to harass them, Hondo finds himself without his mount and facing off against Silva, ultimately emerging victorious and claiming Lt. McKay’s uniform shirt as a grim trophy. The Indians retreat once more, this time to choose a new chief.

As the dust settles, Lt. McKay warns that General Crook will soon be arriving with a massive force to pursue the Apache, marking the end of their way of life. Hondo’s sorrow is palpable as he contemplates the impermanence of the Apache culture, its very essence threatened by the encroaching forces of civilization.