Directed by
Joe Camp
Made by
Mulberry Square Releasing
Discover the intricate plot of Hawmps! (1976). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As Howard Clemmons captivates his grandchildren with engaging stories of his adventurous past, he transports them back to the year 1854. At this time, Clemmons, portrayed by Slim Pickens, was a young U.S. Cavalry Lieutenant thrust into an unusual experiment. Lacking seniority and notable influence within the army, Clemmons was selected for his modest demeanor to spearhead a remarkable project: employing camels as cavalry mounts in the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States.
His reminiscence begins at Fort Val Verde, Texas, where he is met by Sgt. Uriah Tibbs, played by James Hampton, who eagerly anticipates the arrival of Arabian horses. A mischievous tone creeps into Clemmons’ narration as he highlights Tibbs’ fierce competition for a spot in this esteemed initiative, leaving Tibbs puzzled as to why Clemmons remains secretive about the true identity of his “Arabian” mounts. Meanwhile, Col. Seymour Hawkins, the fort’s commander, seems more preoccupied with perfecting his cannon skills than paying attention to Clemmons’ camel aspirations.
As Clemmons inspects the assembled troops, including Nathaniel R. Higgins, played by Denver Pyle, who reenlisted solely for the privilege of riding a grand Arabian horse, a conflict stirs within Clemmons. Torn between divulging the truth and maintaining the facade surrounding the camels, his hesitation is interrupted when a careless cook douses him with a bucket of dishwater.
Later, while at the local saloon with Tibbs to discuss their ambitious project, they encounter the furious Sgt. Naman Tucker, whose ire is directed at Clemmons for the false promises of Arabian horses to his men. In a moment of awkwardness, Clemmons slides under the table as the two sergeants erupt into a brawl.
With the dawn of a new day, camels finally arrive at the fort, only for the cavalrymen to withdraw in alarm, leaving Clemmons to grapple with the challenges of camel handling. The skilled Hi Jolly, who is well-versed in all things camel, steps forward to assist Clemmons as they navigate the town streets. This escapade causes chaos: horses leap in terror, ladies scream, dogs bark frantically, a wagon overturns, and a barrel bursts, leaving Col. Hawkins’ daughter, Jennifer, covered in sticky molasses. Enraged, the Colonel storms into Clemmons’ quarters, threatening to cancel the entire operation. Nevertheless, Clemmons remains steadfast, asserting that he has received direct orders from Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War. That night, Jennifer visits him, pouring molasses over his head in playful revenge and inviting him to afternoon tea.
As Hi Jolly initiates the camels’ training, Tucker rides in to provoke Tibbs’ men. Clemmons warns Tucker that further disrespect will lead to serious repercussions. Meanwhile, the pressure mounts and Clemmons faints from the stress. The soldiers’ attempts to ride the camels result in comical failures, culminating in chaotic spills into dirt and water troughs. One night, Tucker makes a wager claiming he can lasso a camel, and when he succeeds, the agitated animal bolts, dragging him along.
As weeks slip by, Clemmons and the men gradually learn the art of camel riding, while he finds himself romantically involved with Jennifer. However, his luck takes a turn when he’s tasked with capturing a Native American renegade. In their pursuit, Clemmons and his men are thrown off their camels at a river, leading Hi Jolly to explain that camels are naturally wary of water. Had Clemmons demonstrated the safety of the river, they would have navigated it without issue. During a quiet evening stroll, Clemmons confides in Jennifer about his struggles with the camel project, prompting her to challenge him to fight for his beliefs and career.
In a bold move, Clemmons proposes a daring 300-mile race against Tucker’s horses, intending to prove the value of his camel initiative. When Hawkins declines, Clemmons resorts to deception, claiming the project has the President’s endorsement. Unfortunately, Hi Jolly suffers injuries from a brawl, leaving him off the roster for the crucial journey. With encouragement from Jennifer, who gifts him a book on camel care, Clemmons feels invigorated and more connected to her.
As the race begins, cannon fire heralds the start, and Tucker’s horses charge ahead. Yet, fueled by Clemmons’ resolve, his men begin to catch up. Just when victory seems imminent, disaster strikes as Tucker and his men fall into the clutches of the nefarious outlaw Bad Jack Cutter at Dagger’s Point.
Fueled by righteous anger, Clemmons launches a rescue mission, enlisting the help of Tibbs. They adopt disguises and integrate themselves into Bad Jack’s gang, risking everything to save their captured comrades. Upon discovering Tucker and his men locked in a cell, their efforts to free them are met with a mix of tactics—first with a horse and finally using the strength of a camel to burst open the prison bars. However, during their escape, Tucker’s men abandon Clemmons and Tibbs, resulting in an all-out gunfight against overwhelming odds.
Just as desperation sets in, Clemmons’ men arrive astride their camels, unleashing a valiant charge that sends the outlaws reeling. Yet, amid the celebration, Clemmons realizes a critical water barrel has been lost, leaving the group parched in an unforgiving landscape. While Tibbs urges a return to the river, Clemmons stubbornly presses forward, believing the mountains will lead them to salvation. After two grueling days of riding, they arrive at an oasis that turns out to be a desert mirage—dry and unwelcoming.
As tensions flare, Clemmons unexpectedly finds water, but his triumph is swiftly replaced by peril as Black Jack ambushes him. A fierce gunfight ensues, but fortune intervenes when a book Jennifer gave him serves as an unlikely bulletproof shield. As dawn breaks, Clemmons’ gallant cavalry troop confronts Tucker and his weary horsemen near Dos Rios. In a moment of celebration, he learns through a telegram that Congress has authorized the construction of a transcontinental railroad, making the camel project obsolete. Despite protests from Tibbs and his comrades about the fate of the camels, Clemmons must acquiesce to orders to release them into the wild.
As Howard concludes his marvelous tale to enraptured grandchildren, his wife, Jennifer, calls for dinner from inside the house. With a warm smile, he steps out to ring the dinner bell, interrupted only by Hi Jolly, Higgins, and Tibbs, who inform him that one of their camels is about to give birth. As the four old soldiers shuffle toward the barn, Higgins reflects on the monotony of his new routine, lamenting, “Each day I must walk a mile for a camel,” his voice tinged with a mix of resignation and affection for the misadventures of his past.
Track the key events of Hawmps! (1976) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The Reminiscing Begins
Howard Clemmons captivates his grandchildren with engaging stories about 1854. He recounts his time as a young U.S. Cavalry Lieutenant embarking on an unusual experiment involving camels as cavalry mounts.
Arrival at Fort Val Verde
Clemmons arrives at Fort Val Verde, Texas, where he meets Sgt. Uriah Tibbs. Tibbs eagerly awaits Arabian horses, unaware that Clemmons is actually in charge of camels.
Tensions at the Fort
As Clemmons inspects the troops, including Nathaniel R. Higgins, he faces a dilemma about revealing the truth regarding the camels. His hesitation is interrupted when a cook accidentally drenches him with dishwater.
Saloon Confrontation
While discussing their project at the local saloon, Clemmons and Tibbs encounter an angry Sgt. Naman Tucker, who feels deceived. A brawl erupts, and in the commotion, Clemmons must hide under a table.
Chaos on Arrival of Camels
The camels finally arrive at the fort, but the cavalrymen are startled and retreat in fear. Clemmons struggles to manage the situation, leading to a chain reaction of chaos throughout the town.
Playful Revenge
Jennifer, Colonel Hawkins' daughter, visits Clemmons and playfully pours molasses over him in revenge for the chaos caused by the camels. She invites him for afternoon tea, sparking a budding romance.
Training the Camels
Hi Jolly begins training the camels, but tensions rise when Tucker harasses Tibbs' men. Clemmons stands up to Tucker, while his stress causes him to faint amid the chaotic training sessions.
The Daring 300-mile Race Proposal
In an effort to prove the camels' worth, Clemmons proposes a daring 300-mile race against Tucker's horses. Despite Hawkins declining, Clemmons resorts to trickery about the President's endorsement to rally support.
Race Day Begins
The race begins amid excitement and cannon fire, with Tucker's horses initially taking the lead. However, Clemmons' men start to catch up as they ride their camels in hot pursuit.
Outlaw Encounter at Dagger's Point
As Tucker and his men fall into the traps of outlaw Bad Jack Cutter at Dagger's Point, Clemmons realizes he must act quickly. Fueled by anger, Clemmons and Tibbs plan a rescue operation.
The Great Rescue
Clemmons and Tibbs don disguises to infiltrate Bad Jack's gang and rescue Tucker's men. Their initial attempts meet resistance, but they eventually manage to free them despite the odds.
Ambushed by Bad Jack
Just as they make their escape, the gang members confront them, leading to an intense gunfight. Yet, Clemmons' cavalry arrives just in time, mounted on their camels, turning the tide of the battle.
Facing the Harsh Desert
Amid their escape, Clemmons loses a critical water barrel. Choosing to push forward into the unforgiving landscape, he believes they will find relief in the mountains instead of returning to the river.
Desperate Situation
After two days of grueling travel, Clemmons and his men discover an oasis, only to find it is a mirage. Just when things seem bleak, he finds a water source, but Black Jack ambushes him, resulting in another fierce firefight.
The Final Order
After a series of events leading to a confrontation near Dos Rios, Clemmons receives shocking news from Congress. The camel project has been deemed obsolete, forcing him to release the animals into the wild, prompting mixed feelings from his comrades.
Meet the characters that bring Hawmps! (1976) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Howard Clemmons (Slim Pickens)
Howard Clemmons is a young U.S. Cavalry Lieutenant known for his modesty and determination. He finds himself at the center of an experimental camel project, showcasing both his leadership and vulnerability. As he navigates military politics and personal relationships, Clemmons ultimately rises to the occasion, proving his resolve in challenging circumstances.
Sgt. Uriah Tibbs (James Hampton)
Sgt. Uriah Tibbs is an eager and competitive soldier, deeply invested in the success of the cavalry's new initiative. His loyalty to Clemmons and dedication to the mission highlight his strong character traits. Though faced with challenges and conflicts, Tibbs consistently exhibits humor and resourcefulness, providing comic relief amidst the tension.
Col. Seymour Hawkins (Denver Pyle)
Col. Seymour Hawkins is the fort's commander, often distracted by his personal pursuits rather than the progress of the camel program. His humorous disregard for the unconventional project adds a layer of conflict and tension. Despite his flaws, Hawkins ultimately serves as a foil to Clemmons, challenging him to prove the project's merits.
Jennifer (Character Unknown)
Jennifer is Clemmons' romantic interest, blending charm and resilience. She serves as a source of support and encouragement for Clemmons, challenging him to persevere with the camel initiative. Her playful nature adds a delightful touch to their relationship, as she engages in mischievous antics that provide levity within the story.
Uncover the settings of Hawmps! (1976), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1854
The film takes place in 1854, a time marked by the exploration of the American West and the adaptation of unique tactics within the military. This period saw the U.S. Cavalry experimenting with unconventional mounts, like camels, in response to the challenges posed by the landscape. It reflects a blend of adventure, cultural encounters, and the quest for innovation in military practices.
Location
Fort Val Verde, Texas, Dagger's Point, Dos Rios
Fort Val Verde, a historic military outpost, serves as the setting for the unusual camel experiment in the arid southwestern United States during the mid-1800s. Dagger's Point and Dos Rios are significant locations where critical events unfold, including a daring rescue mission and confrontations with outlaws. This harsh, rugged landscape plays a vital role in shaping the challenges faced by the characters.
Explore the core themes of Hawmps! (1976). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Courage
Courage is a central theme in 'Hawmps!' as Clemmons faces numerous adversities while championing the use of camels as cavalry mounts. His determination to prove their value, even in the face of skepticism and ridicule, showcases both personal and collective bravery. The characters' willingness to confront dangers, such as outlaws and the harsh environment, reflects the spirit of perseverance.
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Conflict
Conflict arises throughout the narrative, both externally with rival cavalrymen and internally within Clemmons as he grapples with the success of the camel program. The tension between tradition and innovation highlights the struggles of adapting to new ideas. Personal rivalries, coupled with the overarching mission, intensify the stakes for the characters involved.
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Adventure
Adventure is vividly portrayed as Clemmons and his men embark on a daring initiative involving the unorthodox use of camels. The film captures their misadventures, from chaotic camel training sessions to high-stakes races, highlighting the unpredictable nature of their journey. Each unexpected twist serves to amplify the comedic and thrilling aspects of their undertaking.
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