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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Hombre (1967). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


John “Hombre” Russell, portrayed by Paul Newman, is a man of patience as he waits for a black stallion to lead its herd to a nearby waterhole. His plan is to trap the horses along with his San Carlos Apache tribesmen, with the intention of selling them to a local stagecoach line. However, Henry Mendez, played by Martin Balsam, informs John that the stagecoach line is on the verge of shutting down due to the encroaching railroad. He encourages John to embrace his familial roots and take charge of a boarding house left to him by his late stepfather.

As John inspects the boarding house, he informs the landlady, Jessie (Diane Cilento), of his decision to trade the property for a herd of horses located in Contention, with plans to head to Bisbee, Arizona. Here, Alex Favor, embodied by Fredric March, arrives with his wife, Audra (Barbara Rush), and they charter one last stagecoach to Bisbee. However, trouble brews when Cicero Grimes, played by Richard Boone, pressures his way onto the passenger list alongside John, Jessie, and the Blakes.

Taking precaution, Henry, the stagecoach driver, opts for a back road to Bisbee, prompted by unease over a suspicious group of men in the vicinity. After discovering John’s Apache upbringing, Alex requests him to ride atop the stagecoach with Henry. The journey takes a perilous turn when bandits, led by Cicero, ambush the stagecoach. In the chaos, they abduct Audra and seize a significant amount of money from Alex, who secretly embezzled funds from the San Carlos Apaches. Displaying bravery, John retaliates against the bandits, eliminating two of them and reclaiming the stolen cash.

Retreating back towards town through the rugged mountains, the passengers take refuge at an abandoned mining site. However, they are soon confronted by the bandits again. Cicero proposes a trade: Audra for the money. During the tense standoff, John decisively shoots Cicero. In a heart-wrenching development, a bandit binds Audra and leaves her exposed to the scorching sun. Desperate for assistance, Audra pleads for help, but despite the group’s desire to save her, fear grips them—except for Jessie, who musters the courage to act.

John intervenes, instructing Jessie to return the cash to the San Carlos Apaches while he bravely descends the hill with the saddlebags. Upon reaching Audra, he frees her, but complications arise as she attempts to climb back to safety, inadvertently obstructing a clear shot at a bandit from their hideout in the shack. Tension mounts when a wounded Cicero confronts John, only to discover that the saddlebag is devoid of cash. In the ensuing chaos, a fierce exchange of gunfire claims the lives of John, Cicero, and the bandit, sealing their fates amidst a gripping tale of bravery and moral dilemmas.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Hombre (1967) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


John's Plan to Trap Horses

John 'Hombre' Russell patiently waits for a black stallion to lead its herd to a nearby waterhole. His intention is to trap the horses with the help of his San Carlos Apache tribesmen, aiming to sell them to a local stagecoach line.

Waterhole

Mendez Informs John

Henry Mendez informs John that the local stagecoach line is about to shut down due to the encroaching railroad. He also encourages John to consider taking over a boarding house left to him by his late stepfather, which plants a seed of change in John's mind.

Inspecting the Boarding House

John inspects the boarding house and discusses his plans with the landlady, Jessie. He ultimately decides to trade the property for a herd of horses located in Contention, planning a trip to Bisbee, Arizona.

Boarding House

Favor's Arrival in Bisbee

In Bisbee, Alex Favor and his wife, Audra, arrive and charter a stagecoach for their last journey. Their arrival sets the stage for a series of unforeseen events as they encounter John and other passengers.

Bisbee, Arizona

Cicero Grimes Joins the Stagecoach

Cicero Grimes forces his way onto the passenger list alongside John, Jessie, and the Blakes. His aggressive entrance foreshadows trouble and tension during the journey.

Taking a Back Road

Due to a suspicious group of men nearby, the stagecoach driver, Henry, decides to take a back road to Bisbee. This decision leads to perilous encounters down the road.

Back Road

Ambush by Bandits

As the stagecoach travels, it is ambushed by bandits led by Cicero. In the ensuing chaos, they capture Audra and steal a significant amount of money from Alex, revealing his hidden corruption.

John's Bravery

Amid the ambush, John displays remarkable bravery by confronting the bandits. He successfully takes down two of them and recovers Alex's embezzled money from their grasp.

Seeking Refuge

The group retreats towards town and finds shelter at an abandoned mining site. However, they quickly realize they are not safe as the bandits once again confront them.

Abandoned Mining Site

Cicero's Proposal

In a tense standoff, Cicero proposes a trade: Audra's freedom for the stolen money. The atmosphere grows increasingly fraught as the group contemplates their next move.

John's Decision

John takes charge of the situation by instructing Jessie to return the money to the San Carlos Apaches while he attempts to rescue Audra. His courageous actions put him in harm's way.

The Rescue Attempt

John descends towards Audra to free her from a precarious situation. However, complications arise as she inadvertently blocks his shot at a nearby bandit, heightening the danger.

Final Confrontation

The confrontation reaches a climax when a wounded Cicero finds John and discovers the saddlebags are empty. A fierce exchange of gunfire ensues, marking a tragic turning point in their battle.

Tragic Outcomes

The gunfire claims the lives of John, Cicero, and a bandit in a gripping conclusion. Their fates seal with lingering themes of bravery, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of life.

Characters

Explore all characters from Hombre (1967). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


John 'Hombre' Russell (Paul Newman)

John Russell is a patient and resilient man, juggling his Apache upbringing with the challenges of the modern world. He embodies a strong sense of justice and moral duty, particularly when faced with dangerous situations, demonstrating both bravery and a protective instinct for those around him.

🤠 Protagonist 🐎 Horseman 🚨 Protector

Alex Favor (Fredric March)

Alex Favor is a complex character who grapples with the consequences of his actions, revealing a selfish streak that propels the conflict forward. His initial charm fades as his greed becomes evident, and he ultimately relies on others for his survival in moments of crisis.

👔 Businessman 💔 Greed 🔫 Antagonist

Setting

Learn where and when Hombre (1967) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

The film's events unfold during a transitional period in American history, marked by westward expansion and the decline of traditional means of transportation like stagecoaches. This time reflects the clash between old-world values and the new industrial era.

Location

Arizona, San Carlos Apache, Contention, Bisbee

The movie primarily takes place in the rugged landscapes of Arizona, known for its vast deserts and mountainous terrain. It features the San Carlos Apache area, where the Apache tribe resides, and the towns of Contention and Bisbee, which represent the burgeoning settlements impacted by the encroachment of railroads.

🏜️ Desert 🏙️ Town

Themes

Discover the main themes in Hombre (1967). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


🤠

Bravery

Bravery is central to the narrative as characters face perilous situations and must protect each other from bandits. John's courage in confronting danger and rescuing Audra underscores the theme of personal sacrifice and moral integrity amid chaos.

👨‍👦

Heritage

The theme of heritage plays a significant role in John's journey as he comes to terms with his Apache roots. The contrast between his cultural background and his current circumstance highlights the struggle to embrace one's identity in a changing world.

💰

Greed

Greed manifests through Alex's embezzlement and the subsequent chaos over the stolen money. This theme illustrates the lengths individuals will go for wealth and the moral complications that arise from such desires.

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