(1963)

Submitted by Don P

Oscars for Melvyn Douglas and Patricia Neal.

Hud (Paul Newman) is the self centered womanizing son of old school rancher Melvyn Douglas.  When they discover that their herd is infected with hoof and mouth disease, Douglas ignores Hud’s recommendation that they quickly sell the herd.   The herd is quarantined and then destroyed. 

Hud alienates their housekeeper (Patricia Neal) with a sexual advance and she leaves.    Douglas falls off his horse and dies (perhaps from a broken heart).  Lonnie, the young nephew who once idolized Hud, becomes disillusioned and leaves the ranch too. 

Hud is finally left alone and appears to have no regrets about his behavior.