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The Hired Hand (1971)

The Hired Hand (1971)
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Meeting largely mixed reviews during its first run in 1971, counterculture icon Peter Fonda's directorial debut was restored and remastered for its 30-year anniversary. The film opens with three drifters greeting the morning by cavorting in a sun-dabbled mountain river. Harry Collings (Fonda) catches a fish and gives it to Arch Harris (Warren Oates) who grills it over a low fire, while Dan (Robert Pratt) -- the youngest of the three -- bathes in the swift moving current. Later, as they head into Del Norte, a small town in the middle of nowhere, Dan talks breathlessly about going to California while Collings suddenly decides to return home after a seven-year absence. After Dan runs afoul of a group of unsavory characters lead by McVey (Severn Darden), Collings vows vengeance for the lad's death and blows off McVey's feet. Collings and Harris bury Dan and flee from the town riding hundreds of miles to Collings' homestead. His wife Hannah (Verna Bloom) -- now called "Widow Collings" by the local townsfolk -- is none too pleased to see her wayward husband at her doorstep. Taking his wife's anger in stride, he asks only to be allowed to work as a hired hand. Just as Hannah and Collings start to move beyond the years of anger and estrangement, disaster strikes. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

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Starring:
Peter Fonda, Warren Oates, (more)
Director(s):
Peter Fonda
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Hired Hand

Meeting largely mixed reviews during its first run in 1971, counterculture icon Peter Fonda's directorial debut was restored and remastered for its 30-year anniversary. The film opens with three drifters greeting the morning by cavorting in a sun-dabbled mountain river. Harry Collings (Fonda) catches a fish and gives it to Arch Harris (Warren Oates) who grills it over a low fire, while Dan (Robert Pratt) -- the youngest of the three -- bathes in the swift moving current. Later, as they head into Del Norte, a small town in the middle of nowhere, Dan talks breathlessly about going to California while Collings suddenly decides to return home after a seven-year absence. After Dan runs afoul of a group of unsavory characters lead by McVey (Severn Darden), Collings vows vengeance for the lad's death and blows off McVey's feet. Collings and Harris bury Dan and flee from the town riding hundreds of miles to Collings' homestead. His wife Hannah (Verna Bloom) -- now called "Widow Collings" by the local townsfolk -- is none too pleased to see her wayward husband at her doorstep. Taking his wife's anger in stride, he asks only to be allowed to work as a hired hand. Just as Hannah and Collings start to move beyond the years of anger and estrangement, disaster strikes. This film was screened at the 2001 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Jonathan Crow, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
90 mins

Complete Cast of The Hired Hand


Director(s):
Peter Fonda
Writer(s):
Alan Sharp
Producer(s):
William Hayward
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Sexual Situations, Not For Children, Violence, Adult Language, Adult Situations)
Categories:
Westerns
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Terry R.

    This is simply a lyrical, hypnotic and beautifully told western tale. Nearly a parable of love lost, redemption, revenge and death. Fonda gives us a slow-paced story that is told with intention and a sure-handed poetic drive. This film is the forerunner to Eastwood's Unforgiven. I'd call it a meditation western. Also, it should be noted that Verna Bloom delivers a performance of nuance and grace. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves the western as an art form.

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    James W.

    A very good character study piece. The restored color makes it look brand new. It doesn't fit the usual cliche-type Westerns.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Mark S.

    Is this film one for the ages? No. Is it one of a kind? Probably. This is a great film to WATCH, the bigger the screen the better. The cinematography is gorgeous, whether it's in normal speed or slow-motion. The first three minutes will give you a good sense of it. The music is hypnotically appropriate for the scenery throughout the film. The story is minimal, as is most of the acting, except for Warren Oates and Verna Bloom. Sure, the tale could have been told in 30 minutes instead of 90, but it would have lost the mood and the visual beauty. If you want a first-rate alternative western from the early '70's with great acting and a great story, rent "Little Big Man."

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