The Inaugural 3-D Western Didn't Debut in 3-D After All

Article Summary

John Wayne aimed to be the first western star to shoot a film in 3D, but faced challenges due to the limited technology and large equipment size.

Warner Brothers declined to release Hondo in 3D, choosing a 2D release instead. They stated that the format's popularity was waning and that specialized screens in theaters were required.

Geraldine Page's outstanding performance in Hondo unexpectedly garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, adding considerable prestige to the film.

John Wayne's dominance over the western genre was due to his unwavering creativity. Despite starring in numerous western films, Wayne managed to captivate audiences by constantly keeping them guessing. Frustrated with the portrayal of western characters in High Noon, he took matters into his own hands and responded with the creation of Rio Bravo. Sensing the decline of the genre, he strategically appeared in John Ford's subversive masterpiece, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Wayne went beyond traditional methods and embraced new cinematic techniques to inject freshness into the genre. Considering his extensive involvement in westerns, it was only natural for Wayne to yearn for constant innovation within the genre. While Hondo, his 1953 film, may not be widely hailed as his finest work, it was noteworthy for being shot in 3D. Wayne's aspiration for the film to be released in 3D is an indication of his dedication to pushing boundaries and embracing novel experiences.

‘Hondo’ Was Supposed To Be the First Western Shot in 3D

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Hondo was one of the initial films released by Wayne's production company, Wayne-Fellows Productions, later renamed Batjac Productions. Wayne's goal was to film the movie in 3D, a rising format that had gained popularity due to the success of science fiction films such as Creature From The Black Lagoon and It Came From Outer Space. However, the prevailing 3D films at the time were mostly in the science fiction and western genres, with no attempt made at a 3D western before. Wayne had the opportunity to take advantage of the trend and become the first western star to adapt to this emerging format. Although the 3D format added excitement for audiences, it also posed challenges during production.

According to Wayne's daughter Gretchen, the production of Hondo was a challenge due to the imperfections of the cameras at the time. The 3D cameras used for Hondo were the size of a truck, making it difficult for the entire crew to shoot in the scorching Chihuahua desert. The weather created numerous obstacles and caused damage to the carefully crafted sets meant to resemble Apache villages. Additionally, the production had a tight schedule because director John Farrow was set to begin another film just a few months later. Warner Brothers head, Jack Warner, reportedly complained about losing valuable shooting days due to technological constraints. Despite the considerable effort put into the film, it does not rank among Wayne's best.

These 3D "All Media Cameras" utilized two lenses which caused numerous delays in the shoot. Additionally, cinematographer Robert Burks faced challenges with transportation and struggled to adapt to the new technology. Unlike other 3D films, Farrow took a different approach by focusing less on gimmicks and pop out gags. Instead, he utilized the technology to create a more immersive landscape. There were only a few instances where gunfire or debris flew directly towards the audience. Although this stylistic advancement in 3D was later utilized by other filmmakers, it failed to convince Warner Brothers executives that the film required a 3D release. It is unfortunate that the technology was not ready considering the number of peculiar films that were actually released in 3D.

Warner Brothers Refused to Release ‘Hondo’ in 3D

When Hondo entered production, the 3D trend was initially popular. However, as the film's release date approached, interest in the format began to decline. Warner Brothers observed that successful 3D films such as House of Wax and Dial M for Murder relied more on a broader scope of vision rather than gimmicks. Releasing a film in 3D also posed challenges, as theaters needed special screens to enhance the 3D effects. Due to these complications, Warner Brothers decided to release Hondo in 2D and abandon the 3D print. Although audiences missed out on experiencing Hondo in its intended format, a remastered 3D version of the film was eventually released at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007. Wayne claimed that in order to showcase the 3D effects, he personally chose and scouted locations such as white molten rock, blue pools of water, black buttes, and big chalk-white buttes. However, Warner Brothers made the decision to use the Fox system instead, disappointing Wayne. Additionally, Wayne and Farrow clashed on set, as Farrow's more artistic approach to 3D resulted in creative differences with Wayne. Despite their issues, Wayne and Farrow collaborated again in 1955 for the World War II drama The Sea Chase.

‘Hondo’ Earned Geraldine Page Serious Acclaim

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Hondo garnered significant attention upon its release due to Geraldine Page's outstanding portrayal of Angie Lowe, a young homesteader who falls for Wayne's character. Page, a renowned Broadway star, brought added credibility to the blockbuster adventure film by joining its cast. Her performance earned her an unexpected Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, although Donna Reed ultimately won the award for her role in the acclaimed film From Here To Eternity.

The recognition Hondo received is noteworthy since westerns have historically not been well-received at the Oscars. Apart from Cimarron's Best Picture win in 1931, no other western claimed the prestigious award until Dances With Wolves and Unforgiven triumphed in the 1990s. In recent times, neo-westerns such as Brokeback Mountain, Hell or High Water, and The Power of the Dog secured Best Picture nominations but fell short of winning the top prize.

Hondo is available to stream on Pluto TV in the U.S.

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Editor's P/S

John Wayne's pursuit of innovation and his willingness to push boundaries in the Western genre are truly commendable. His determination to film Hondo in 3D, despite the challenges posed by the limited technology of the time, showcases his dedication to his craft and his desire to deliver a unique and immersive experience to audiences.

Although Hondo may not be considered one of Wayne's greatest films, its significance lies in its groundbreaking attempt to incorporate 3D technology into the Western genre. Wayne's vision for the film exceeded the capabilities of the available technology, but his efforts paved the way for future filmmakers to explore the potential of 3D in the Western genre.