Home from the Hill (film)

Home from the Hill is a 1960 American drama film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Robert Mitchum, Eleanor Parker, George Peppard, and George Hamilton. The screenplay, written by Harriet Frank Jr. and Irving Ravetch, is based on the 1957 novel of the same name by William Humphrey.

The film tells the story of the powerful and domineering Captain Wade Hunnicutt (Mitchum), a wealthy landowner in a small Texas town, and his complex relationships with his wife, Hannah (Parker), and their two sons, Theron (Hamilton) and Rafe (Peppard). Wade's reputation as a womanizer and his cold demeanor towards his family have created a strained and dysfunctional household.

Theron, illegitimate, is favored by Wade, while Rafe is often overlooked and considered less capable. The film explores themes of family secrets, repressed emotions, masculinity, and the consequences of past actions. Rafe becomes entangled in a tragic situation that forces the family to confront their deep-seated issues and ultimately leads to a violent climax.

Home from the Hill is known for its powerful performances, Minnelli's visual style, and its exploration of complex family dynamics within a Southern Gothic setting. The film received positive reviews upon its release and is considered a significant work in Minnelli's filmography.