The Hired Hand is a 1971 western film directed by Peter Fonda and starring himself, Warren Oates, and Verna Bloom. The movie tells the story of Harry Collings, a drifter who returns home to his wife and young daughter after seven years of wandering with his friend Arch.
As Harry arrives at his farm, he finds that his wife Hannah has given up on him and is now living with another man. Despite their differences, Hannah allows Harry to stay, and they attempt to reconcile. Harry begins working for Hannah and her new partner, a widowed neighbor named Dan, as a hired hand, hoping to earn back their trust.
However, Harry soon finds himself conflicted and torn between his loyalty to Arch, who is still out on the road, and his duty to his family. As he struggles to figure out where his loyalties lie, Harry is forced to confront the consequences of his past actions and make a difficult decision that will determine his future.
The Hired Hand is a slow-paced, introspective film that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the search for identity. It is shot in a beautiful, moody style, with stunning visuals that capture the desolate landscapes of the American West. The movie is often praised for its excellent performances, especially by Fonda and Bloom, and its poignant, haunting soundtrack by folk singer-songwriter Bruce Langhorne.
