The storyline isn’t groundbreaking, yet I consider this to be among John Wayne’s stronger performances. He portrays the man identified in the title, an army scout who discovers a secluded ranch where "Angie" (Geraldine Page) and her little boy "Johnny" (Lee Aaker) reside, seemingly abandoned by their husband. He's aware that the Mescalero Apache are upset because the military violated the agreement, but he’s unable to convince them to relocate from their land. A trip to the close-by fort validates his worries, and following a dangerous confrontation with her spouse while returning to the ranch, he runs into the battling indigenous people who – fortunately for him – have taken the family under the care of their leader "Vittorio" (Michael Pate). His passing, however, alters that situation, and now "Hondo" has to balance his responsibility to safeguard this new family with his respect for the mistreated Apache. It’s a concise film; the pacing remains brisk thanks to ample action sequences, and Page brings considerable toughness and resolve to her role, which is nicely balanced by Aaker's assured portrayal of his character. Ward Bond appears occasionally, but it seems primarily intended to showcase Wayne, and he performs adequately.

Source on TMDB