Turned out the hood release cable was OK... but the latch was gummed up so much that the spring that pops the hood wasn't strong enough to do it. I finally got it open by using a jack under the car, and a 28 inch long piece of pipe pushing up on the underside of the hood.

Just a little gentle convincing from the floor jack, and now it's open.

A big THANK YOU to those who offered constructive advice.

Bob

:blue: