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John Wayne

John Wayne Once Revealed What Makes an Actor’s Hate for a Director Turn to Love at the 1975 Oscars

John Wayne made a speech at the 1975 Oscars that detailed what makes an actor’s feelings for a director transition from hate to love. His speech certainly seeks to relate to the actors in the room, but it’s also a great testament to the power of a talented director. Wayne made an impactful speech at the 1975 Oscars in honor of Howard Hawks’ Honorary Award.

Shirley MacLaine delivers a thoughtful, yet funny introduction for John Wayne

Shirley MacLaine took the stage at the 1975 Oscars to introduce Wayne to the stage, as shown on the Oscars YouTube channel. It’s a marvelous introduction for the actor, but it also reflects on the ever-evolving influence that actors have on audiences around the world.

“Ever since parents began depositing their children at the Saturday matinee while they went shopping, movie stars have been influential babysitters,” MacLaine said. “On the way home, all the little boys wanted to be Douglas Fairbanks, all the little girls wanted to be Mary Pickford. Or Tom Mix and Lillian Gish.”

MacLaine continued: “After the movies began to talk, every little boy wanted to be Gary Cooper and all the girls, Clara Bow. Or William Powell and Myrna Loy. A few years later, boys wanted to be Clark Gable and the girls, Jean Harlow. Then, the boys wanted to be John Wayne and the girls, Betty Grable. Then, the boys wanted to be John Wayne and the girls, Marilyn Monroe.”

The actor concluded: “Then, the boys wanted to be John Wayne and the girls, Grace Kelly. Finally, things changed a little. The boys still want to be John Wayne, but the girls want to be John Wayne, too.”

MacLaine finished the introduction with a laugh and got a bunch of laughs from the crowd.

John Wayne revealed what makes an actor’s hate for a director turn to love in an Honorary Award speech to Howard Hawks

Wayne walked onto the stage at the 1975 Oscars to give his speech. He collaborated with Hawks on a few movies, making him an excellent choice to speak on the director before bringing him onto the stage.

“I’m here to give an Honorary award to a motion picture director,” Wayne said. “Now, actors hate directors. They hate them because when actors have given their everything, directors want more. Boy, how they hate that.”

Wayne continued: “But, when they see themselves up there and scratch the old black-and-white, I go back that far, our glorious Technicolor in 20 feet high better than they ever thought they could be, doing things that they never though they could do, they don’t hate the director anymore. They love it. That’s how I feel about this man, Howard Hawks.”

Wayne recognized at the 1975 Oscars that there was a special connection between the two men. Further, he talked about some of the filmmaker’s biggest titles and how he deserved to get this Honorary Award.

“If you think there’s anything between us, there certainly is,” Wayne said. “Four pictures: Red River, Rio Bravo, Hatari, and El Dorado. I don’t think they’re only reason the Academy Board of Governors voted him an Honorary Award.”

Wayne rattled off a collection of Hawks’ films, including The Dawn Patrol, Scarface, Bringing Up Baby, Sergeant York, The Crowd Roars, Viva Villa!, His Girl Friday, To Have and Have Not, I Was a Male War Bride, and The Big Sleep.

Wayne concluded: “Now, he’s made a lot of actors jump so it’s time we made him do the same. Tonight, he’s not the director – I am. Hawks, we’re ready to roll! Get your skinny whatchamacallit out here!”

The actor made his final appearance at the 1979 Oscars

Wayne made several appearances at the Academy Awards, even when he wasn’t nominated himself. He enjoyed having the opportunity to see his fellow industry friends, celebrating the prior year’s films, and thanking moviegoing audiences who make the industry possible. However, Wayne had the extraordinary opportunity to present a friend with an Honorary Award at the 1975 Oscars.

The Western actor received two honors through nominations, but he wouldn’t have his own big win until the 1970 Oscars. Wayne finally earned the Oscar for best actor for his career-defining performance in True Grit. However, his final public appearance would be at the 1979 Oscars, where he delivered yet another impactful speech.

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John Wayne

The Legend Lives On: John Wayne is Still Alive!

In a world where legends never fade, we can’t help but wonder: what if John Wayne, the iconic figure of American cinema, is still with us in spirit? The Duke, known for his larger-than-life roles and undeniable charisma, continues to inspire generations.

From his unforgettable performances in classics like “True Grit” and “The Searchers” to his indomitable spirit, Wayne’s essence is woven into the fabric of Hollywood and American culture. His rugged persona, moral fortitude, and unwavering courage resonate deeply, reminding us of the values he embodied.

While we may not see him on the silver screen today, Wayne’s legacy lives on through the countless actors he inspired and the stories he helped tell. His films are timeless, bringing joy and adventure to audiences around the world.

So, as we celebrate the enduring impact of John Wayne, let’s keep his spirit alive in our hearts. Whether you’re watching one of his classics or sharing a favorite quote, remember that the legend of John Wayne will never truly die. Here’s to the Duke—forever a part of our cinematic history!

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John Wayne

Why John Wayne Turned Down the Chance to Work With Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood and John Wayne are the two biggest legends in the history of Western movies, however, they never worked together. The duo did have the opportunity to work together once in the 1970s. Here’s why the film never came to fruition.

How John Wayne responded when Clint Eastwood tried to work with him

Firstly, a little background. According to the book John Wayne: The Life and Legend, it all starts with Larry Cohen. Though Cohen is not a widely known director like Steven Spielberg or Quentin Tarantino, he’s a huge name to fans of B movies. He directed famous B movies like The Stuff, Q: The Winged Serpent, It’s Alive, and God Told Me To. He also wrote a script called The Hostiles shortly after Eastwood released his classic High Plains Drifter.

The Hostiles was about a gambler who wins half of an estate of an older man. The gambler and the older man have to work together despite the fact that they don’t like each other. Eastwood optioned the screenplay with the intent of playing the gambler alongside Wayne as the older man.

Eastwood sent a copy of the script of The Hostiles to Wayne. Although Eastwood felt the script was imperfect, he saw its potential. However, Wayne was not interested. Eastwood pitched the film to Wayne a second time and Wayne responded with a letter. Wayne’s letter complained about High Plains Drifter. Wayne was offended by the film and its portrayal of the Old West as a cruel, violent place.

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John Wayne

Ann-Margret Refused to Call John Wayne ‘Duke’ While Introducing 1 of His Movies

Ann-Margret once starred in one of John Wayne’s lesser-known movies. However, she refused to call him by his popular moniker Duke. Here’s a look at the film they made together — and why she declined to call him by a nickname.

The one time Ann-Margret and John Wayne made a movie together

Ann-Margret is probably most known for her work in musicals, specifically Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, and The Who’s Tommy. However, she also dabbled in the Western genre. She starred alongside Wayne in the mostly forgotten movie The Train Robbers.

Wayne was also known as The Duke or just Duke. According to USA Today, the nickname was derived from his childhood dog. It stuck with him for many years. It continues to be used today — even on the box covers of the DVDs for his movies.

John Wayne | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

During an interview with Interview Magazine, Ann-Margret explained why she didn’t refer to the Rio Bravo star by this famous name. “When I came to this country, first of all, mother and I didn’t know English,” she said. “I would curtsey, then say, ‘Thank you,’ and then when I was leaving, curtsey. For example, we went to Dallas to introduce a film I did with John Wayne. And I never called him Duke. I just couldn’t. That’s the way I was raised. When you meet someone, you say either Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. You stand up.”

Ann-Margret revealed she treated other famous people in much the same way. For example, she worked with director George Sidney on Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. She always called him Mr. Sidney.

What Ann-Margret thought about John Wayne

Ann-Margret refused to use Wayne’s most famous moniker. However, she had a positive view of the actor. During an interview with Fox News, she was asked what she expected when she met Wayne. “Oh, I didn’t know what to expect,” she revealed. “But when he hugged me, it’s like the world was hugging me. He was so big and wide with that booming voice. 

“We were shooting in Durango, Mexico and my parents came down to visit me,” she added. “He was so great with my parents. So absolutely welcoming and gentle with them. And anybody who was great to my parents was on a throne in my eyes.”

How the world reacted to ‘The Train Robbers’

Wayne starred in many classic Westerns, including The Searchers, Stagecoach, and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. However, The Train Robbers is mostly forgotten. It didn’t gain a cult following like Once Upon a Time in the West or Dead Man. It wasn’t a critical success either, garnering a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Ann-Margret had some fond memories of making the film — even if she refused to call Wayne by his famous nickname.

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