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Bookends ; Comparing John wayne’s First and Last Westerns – My Blog

In The Big Trail, we got the first glimpse of a future icon. The Shootist found him teeming with wisdom and experience.

The Big Trail (1930)
John Wayne, Tyrone Power, and Ian Keith in 1930’s The Big Trail, directed by Raoul Walsh.
“Hiya, Zeke!” That’s his first line. And with its delivery one can see that he’s got … it. It is the word we sometimes use when attempting to describe that indefinable quality of great leading men. For this young man, it is a simple charm that emerges from the lack of any need to charm. It is the ability to truly engage with the performers around him rather than to indicate a vague idea of engagement. And through that young man’s clear-eyed understanding of a job done honestly, we find ourselves witnessing the birth of an American identity that bleeds across our screen like celluloid caught aflame.

It was 1930 when a 22-year-old Marion Mitchell Morrison was stolen off the properties crew of a John Ford film and screen tested for a Raoul Walsh project. Subsequently, he would be renamed “John Wayne” by the Fox Film Corporation’s publicity arm and handed $75 a week to take on the leading role in one of the riskier investments in Hollywood history. It is often reported that The Big Trail represents one of Hollywood’s earliest attempts to convert the movie experience into a widescreen format, ultimately flopping because the financial constraints of the Great Depression had left movie houses unable to convert to the newer technology. While the first part is true, the actual record is a bit more complex.
There are, in fact, two English language versions of this wagon-train epic (a plethora of foreign language versions were also shot in subsequent takes with different actors). Studio founder William Fox was known to occasionally take a risk, but he was not a blind gambler. Likely fearing the economic unrest of the time, Fox had Walsh shoot his film both in the traditional 35 mm format and in the newer 70 mm. Most scenes were filmed by two crews simultaneously, while others had to be repeated with more mise en scène for the expansive 70 mm “grandeur” frame. With almost 200 wagons, hundreds of oxen, cattle, horses, and extras, The Big Trail was early cinéma vérité in its depiction of a westward trek into untamed wilderness, made by a dogged crew slogging across locations that spanned seven states.

While Fox successfully hedged his bets (only two theaters in the nation were capable of screening the widescreen version when it was finally released), he found himself trying to market a film for which the predominant inspiration had been a new technology with a broad vista, a theatrical promise that was not possible to fulfill. The movie bombed spectacularly.
As was so often the case in Tinseltown, the sins of the father were visited upon the son, and Wayne found himself banished to the lesser sets of “B” westerns for a protracted sentence.
It would not be until 1939, when his old mentor and friend John Ford had generated enough power within his own productions, that Wayne would be given another big shot, this time as the iconic Ringo Kid in Stagecoach. This second entrance is brilliantly portrayed in the foreward of Scott Eyman’s carefully researched John Wayne: The Life and Legend (Simon & Schuster, 2014).
But The Big Trail remains a revelation, clairvoyant in its discovery of the genre’s greatest leading man and in its vision of what the film event would eventually become. Just take it from me: Make sure you watch the 70 mm version. There really is no comparison.
Ron Howard and John Wayne in 1976’s The Shootist, Wayne’s final western.
The Shootist (1976)
It’s a bit like that jolt you get when confronted with a photograph of your father in his younger years. Now take that dog-eared sepia of a young man squinting into the sunlight with his whole life ahead of him and place it next to the color Polaroid taken at his retirement party, that of a thicker man whose smile, while maybe not as broad, is supported by the assuredness of a life well spent. This is something akin to the experience of watching John Wayne’s first and last westerns back-to-back.
Of course, The Shootist is not often regarded as one of Wayne’s best. A multitude of factors play into this unfortunate exeunt for America’s leading man, the chief of them being the war of backstage egos that might have shamed even the greatest production of Julius Caesar, the principal senators here being Wayne and director Doug Siegel. Apparently, Siegel had never learned that the last person you want to tangle with on a set is an actor with power.
The script itself is a rather flat adaptation of the novel by Glendon Swarthout, an entirely passable but ultimately uninspiring western that was soured from too many fingers in the soup. Apparently, the screenwriters had never learned that the last person you want to collaborate with on a story is an actor with power.
But, according to Eyman, things were likely exacerbated by Wayne’s health, which was not at its best. It has been reported and rumored that Wayne’s portrayal of J.B. Books, a legendary gunslinger dying of cancer, was strangely poetic given that Wayne himself was battling cancer at the time. Others treat this claim as apocryphal, as Wayne had battled lung cancer a decade prior and lived. Again, the truth is always more complex.
While it is true that Wayne had a cancerous lung successfully removed in 1965, more than a decade later he would develop another malignancy, this one in his stomach, which would eventually take his life.  By the time he was cast in The Shootist, the first cancer had gone into remission, but the parallels to a dying legend would not have been lost on any man who’d stared down the reaper and could still see him out there waiting in the plains. 
Perhaps it was the knowledge of just such an inevitability that led to the Duke’s final performance being a perfect study of calm acceptance. A lesser actor, or a less experienced man, might have botched the role by layering it with angst and desperation. Instead, we are gifted with an almost whimsical acceptance of hard truths and a sweet farewell to the world he now realizes he never knew: a world in which humanity springs eternal like a tree splitting limestone.
Marion Mitchell Morrison, also known to the world as John Wayne, was laid to rest on June 15, 1979, at sunrise. Above him was set a tombstone that would remain unmarked for 20 years. When it was finally given an epitaph, it would be in Duke’s own words:
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something from yesterday.
Philosophical yet optimistic, it is a decent epitaph, though its purpose remains vague. It is perhaps the kind of phrase one might use as a kind of forked twig when trying to divine the extremely complex life and personality that was John Wayne. But this choice of epitaph is also ironic (and, to me, a bit sad) in that it was done in direct contradiction to a clearly stated wish that his future epitaph be nothing more than the following Mexican phrase: “Feo, Fuerte y Formal.” Translated it would have read:
John Wayne: Ugly, Strong and Dignified

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TV star slept with over 700 men – now she’s been practicing abstinence for 15 months

From Reality TV to Recovery: Belinda Rygier’s Journey Through Se* Addiction

In a world where personal lives are often put under the spotlight, few stories are as revealing and transformative as that of Belinda “Love” Rygier, an Australian reality TV star who shot to fame on The Bachelor Australia in 2017. Recently, Rygier made headlines when she candidly admitted to having slept with over 700 men, a confession that shocked many and ignited discussions about sex addiction and personal recovery.

The Confession That Went Viral

Belinda’s candid revelation on the You’re a Grub Mate! radio show marked a pivotal moment in her journey. She recounted a period in her life where her quest for validation led her to engage in sexual encounters up to six nights a week. At 38 years old, Rygier reflects on her past choices with a newfound understanding, stating, “I didn’t know I had the problem until I healed it.”

While the sheer number of partners may raise eyebrows, Rygier emphasizes that her struggles were rooted in deeper emotional issues. “The issue was with my relationships,” she explained, revealing how she often attracted toxic partners. Her journey through recovery has included a significant shift in perspective, focusing on understanding and healing from past traumas.

Recovery and Reflection

Belinda’s journey is not just about numbers; it’s about confronting and understanding her addiction. After recognizing the impact of her lifestyle, she sought help and has been on a recovery path for eight years. For the last 15 months, she has embraced celibacy, using this time to reflect on her past choices and develop a healthier relationship with intimacy.

“I will be having sex again, but with someone I have a connection with,” she stated, highlighting a shift from quantity to quality in her relationships. This newfound outlook suggests a deep understanding of her worth beyond mere validation from others.

A Call for Change

Rygier’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the societal pressures surrounding se*. She argues that modern society often uses se* as a quick fix for validation, rather than a meaningful connection. “Society has declined, and we’re using se* for the wrong reasons,” she asserted, urging others to seek deeper connections rather than fleeting encounters.

By sharing her story, Belinda Rygier is not just reclaiming her narrative but also encouraging others to confront their own issues with intimacy and relationships. Her candidness serves as a beacon for those struggling with similar challenges, demonstrating that recovery is possible, and that it’s never too late to seek change.

Conclusion

Belinda Rygier’s journey from a reality TV star to a relationship guru highlights the importance of understanding one’s past and the courage to seek help. Her story not only raises awareness about se* addiction but also challenges societal norms surrounding intimacy. As she continues on her path of recovery, Rygier remains an inspiring figure for anyone looking to redefine their relationship with themselves and others.

For those seeking support or a deeper understanding of their own struggles, Belinda’s journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and healing.

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One Month Before a Heart Attack, Your Body Will Alert You: Here Are the 6 Symptoms!

In the last couple of years, heart attacks have become very common among the worldwide population. Unfortunately, they’re the number 1 reason for death in the world. They occur as a consequence of our stressful lifestyles and unhealthy diets.

You can protect your cardiovascular health by improving your lifestyle- follow a healthier diet and lower the amount of stress. Also, it’s good to recognize the symptoms of heart failure that usually begin to show a month before the heart experiences a failure:

1. Shortness of breath

When the lungs don’t get enough oxygen, your heart won’t get the blood which needs to pass through it. Therefore, if you have problems with breathing, immediately consult your physician.

2. Cold and flu symptoms

A lot of people, before they experience a heart attack, experience these two symptoms.

3. Chest pressure

This is a clear symptom that a heart attack can take place in the near future. It’s important to consult your physician if you experience chest ache.

4. Weakness

When the arteries tighten, proper blood flow is prevented. Hence, the muscles aren’t getting what they need, which may lead to heart failure. Therefore, if you experience constant fatigue and weakness, consult your physician.

5. Cold sweats and dizziness

Poor circulation disrupts the proper blood flow to the brain, which is crucial for the proper functioning of the brain.

6. Drowsiness

If you still feel tired and drowsy after sleeping or resting for some time, and if this goes on for days and days, you could be having a loss of blood flow to the heart.
Prevention of heart attacks is very important; noticing and treating the above mentioned symptoms timely, will significantly lower the chances for heart attacks.

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No matter how po.or you are, don’t keep these 4 things, throw them away as soon as possible

Don’t keep these things as it will bring b.a.d luck to your family ???

1. Discarding Damaged Pots and Pans

When pots and pans in the kitchen are damaged, you should dispose of them immediately no matter how difficult your financial situation may be. Kitchen utensils are often made from ceramic, glass, or plastic, and they can deteriorate over time. Using damaged pots and pans can create a shabby feeling, symbolizing poverty and financial loss. In the past, only very poor people or beggars would use broken dishes. Nowadays, with improved living conditions, keeping damaged dishes is unnecessary. Especially if you have young children, your dishes and utensils need to be in good condition for safety reasons. Broken items might not be properly sanitized, leading to bacterial growth that could affect health. If left unattended, damaged kitchenware can accumulate dust and waste, increasing discomfort.

2. Do Not Keep Unused Glass Fish Tanks

A lot of people enjoy keeping fish in glass tanks, but when they lose interest or the fish d!e, the fish tank may be forgotten. As per feng shui, fish tanks represent wealth and prosperity. If a fish tank is left empty and gathers dust, it can reflect a lack of wealth and create negative energy in your home. If you no longer want to keep fish, consider using the tank to grow aquatic plants or dispose of it to avoid taking up space and contributing to a feeling of financial loss. Unused fish tanks are prone to breakage, posing a danger, especially to children.

3. Do Not Keep Old Bedding for Children

Keeping these items for too long might not be beneficial for the child’s development. These items could be stained with substances like milk, urine, or medicine, and over time, they become difficult to fully clean.

Keeping them around can increase the risk of bacteria and have effects on the household environment. From a feng shui perspective, holding on to old items for too long could negatively impact the child’s health and development.

4. Do Not Keep Unused Old Shoes

Many people have this habits. No matter how poor your family may be, worn-out shoes should be discarded immediately. Old shoes can harbor bacteria, unpleasant odors, and negatively affect your home’s feng shui. Keeping shoes that no longer fit only takes up space and serves no purpose. According to feng shui, holding onto old shoes can hinder your progress and financial success. Discarding old shoes will help create a better living space and pave the way for future growth and prosperity.

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