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Duke and William Holden managed to negotiate a whopping $775,000 (almost $8 million today) – My Blog

John Wayne couldn’t stand John Ford on The Horse Soldiers set and begged the film’s producer to lie to the director for him, enraging the filmmaker who found out the truth through his spies.

Back in 1959, John Wayne teamed up with his longtime collaborator and fellow Hollywood conservative John Ford on what would be the filmmaker’s only full American Civil War movie. Duke and his The Horse Soldiers co-star William Holden managed to negotiate a whopping $775,000 (almost $8 million today) each, plus 20 per cent of the overall profits. This was an unheard-of sum at the time, yet there would be none of the latter to share as the movie was a box office bomb with a “lacklustre” response from the critics and audience. What made this failure even more painful was just how incredibly tough the film had been to make. Not only were Holden and Ford constantly arguing, but there were cost overruns, serious injuries and even a tragic death. All the while, the alcoholic director had been forced by his doctor to go sober or risk perishing from the side effects of his heavy boozing. This made the notoriously cantankerous and uncompromising filmmaker all the more unbearable for Wayne, who was at the end of his tether.
Ford, who infamously baited his cast to get better performances out of them (including constantly insulting Wayne for not serving during World War II) was even rougher on everyone than usual. Despite Wayne not having to quit drinking, Ford demanded that Duke do the same on The Horse Soldiers set. In the end, the star begged producer Martin Rackin to get him away from the director he called Pappy just for a short while.
The producer agreed, outright lying to Ford that Wayne and Holden’s teeth were coming up yellow on film so they need to have whitening done in New Orleans. As a result, the three had a drunken night out in Crescent City, returning to set to an enraged Ford who found out via his spies just how many bars they’d visited. Wayne had certainly needed the escapism during the shoot due to the personal crisis he was facing with his wife Pilar.

Pilar had become addicted to barbiturates, but Wayne had refused to admit her to a private sanitarium, believing he could help her overcome it on location in Louisiana. However, during filming, his wife began hallucinating and even slashed her wrists with a razor. At this point, Duke realised he needed to admit her to the hospital back in Encino, California. Incredibly, this incident was kept out of the newspapers.
Meanwhile, back on The Horse Soldiers set, three actors including Ford’s son Patrick suffered broken legs. But the ultimate tragedy came when filming the movie’s climactic battle scene.
Veteran stuntman Fred Kennedy performed a horse fall for the movie but broke his neck and died during the attempt. According to biographer Joseph Malham: “Ford was completely devastated [as he] felt a deep responsibility for the lives of the men who served under him.” Following the tragic accident, shooting was immediately shut down and moved back to Hollywood. At this stage, the filmmaker had totally lost interest in filming the scripted ending with Wayne’s character Colonel John Marlowe and his forces arriving in Baton Rouge. In the end, he simply concluded The Horse Soldiers with the lead’s farewell to Constance Towers’ Hannah Hunter before crossing and blowing up a bridge to halt the Confederate advance.
Despite the nasty sides of Ford’s character, he was well ahead of his time in sticking up for Black actors in the segregated South where they were filming the movie.

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‘Australia’s most sexually active woman’ reveals outrageous bedroom goal for 2025

A woman who has been dubbed the “most sexually active woman” in Australia has set her sights on a big goal for 2025.

You’ve probably heard of Bonnie Blue and Lily Phillips attempting to break outrageous records in the bedroom – and Annie Knight has now thrown her hat into the ring too.

“When I watched that clip of Lily crying and everyone was saying, ‘Oh my god, this poor girl,’ I just thought, well, she’s been getting railed all day by 100 different guys… imagine putting your body through that,” Knight told Metro.

“Yes, it’s emotionally taxing, but isn’t that like any job?” she added. “Everyone has moments where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this anymore.’ You do get really stressed. She’d be exhausted; her body would be exhausted. When you’re tired, your emotions are high.”

Knight also noted that some of the men involved in Phillips’ session were reportedly rude to her, emphasizing that dealing with negativity can be challenging in any profession.

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Sophia Loren timeless beauty

Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:

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3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .

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Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.

### Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.

### Justin Baldoni’s Response

Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”

In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.

### Industry Reactions

The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.

Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.

### Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.

The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.

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