John Wayne

How did John Wayne evaluate the American way of life in 1974?

John Wayne gave an interview almost a half century ago to a British journalist. What’s so unusual about that? It feels like it could’ve been conducted in today political given that it featured the same sort of themes.Michael Parkinson, the journalist, said John Wayne already was cranky before the interview started because of his jet lag and health. It was January, 1974. That year, Wayne starred in McQ, a crime drama. He still was two years away from his final movie, “The Տһootıѕt.” Wayne ԁıеԁ of cancer in 1979.

Parkinson directed some of the questions to an earlier time in the Duke’s life, back when Wayne headed the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. Wayne presided over the group from 1949 through 1953. The goal of the group was to protect “the American way of life” in movies, guarding them from “communists and fascists.” Future U.S. president Ronald Reagan was a member of the organization.

So were Walt Disney and Ginger Rogers. The group supplied witnesses to the investigations of the U.S. House Committee on Un-American Activities.Conversely, opponents of the group said its members were anti-semetic, fascist, anti-union, isolationist and supportive of Jim Crow laws.Anyone recognize this discussion as reflective of the current right versus left, politically-charged split in this country? Maybe sub out communist for socialist.

Parkinson asked John Wayne about the group. Here’s the question Parkinson asked:“Can I talk to you now about another much-publicized aspect of your life, which is the political views you hold. I’d like to ask you about that period in Hollywood when you were to the forefront of people who were blacklisting alleged communist members of the industry.”

“No,” he said, “they were blacklisting. We didn’t name anybody, we stayed completely out of it and said: ‘We are Americans.’ Anybody who wanted to join us, it was fine. We gave no names out to anybody at any time, ever.“I think it was probably a very necessary thing at the time,” Wayne said. “Because the radical liberals were going to take over our business and you wouldn’t have had any pictures like that then.

Parkinson and Wayne then got into a tiff on whether some writers were blacklisted and why. Parkinson asked Wayne if it was ok to ban writers who shared different political ideas.“At the time, it seemed rather serious, and they were getting themselves into a position where they could control who would do the writing.”“Definitely, anytime, if that’s their opinion. But the trouble was that they were spouting by rote somebody else’s way of life, and that’s all right for those fellas over there, that’s the way they want to live, but we don’t have to have it in our country.”

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!

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.

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.