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John Wayne’s Career Ended With a Bang Thanks to His Last Western Role – My Blog

John Wayne has earned his status as the King of Hollywood Westerns with his nearly unbelievable quantity of outlaw stories. Wayne’s filmography is essentially a catalog of how the genre evolved; 1939’s Stagecoach launched many of the archetypes that would last for generations, 1956’s The Searchers represented a growing maturation that reflected more serious ethical issues, and 1962’s The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance explored the end of the era as gunslingers reflected on their place in history. Wayne’s work was largely ignored by the Academy Awards, but his one and only Oscar win for Best Actor was for the iconic western True Grit. It was only fitting that Wayne’s final screen appearance would be in a Western, but The Shootist is an essential film regardless; both a reflection on Wayne’s career and a study of the cyclical, all-consuming nature of violence that he had been so eager to distribute.

Directed by Dirty Harry franchise director Don Siegel, The Shootist casts Wayne as the aging gunslinger J.B. Books, who has essentially retired from duty. While Books does manage to take down a burglar with lethal force in his journey to Carson City, the real intent of his journey was to receive consultation on his failing health. Considering that Wayne actually died only a few years later in 1979 after his final public appearance at the Academy Awards, it’s evident that the role was a very personal one fashioned for him specifically. Books seeks shelter in the home of the caretaker Bond Rogers (Lauren Bacall) and takes a romantic interest in her, but also becomes a paternal figure for her son Gillom (Ron Howard), who has grown up without a father. In an emotional journey of reflection and possible redemption, Books seeks to settle down right before his heroism is called upon yet again. It’s a powerful story regardless of the man at the center, but The Shootist is even more impactful as a swan song for Wayne’s career.
Related: Every John Wayne And John Ford Movie Ranked, According To IMDbIn ‘The Shootist,’ John Wayne Gives a Matured Performance
John Wayne in The ShootistImage via Paramount Pictures

Wayne had worked with an established series of directors throughout his career, but the grittiness that Siegel created was certainly a change of pace from some of his recent films, such as the heartfelt family film The Cowboys. Siegel’s creation of the Dirty Harry series indicated that he wasn’t afraid to show graphic violence, and at the dawn of the “New Hollywood” era, The Shootist was allowed to push the boundaries that John Wayne’s films had previously been barred from crossing. A later sequence where two assassins attempt to take Books out results in their shocking, violent demise with more intricate detail paid to their injuries and the specificities of their weapons. It was important in showing the consequences of his actions, as the frequency of death in his films had drawn backlash. Wayne’s cold-hearted diligence during the exciting action scenes indicated that Books’ skills came from a lifetime of experience.
While Siegel succeeded in showing a more realistic depiction of what the fabled “Wild Wild West” actually looked like, it also gave Wayne a chance to show more sensitivity. His performance as Marshall Rooster Cogburn in True Grit was more of a caricature, but The Shootist is more specific in how it reflects Wayne’s history on screen. The opening flashbacks highlighting Books’ past adventure even uses footage from Wayne’s previous films, tying the story together in an interesting way. It’s also quite touching that once he reaches Carson City, his first trip is to his longtime physician Doc Hostetler (James Stewart). Stewart was also among the most important figures in the history of the American Western and had been a frequent co-star and friend of Wayne’s. Seeing the two aging actors on screen together isn’t just a fun Easter Egg, but an encapsulation of the archetypes they had represented. Wayne is the gruff, no-nonsense drifter who pushes his physical capabilities, and Stewart is the kindly caretaker who grounds him in reality.
John Wayne’s J.B. Books Is a Terrific CharacterDespite all of its disturbing moments, The Shootist is also one of Wayne’s most heartfelt roles. He shows a vulnerability that hadn’t been seen in his previous work, as Wayne’s ego was notorious. Perhaps age had softened his heart because Books feels the physical toll that his work is placing on him. He’s also not celebrating his achievements; he goes to Carson City simply to live his last days in peace and takes discreet precautions to ensure that he won’t be identified. Tragically, none of Books’ efforts can hide his status. After giving Bond a false name and creating a fake headstone for himself, his legendary status as a gunfighter spreads quickly within the community as skeevy journalists, local officials, and prize-seeking bounty hunters all seek him out. Despite having a price on his head and the word from Hostetler that he needs to limit his physical activity, Books feels the need to find a second act as a family man.The more emotional storyline comes from his interaction with the Rogers family. In Bond, he finds someone he might foresee a future with, but he’s not aggressive in the way that many of his past characters were. His actions are to protect and comfort her, and his return to gunslinging is only to ensure that no harm comes to the city due to the criminals that are searching for him. The mentor role he plays in Gillom’s life is genuinely heartwarming, but it never becomes schmaltzy. Books teaches him the practical skills that he will need to survive and introduces him to his past associates and local troublemakers to show him the effect that the gunslinger lifestyle has. Regardless, the moment when Books gives his longtime horse to Gillom is incredibly touching.
Books’ grizzly death at the hands of a bounty hunter gang and final words of solace to Gillom are quite eerie, as he urges his young protege to remember the costs that this lifestyle has. Considering the gunfight had forced Gillom to use his gun and kill for the first time, it serves as a warning if he seeks to continue down this path. This is John Wayne’s Unforgiven, and there’s a lifetime of regret that perishes with Books. It’s a beautiful, haunting, and fitting end to the career of one of cinema’s most signature icons.

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Netflix Viewers Discover Hack That Stops Endless Scrolling

Netflix fans on social media are buzzing over a simple hack that can save hours of scrolling and indecision. With just a few clicks, you can uncover exactly what you want to watch, making TV time much more enjoyable.
Picture this: you’ve finally settled in for the night, armed with snacks and ready for some well-deserved relaxation.
You turn on Netflix, only to face the ultimate conundrum—what should you watch?

This all-too-common dilemma often leads to endless scrolling, trying to find the perfect show or movie to match your mood.

It’s frustrating and can even take the fun out of your chill time, sometimes leaving you with no choice but to give up entirely.

But according to some Netflix viewers, this struggle might soon be a thing of the past.
A simple trick involving just a few numbers can open up a treasure trove of shows and movies, specifically tailored to a particular genre.

For fans of true crime, typing ‘9875’ into the Netflix search bar is like hitting the jackpot.

Instantly, you’ll be presented with an array of documentaries, dramas, and films centered around gripping and chilling crime stories.

This hack has been making waves online, with many users swearing by its effectiveness for narrowing down their options.

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BREAKING NEWS: Elon Musk Plans to Buy ABC and Appoint Tucker Carlson as CEO: “Only Way to Remove Wokeness from Network”

In a move that has raised eyebrows across the media and business sectors, Elon Musk is reportedly planning to acquire ABC, the iconic American television network, and appoint former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson as its CEO. According to insiders, Musk believes that the only way to rid the network of what he perceives as a growing “wokeness” is to install Carlson, a vocal critic of progressive politics, at the helm. This bold strategy, if carried out, could drastically alter the media landscape and position Musk at the center of a culture war that has been raging for years…

Musk’s plan to purchase ABC, currently owned by The Walt Disney Company, is seen as part of a broader vision to reshape the media landscape in line with his views on free speech and political correctness. For Musk, this acquisition is not just about expanding his media empire — it’s about taking a stand against what he has called the growing influence of “woke” culture in American media. His decision to bring in Carlson, a figure known for his conservative and often controversial views, further underscores Musk’s desire to create a media platform that challenges what he sees as the dominant progressive narrative…

Tucker Carlson, who was abruptly let go from Fox News in 2023, has become one of the most polarizing figures in American media. During his tenure at Fox, Carlson built a massive following by speaking out against what he viewed as the excesses of the left-wing agenda. His shows often centered on critiquing “wokeness” and championing traditional American values, which resonated deeply with his audience. Since his departure from Fox, Carlson has remained outspoken on his concerns about the direction of American politics and media…bb

According to Musk, Carlson is the only person who can “restore balance” to ABC. In a recent interview, Musk emphasized that his goal for the network is to provide a platform for open, honest discussions that are not driven by political correctness. “We need a media that’s willing to speak the truth, even if it’s unpopular,” Musk said. “Tucker is someone who understands this and has the courage to confront the issues that matter to everyday Americans.”..bb

The term “woke” has become a flashpoint in modern political discourse, often used to describe a set of progressive values around social justice, identity politics, and cultural issues. For many conservatives, “wokeness” is viewed as an authoritarian ideology that suppresses free speech and imposes a narrow worldview on individuals and institutions. Musk, who has frequently spoken out against censorship on platforms like Twitter (now X), has made it clear that he believes this trend must be reversed. His acquisition of ABC and the appointment of Carlson as CEO would signal a shift in the way media content is produced and consumed, one that aligns more closely with conservative ideals…bb

Carlson’s potential role at ABC would undoubtedly transform the network’s programming. His appointment could lead to a dramatic shift in editorial direction, with more conservative viewpoints represented in the network’s news and entertainment offerings. Sources close to Musk have suggested that Carlson’s leadership would emphasize transparency, objectivity, and a commitment to free speech, in contrast to what they view as the increasing bias and groupthink prevalent in mainstream media…bb

While this move would likely resonate with conservative viewers who feel underserved by mainstream outlets, it has also drawn heavy criticism from liberal circles. Critics argue that Carlson’s leadership would exacerbate the growing political polarization of the media landscape, turning ABC into a platform that caters exclusively to conservative viewpoints. In their view, this could contribute to an already fragmented media environment where viewers are fed increasingly partisan narratives that reinforce their existing beliefs, rather than offering a balanced and diverse range of perspectives…bb

On the financial side, Musk’s ability to acquire ABC is not in question. The billionaire entrepreneur has a proven track record of securing funding for ambitious projects, from Tesla to SpaceX and, more recently, Twitter (now X). The exact price for acquiring ABC, which is part of The Walt Disney Company’s vast media empire, would likely be in the billions of dollars, but Musk’s vast wealth and business acumen suggest that he could successfully pull off such a deal…bb

If Musk’s plan comes to fruition, it would represent a significant consolidation of media power under his leadership. Already the owner of Twitter, Musk would control two major media platforms, giving him unparalleled influence over public discourse. This growing media empire would put Musk at the center of ongoing debates over the role of tech moguls in shaping public opinion and the future of media…bb

The long-term effects of Musk’s acquisition of ABC and the appointment of Tucker Carlson as CEO are uncertain, but they will likely have profound implications for the American media landscape. On one hand, Musk’s new direction for ABC could create a fresh, powerful voice for conservatives in a media environment that has been increasingly dominated by liberal perspectives. On the other hand, it could deepen the ideological divide in the country, with media outlets catering more to specific political tribes rather than striving for balanced, fact-based journalism…bb

Whatever the outcome, Musk’s planned purchase of ABC marks a turning point in the ongoing battle over media influence, free speech, and the cultural wars that define modern America. With Tucker Carlson at the helm, Musk is signaling that he is ready to disrupt the status quo and reshape one of the most influential media networks in the country. How this will impact the future of journalism, media consumption, and political discourse remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Musk’s vision for ABC could usher in a new era of media with potentially wide-reaching consequences…bb

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13 years ago they were dubbed the most beautiful twins in the world – but wait till you see how they look today!

In 2017, Leah Rose and Ava Marie Clements celebrated their 7th birthday by creating an Instagram account that exploded overnight with followers who were stunned by their breathtaking beauty.

Now 14, the California girls – frequently called the “most beautiful twins in the world” – are internationally recognized child models, with a story as captivating as their angelic looks.

In 2017, Jaqi Clements decided to post pictures of her identical twin daughters, Leah and Ava on social media. Initially, the posts were just a way to share their lives with friends and family. But the internet quickly took notice of their extraordinary beauty, and the account began to gain traction.

Their charm and natural beauty resonated with people, and soon, modeling agencies and brands started reaching out. What began as a simple Instagram page turned into a powerful platform that would redefine their lives.

“Instagram was something that I hadn’t used much before starting an account for the girls,” the mom of three writes in a blog post. “If you would have asked me 6 months ago if 300,000 followers was a lot…I wouldn’t have had a clue.”

Now the twins have almost 3 million followers on Instagram and Facebook, along with high-profile partnerships with brands like Nike, Disney, and Target, cementing their status as top child models.

Criticism
Behind the glamor, the Clements family faced significant criticism from people who questioned the parents’ decision to allow Leah and Ava to pursue modeling at such a young age.

Jaqi firmly defended her choice, explaining that modeling was the twins’ dream, not something imposed on them. She emphasized that she and her husband, Kevin, were not profiting off their daughters but were instead making personal financial sacrifices to support the girls in following their passion.

Responding to the attacks, Jaqi writes, “I didn’t decide that my girls were going to start modeling, they did. And if the day ever comes that they want to move on to something else, I will 100% support their decision to do that.”

Lifeline
The family initially saw social media as a platform to share the siblings’ modeling journey, but in October 2019, the Clements twins’ Instagram account, which had already gained millions of followers due to their modeling success, became a lifeline for their father.

The family’s lives took an unexpected turn when Kevin, the father of three and head swim coach at a local high school, began feeling what he thought was a mild cold.

Kevin, then 39, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Determined to help, the twins harnessed the power of social media, hoping to find a match among their millions of followers for their dad’s life-saving bone marrow transplant.

“If he gets a transplant, his cancer will go away quicker,” Ava told People in 2019.

Leah added, “People are so sweet to want to help my dad. The more people that get tested the better.”

Thousands of people around the country responded to the twin’s pleas to help their dad, and though Kevin found a match in his brother Chris, the followers who offered their support were added to a national registry to help other patients.

More than pretty faces
Ava and Leah are now stunning 14-year-olds who continue to model and engage with their ever-growing fan base. Their journey from local models to international sensations is a testament to their hard work, charm, and the unwavering support of their family.

Balancing their successful modeling careers with education, family, and advocacy, Leah and Ava have proven that they are more than just pretty faces – they are an inspiration to many and as they continue to evolve, the world eagerly awaits what’s next for these remarkable young stars.

What do you think of these beautiful girls and how they rallied the support of their followers to help their dad? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!

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