John Wayne

The Five Best John Wayne Movies of His Career

The accolades, awards, and legend of John Wayne is something that many people would definitely argue over one way or another in this day and age, but the Duke was a man that a lot of people still look up to as an example of what it was to be a man back in his day. Today you might hear him being called a prime example of ‘toxic masculinity’, but it would likely be laughed off by those that believe his legacy is still intact. That being said, some of his movies were quite well-received and are still held up as classics since whether people like it or not he was a prime example of what being man meant back in his era. It’s fair to say that Wayne might not have approved of or been accepted as he was in this day and age when people are quibbling over every last thing that’s said and done in a movie, but back in his time he was an absolute legend.
Here are some of his best movies to serve as an example.

5. The Searchers

When Ethan returns home from a life spent fighting one battle after another he seemingly wants to settle down, but when he and a band of other men are tricked by a Comanche raiding party they return to find the homestead burning and all but two individuals dead. A search party is sent out to retrieve the abducted young women, but Ethan is out for blood and isn’t about to let anyone stand in his way. When he does find the last remaining woman, his niece no less, he finds that she has bonded with her captors and then threatens to put her down. Eventually however the story ends with Ethan walking off into the distance, much the same way he arrived.

4. The Sons of Katie Elder

In a big way this seems to have been the basis for a movie such as Four Brothers since the four in this movie tend to act in the same way, meaning that it likely had something to do with the more modernized story. When the four brothers, all sons of well-loved Katie Elder, decide to try and do something deserving of their mother after her passing they run afoul of a man that claims to have won their land in a poker game. Upon being framed for murder and set up to be killed the brothers have to fight their way out so that justice can be done and their names can be cleared, and that’s just what they do in spectacular fashion.

3. McLintock!

This feels like such a back and forth affair that one can’t help but laugh at it despite the way that the women are treated would likely be looked upon with horror these days. McLintock isn’t that complicated of a man really, he just wants to see justice done for some and for others to live their lives peacefully and sensibly. Of course that’s not bound to happen when human beings are involved since there’s always some debate to be had, some grudge to settle, and some nonsense to bring up when all seems well and peaceful. The humor in this movie is the type that a lot of people would probably look at with widened eyes at this point.

2. Hondo

Hondo is quite simply a man that was forced into circumstances that were not of his own making. He wandered into a ranch that had been abandoned by the man of the house and fell in love with the woman of the house eventually. When it came to his dealings with the Apaches that had been harassing the woman and with whom he’d had dealings throughout the movie however it became apparent that things were not as neutral or as settled as some might have believed. By the end of the movie Angie and Hondo have professed their love for each other, and Hondo can’t help but lament the way things had to be to get so far.

1. True Grit
A lot of folks might recognize this story thanks to Jeff Bridges, Josh Brolin, and Hailee Steinfeld in this day and age, but it was John Wayne that first brought Rooster Cogburn to life, and created a legend that has endured for quite some time now. As a character he wasn’t exactly the best man in the world, but he knew how to get the job done no matter how messy it had to be. Plus for all his faults he was a man that believed in justice, no matter how hard it had to come and how painful it had to be for those that got in the way. In other words, Rooster didn’t really mess around when it came to getting things done.
While opinion of the Duke has waxed and waned throughout the years, he’s still considered a Hollywood legend.

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.