I'm not naive, I know he was an actor. But he projected a strong, positive image. In private (and yes, I know his foibles) as well as public.
Hollywierd, today, has very few that did what Wayne and the other old guys did.
I love all of his flicks. But of the later ones...I'll never forgive Bruce Dern for shooting him (The Cowboys) and I will stay up and watch True Grit every stinkin’ time to see him put the reigns in his teeth and ride.
(As an aside, I tried that once. I didn't notice how loosely the reigns were held. Darn near pulled my teeth out and gave myself whiplash,lol)
I love all of his flicks. But of the later ones...I’ll never forgive Bruce Dern for shooting him (The Cowboys) and I will stay up and watch True Grit every stinkin’ time to see him put the reigns in his teeth and ride.
i think bruce dern gave an interview about being on the set. iirc right before the scene the duke looked at dern and said “uou are about to become the most hated man in america.” why? “because you are going to shoot john wayne in the back.”