The “Duke” and Democracy: On John Wayne

Dissent Magazine ^ | Winter 2008 | Charles Taylor

[jazusamo]

Agreed, and like you say, just hit the mute! LOL!!

[texgal]

One of my favorites was “The Quiet Man” with Maureen O’Hara but I liked all of his movies. They’re much better than anything in Hollywood today.

[Cincinatus]

Apparently, JFK thought so too!

[Ignatz]

IMHO best Wayne movie, The Searchers.

It is a great picture, without a doubt. Wayne considered it not just one of his best, but one of the ten best movies ever.

[steve-b]

Not Guilty!

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

Maureen O’Hara was one of the most gorgeous women ever to be seen on the silver screen.
That and acting ability, too, made a potent combination.

Semper Fi,

[OldEagle]

"...ordering women and Indians around because that’s the way God planned it."

Can't be all bad.

[jazusamo]

IMHO best Wayne movie, The Searchers.

Agreed, it was a great move.

[OldEagle]

There was nothing wrong with Angie.

My favorite John Wayne movie was Rio Grande.

[STE=Q]

Best Line:

“A man’s gotta do, what a man’s gotta do.”

Followed by:

… “pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning, might have got somebody killed… and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth.

… But I won’t … I won’t … The hell I won’t!”

[fish hawk]

Better yet: Rooster Cogburn/ “fill your hands you sons a bitches”

[Slicksadick]

This doorway pose at the end was done as a tribute to Harry Carey Sr. The same doorway opened the film, the scene presents the visual motif of the framed doorway and threshold between the two worlds. The interior area in the cabin represents civilized values and the settled family. The brilliant, glaring, sunny outdoor area represents the savage and threatening land of the western frontier loner and the opposition between civilization (exemplified by homes, caves, and other domestic interiors) and the untamed frontier wilderness. Per the previously linked review.

[auboy]

John Wayne is my favorite actor of all time. Thanks for all the memories, Mr. Wayne.

[jazusamo]

That’s a great shot and the review on it is right on.

His acting role in the Searchers reminded me a little of his role in Red River but in the Searchers a much better performance by Wayne and much better movie.

[Arkady]

I’ve always seen John Wayne as the Frank Sinatra of film. Great body of work over four decades. Not many performers can do that. Great screen presence. Worked wonders without always the best scripts. He transcended scripts...I’d watch him do a commercial over most actors.
For me the quintessential Wayne film is Hondo, about 10 minutes here and there of the best Duke you’ll ever see. Also, the 3 Godfathers is very good and under-appreciated.
God Bless John Wayne!

[gunnyg]

Yep—The Searchers is the best of Duke’s work.
And, of course, SgtMaj John M. Striker USMC!

[jazusamo]

The Duke’s role as SgtMaj Striker was A1. I was a kid when it was released and don’t really know how many times I’ve seen it but it’s a lot and I still enjoy it.

[ReignOfError]

John Wayne is my favorite Western, but I’m afraid he’s the second lead: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

[Maverick68]

Absolutely love “Liberty Valence”. It is from beginning to end a perfect movie, and I dare you not cry when at the end the conductor says “nothings too good for the man who shot Liberty Valence”......You know, I could go on all day talking about the Duke’s movies......and yes, McClintock is one of my favorites. Great comedy and chemistry throughout, PLUS the added bonus of the beautiful Maureen O’Hara and Yyvonne Decarlo....