In May 2012, I interviewed writer-producer A.J. Fenady (1), known for The Rebel, Branded, Hondo and Chisum (1970) et alia, about his friend “Duke.” We met at his offices in Hollywood near Paramount Pictures. Fenady, while developing Chisum (1970), accompanied Duke during and between the filming of Hellfighters (1968),True Grit (1969) and The Undefeated (1969). He was with him the night he won his Oscar and the day he celebrated with […]
Read MoreWhy John Wayne Endures
Given all the heroes and soldiers he played over his half century in film, this year, it’s only fitting that John Wayne’s birthday should fall on Memorial Day. Around the world he still enjoys steady popularity like no other long-deceased movie star. In 2003, over two decades after his death from cancer in 1979, he was listed […]
Read MoreJohn Wayne Film Fest April 24-27
John Wayne Film Fest – April 24-27 Hosted by LOOK Cinemas, benefiting John Wayne Cancer Foundation with VIP Ann-Margret All movie screenings at LOOK Cinemas – Dallas, Texas. LOOK Cinemas 5409 Belt Line Rd Dallas, TX 75254 www.lookcinemas.com (214) 306-7446 Click here to view the John Wayne Film Fest Online Auction.
Read MoreJohn Wayne – TCM ‘Star of the Month for April’
For five days in April our Star of the Month spotlight shines on the legend that was and is John Wayne. Through five decades he was one of the great American icons and Hollywood’s biggest box-office star. His popularity endures today, with his name appearing often on lists of all-time greats. Our Wayne festival was […]
Read MoreFree screening of the 1953 Western “Hondo,” starring John Wayne
John Wayne, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall all can be seen on a big screen this weekend in Shawnee County for little or no money. The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library will present a free screening of the 1953 Western “Hondo,” starring Wayne in the title role, at 2 p.m. in Marvin Auditorium of […]
Read MoreShirley Temple costarred with John Wayne before retiring from films
Shirley Temple Black would become an actress-turned-ambassador as an adult, accepting posts in Ghana andf Czechoslovakia. Be assured, however, she always will be most lovingly remembered as our most successful child actress. (Surely one of you knows all the lyrics to “On the Good Ship Lollypop!” Or can name the film in which she sang […]
Read MoreJohn Wayne’s kids and grandchild in Dallas next week to kick off Wayne Film Fest
It looks like John Wayne’s family is pleased with the move of the John Wayne Film Festival from West Texas to Dallas. Three of the Duke’s children and one of his grandchildren have already indicated that they are coming to town for next week’s festival kickoff event. Siblings Melinda Wayne Munoz, Ethan Wayne and Marissa […]
Read MoreStalin and Mao Tried to Assassinate John Wayne, New Book Claims
Steven Travers is an historian, guest lecturer at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism and author of 20 books and screenplays. He’s a conservative author whose own publicity posits grimly that the “old way” of American patriotism and macho values have been destroyed and replaced with the “world now dominated by Barack Obama.” One of […]
Read MoreGlendale High School to change auditorium name to honor movie legend John Wayne
In honor of one of the most famous icons who has ever lived in the city, Glendale High School will change the name of its auditorium to the John Wayne Performing Arts Center, after the legendary actor who is not otherwise recognized in the city where he came of age. Before he took on his […]
Read MoreHow shooting John Wayne killed Bruce Dern’s career
Maybe, just maybe, the curse is finally off Bruce Dern’s career — the curse that has plagued him for four decades as the guy who shot John Wayne. After all, the laurels are mounting these days for the 77-year-old actor, thanks to his performance in Nebraska as a cantankerous dad who believes he has struck […]
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