Thursday, August 20, 2009

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

AudiewithRifle

     In 1945, Murphy married Wanda Hendrix. They divorced in 1951.

     After wards, Murphy married former airline stewardess, Pamela Archer. Murphy and Pamela had two children, Terrance Michael "Terry" Murphy and James Shannon "Skipper" Murphy. Murphy's sons were named after two of his friends, Terry Hunt and James "Skipper" Cherry.

     Murphy was a successful actor, businessman, and rancher. He owned ranches in Texas, Tucson, Arizona, and Menifee, California.

     Murphy became interested in Freemasonry in 1955. He was encourage by his friend, James Cherry, to join the Masonic Order in California. Murphy became a member of the 32nd Scottish Rite Mason and shriners upon his return to Texas. He was active in various Masonic events and was a member in good standing for the rest of his life.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

audie_news

     Murphy was also successful as a country music songwriter. He teamed up with musicians and composers as Guy Mitchell, Jimmy Bryant, and Scott Turner to name a few.

     Murphy's songs were sung and released by performers as Dean Martin, Charley Pride, Jimmy Bryant, Eddy Arnold, and Roy Clark.

     His two biggest hits were 'Shutters and Boards' and 'When the Wind Blows in Chicago'.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

AudiewithRifle

     James Cagney upon seeing Murphy's photo on the cover of Life Magazine, sense Murphy as star potential. James Cagney invited Murphy to Hollywood in September, 1945. Despite Cagney's expectations, Murphy had a tough time of it. Murphy was disillusioned from the lack of work. He was frequently broke and slept on the floor of a gymnasium his friend Terry Hunt owned. Eventually he started to receive token parts in the films 'Beyond Glory', and 'Texas, Brooklyn and Heaven'.

     Murphy's third movie, 'Bad Boy'(1949), Gave him his first leading role. Murphy got the lead role because Texas theater owners were financing the film and wanted Murphy in the lead role.

     He starred in the movie 'The Red Badge of Courage' (1957). The movie was an adaption of Stephen Crane's novel of the same title.

     Murphy played himself in a film version of his book 'To Hell and Back', which was about his days in World War 2. This movie was Universal's highest-grossing movie until 1975 film 'Jaws' came out.

     In 1959, Murphy starred in 'No Name on the Bullet'. Murphy portrayed a villain, who managed to stay within the law.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie

     Audie L. Murphy was born in Kingston, Texas to Emmett Berry and Josie Bell Murphy. Murphy was the sixth born of twelve children. (Only nine survived up to the age of eighteen.) His brothers and sisters were Corrine, Charles, Emmett (Buck), Vernon, June, Oneta, J.W., Richard, Eugene, Nadine, Billie, and Joseph Murphy.

     Murphy went to school in Celeste until he reached the eighth grade. He dropped out of school to help support his family because his father had deserted them. He worked for a dollar a day, plowing and picking cotton on any farm that would hire him. He also hunted small game to help feed his family. Murphy became quite skilled with a rifle.

     One of Murphy's hunting companions was Dial Henley. One day, Dial noticed Murphy never missed when he shot at squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Dial mentioned it to Murphy. Murphy's answer back to Dial was, "Well, Dial, if I don't hit what I shoot at, my family won't eat today."

    On May 23, 1941, Murphy's mother died. For awhile, Audie and Corrine kept the family together but was later forced to put their three younger siblings in an orphanage. Murphy reclaimed them after World War 2.

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

A Tribute To Audie L. Murphy

The Ballad Of Audie Murphy
By Wiley J. Smith 
************************
Just for interest sake, the clips on this video
are from 'To Hell And Back'. It was a biography movie
about Audie Murphy. As far as I know, Audie
Murphy was the only actor that played the role of

himself in any biography movie.

************************

Born:  June 10, 1926
           Kingston, TX
Died:  May 28, 1971
                                     Plane crash near Roanoke, VA
Links:  

Feel Free To Add This Banner To Your Web Site

Wikipedia-Audie L. Murphy
Answers.com-Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy: An American Hero

 

Links to the rest of the segment of Audie L. Murphy.

Audie L. Murphy-Early Life

Audie L. Murphy-Film Career

Audie L. Murphy-Music Career

Audie L. Murphy-Personal Life

Audie L. Murphy-Military Service And Battles

Audie L. Murphy-Post War Illness

Audie L. Murphy-Death

Audie L. Murphy-Living Legend Status

Audie L. Murphy-Legacy

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Prison Break


**************************
"Prison Break"
A clip from the 'The Red Skeleton Show'

**************************
No comments except I don't own the rights to
this clip. This page was put up for evaluation and entertainment
purposes only. The rights go to the makers of
"The Red Skeleton Show", Red Skeleton, and
the TV station that put it on.

**************************

The Ghost Riders of Neches River

     Farmers and cowboys were sworn enemies during the beginning of the range days. It was no wonder eight Texas cowboys herding 3000 head of cattle got mad when they saw a fence as far as the eye could see blocking their progress to Abilene, Kansas. It didn't help these eight cowboys deposition being sore and tired either.

     For a while, the cowboys muttered among themselves getting anger and anger. They started to dwell on the punishment they could inflict on the farmer.

     So when the farmer came out of his house near Neches River with a shotgun, the eight cowboys saw their chance to inflict punishment. The cowboys took their positions around the herd of cattle, quickly sent the cattle into a stampede.

     The farmer scurried about and ran towards his house. He made it inside and warned his wife and two children then ran back out of the house. The farmer shot at the raging cattle, heading towards him to give his family time to get away. He had emptied the two barrels of the shotgun before is trampled to death. The cattle stampeded through the house killing the farmer's wife and two kids.

     Not one of the eight Texas cowboys showed remorse for their heinous misdeed. As a matter of fact, the eight cowboys bragged about the incident to their compadres, laughing about it, and toasting their nasty deed to others in Abilene. They were hailed as heroes for a month among their confederates.

     But once the Texas cowboys crossed over into their home state, they were showed no mercy. They had dreams of angry bulls with burning eyes, saw the ghosts of the family they murdered. These rough and tough cowboys were turned to whimpering cowards and unable to work anymore on cattle drives. Of course, none of them lived long after their return to Texas. The cause of their death varied among the eight from gunfights to suicide. One had drunk himself to death. The last of the eight died in 1875.

     A strange thing happened after the last cowboy died of the eight. Ghost riders started to appear on the Neches River. "They came just as the sun was sinking low on the horizon, when the immense Texan sky was a scarlet-streaked dome and the Neches ran red like a river of blood to the southeast...The ground beneath began to rumble, and the whole landscape started to shake. Up above, on the southern horizon, a group of what looked to be thick red clouds suddenly appeared, moving north at great speed. In the span of a few seconds, the clouds were overhead and were no longer clouds but a herd of angry cattle, driven forward by 12 masked cowboys. They roared over the Neches River in a terrible rush, the whole landscape shaking in their wake. And then, in the next instant, they were gone. They vanished suddenly in the dim evening sky, leaving not a trace of their passing."*

     If you are wondering why I put this Texas folklore on a blog talking about actors, music, TV series, etc. it is because this folklore pertains to music. The ghost riders of Neches River was immortalized in 1915 by country singer Stan Jones in his classic song "Ghost Riders in the Sky".

     If you never heard the song, your in for a treat. Here is my favorite video of the song. Enjoy.

 

*************************

*I found this story in 'Ghost Stories of the Old West' by Dan Asfar. The story is on pages 78-83. The words in parenthesis are the words of the author of the book. There was no way I was going to mess with the beautiful words that described the scene he wrote of the ghost riders.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Oh Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble by Mac Davis

Oh Lord, It's Hard To Be Humble By Mac Davis


Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way.

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day.

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

I used to have a girlfriend

But she just couldn't compete

With all of these love starved women

Who keep clamoring at my feet.

Well I probably could find me another

But I guess they're all in awe of me.

Who cares, I never get lonesome

Cause I treasure my own company.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way,

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

I guess you could say I'm a loner,

A cowboy outlaw tough and proud.

I could have lots of friends if I want to

But then I wouldn't stand out from the crowd.

Some folks say that I'm egotistical.

Hell, I don't even know what that means.

I guess it has something to do with the way that

I Fill out my skin tight blue jeans.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

When you're perfect in every way,

I can't wait to look in the mirror

Cause I get better looking each day

To know me is to love me

I must be a hell of a man.

Oh Lord it's hard to be humble

But I'm doing the best that I can.

We're doing the best that we can

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Here's To The Heroes

 

 

     I put this video up one because I liked it. Two, is to keep our military and Coast Guards in our prayers.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Combat!-High Named Today

*********************

Combat! Episode: High Named Today

*********************

I don't own the rights to this video. All rights go to the makers and the TV stations of 'Combat'. The video is up for evaluation and entertainment purpose only. I am not making money from this.

*********************

 

Combat! (TV Series)

combatteam

     'Combat!' is an American television program that aired on ABC from 1962-1967. The exclamation point at the end of Combat is a stylized bayonet.

     Robert Pirosh created 'Combat!'. The TV series ran for five seasons. The first four seasons were in black and white. The final season was in color. The covered the lives of a squad of soldiers (King Company) in France during World War 2. The TV series lasted longer than the ground war in the European Theatre of Operations. Not to mention, King Company never made it out of France.

 

Cast:

  • Rick Jason-2nd Lt. Gil Haney
  • Vic Morrow-Sgt. Chip Saunders
  • Pierre Jalbert-Pfc. Paul "Caje" Le May
  • Jake Hogan-Pvt. William G. Kirby
  • Dick Peabody-Pvt. "Littlejohn"
  • Conlan Carter-"Doc" (seasons 2-5)
  • Tom Lowell-Billy Nelson (seasons 1-2)
  • Shecky Greene-Pvt. Braddock (season 1)
  • Steven Rogers-"Doc" (seasons 1)
  • Paul Busch-(played different parts, mostly German)

Honorable Mention

     Most of the cast members were World War 2 veterans.

     Navy

  • Vic Morrow
  • Jack Hogan
  • Dick Peabody
  • Shecky Green

     Army Air Corps

  • Rick Jason

     Air Force

  • Conlan Carter

 

Guest Stars:

  • Ted Knight
  • Frank Gorshin
  • Lee Marvin
  • James Coburn
  • Richard Basehart
  • Eddie Albert
  • Nick Adams
  • Randy Boone
  • James Caan
  • Leonard Nimoy
  • Warren Spahn (Baseball Hall of Famer)
  • Mike Farrell
  • Beau Bridges
  • Robert Duvall
  • Charles Bronson
  • Earnest Borgnine

Facts About The Show:

  • 'Sgt. Saunders' Combat!' game by Super Famicom was based on the TV series.
  • CBS Paramount Television inherited the TV series from ABC Films.

Links to Other Combat! Sites.

 

*  If I missed anything your welcome to let me know on the comments.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Combat!-Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd

*************************

Combat!: Episode 'Lost Sheep, Lost Shepherd'

*************************

I don't own the rights to this video. All rights go to the makers and the TV stations of 'Combat'. The video is up for evaluation and entertainment purpose only. I am not making money from this.

*************************

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Winds Of The Wasteland

I thought it would neat to share one of movie's John Wayne was in. This movie is called the title of this post. Enjoy.



*************************
I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Politics

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom


*************************

Saturday, July 4, 2009

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

On May 26, 1979, John Wayne's status as an American icon became formally recognized by the United States Congress when he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Hollywood figures and Americans from across the political spectrum testified to Congress why Wayne deserved the award. One of the most notable was Robert Aldrich, who stated "It is important for you to know that I am a registered Democrat and to my knowledge, share none of the political views espoused by Duke. However, whether he is ill disposed or healthy, John Wayne is far beyond the normal political sharp shooting in this community. Because of his courage, his dignity, his integrity, and because of his talents as an actor, his strength as a leader, his warmth as a human being throughout his illustrious career, he is entitled to a unique spot in our hearts and minds. In this industry, we often judge people , sometimes unfairly, by asking wether they have paid their dues. John Wayne has paid his dues over and over, and I'm proud to consider him a friend, and am very much in favor of my Government recognizing in some important fashion the contribution that Mr. Wayne has made."

Maureen O'Hara requested the words to be place on the medal. "John Wayne, American."

The medal was crafted by the United States Mint. One side of the medal is John Wayne riding on horseback. The other side a portrait of John Wayne with the words "John Wayne, American." The medal was present to Wayne's family on March 6, 1980 at the capitol of the United States. The medal is now at the John Wayne Museum in Winterset, Iowa.

On June 9, 1980, Wayne was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Jimmy Carter.



*************************
I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.


Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.

*************************

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne died on June 11, 1979 of stomach cancer at UCLA Medical Center. He was buried at Pacific View Memorial Park cemetery in Corona del Mar. Wayne requested his tombstone to read "Feo, Fuerte y Formal" meaning "ugly, strong and dignified". The saying never happened. Wayne's grave went unmarked for twenty years. When his tombstone was marked, it wasn't with the phrase he wanted. It was marked with one of his quotation from his 'Playboy' interview: "Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday."



*************************
I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.
Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.

*************************

Friday, July 3, 2009

John Wayne-Military Service Controversy

johnwayne3

When the United States enter into World War 2 there was an overwhelming support for the War effort from all sectors of society. This included Hollywood. Established stars rushed to sign up for military service. Stars like Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Henry Fonda, Clark Gable, Eddie Albert, Tyrone Powers, and James Stewart.

As the majority of the male leads left to serve overseas, Wayne saw his blossoming stardom at risk. He put off enlisting. However, Wayne was exempt from service due to his age, family status, and classified 3-A (Family deferment).

Wayne's secretary did make inquiries on Wayne's behalf with military officials on but Wayne never followed up on them. Wayne did repeatedly write to John Ford, asking to be placed in his unit but Wayne continually postponed joining until after the next film.

The correspondence between Wayne and Herbert J. Yates (the head of the Republic Studios) indicated Yates threatened Wayne. Yates said if he (Wayne) walked away, he would file a lawsuit for breach of contract. Whether Yates meant it or not was never revealed. Wayne never did test it.

In May, 1944, Wayne was reclassified as 1-A (age eligible). The studio intervened with a 2-A deferment (for support of national health, safety, or interest). Wayne stayed 2-A until the war ended. Wayne never did illegally dodge the draft but he never took affirmative action in enlisting.

In 1943-1944, Wayne toured the South Pacific theater of the war for three months. He toured U.S. bases and hospitals as will as done some intelligence work for OSS commander William J. Donovan. Donovan thought Wayne's celebrity status might be a good cover for assessing of the poor relation between General MacArthur and the OSS Pacific Network. Donovan gave Wayne a plague and commendation for his short service with the OSS but Wayne dismissed it as meaningless.

These facts influenced the direction Wayne's life later took. Wayne's failure to serve in the military during World War 2 was the most painful experience in his life. There were other stars, who for various reasons, didn't enlist. Wayne became the focus of particular scorn from both himself and portions of the public. Wile there are some people that hold Wayne in contempt for the paradox between his early actions and his later attitudes, Wayne's widow suggests his rampant patriotism didn't come from hypocrisy but guilt. Pilar Wayne wrote, "He would become a 'superpatriot' for the rest of his life to atone for staying home."

*************************

I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Politics

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.


*************************

Thursday, July 2, 2009

John Wayne-Politics

johnwayne2

Wayne was an anti-communist and a vocal supporter of the House Un-American Activities Committee. In 1952, Wayne made 'Big Jim McLain' to show his support for the anti-communist cause. Wayne proclaimed to be instrumental in having Carl Foreman blacklisted from Hollywood after the release of the anti-McCarthyism western 'High Noon' (1952). Later, Wayne teamed up with Howard Hawks to make 'Rio Bravo' (1959) in response to 'High Noon'.

When John F. Kennedy won the presidency, Wayne expressed his patriotism by saying: "I didn't vote for him but he's my president, and I hope he does a good job."

Wayne used his status to support conservative causes. One of those causes was rallying support for the Vietnam War by producing, co-directing, and starring in the movie 'The Green Berets' (1968).

In 1978, Wayne enraged conservatives by supporting liberal causes like the Panama Canal Treaty and the innocence of Patty Hearst.

Due to Wayne status as a famous Republican star, the Texas Republican Party asked him to run for national office in 1968. Wayne declined in a joking manner that he didn't believe the American public would seriously vote an actor in the White House. Wayne, however, did support Ronald Reagan run for the governorship of California in 1966 and 1970. Also, Wayne was asked to become the running mate of George Wallace in 1968. Wayne again declined the offer.

Wayne actively campaigned for Richard Nixon, addressing the Republican National Convention on opening day in August of 1968.

Wayne in addiction was a member of the John Birch Society (a conservative, anti-communist group).

Wayne's strong anti-communist politics did lead to a disturbing situation. In 2003, information from the Soviet archives reported that Joseph Stalin ordered Wayne's assassination. Stalin died before the order could be carried out. Stalin's successor, Nikita Khrushchev, told Wayne during one of his visits to the states in 1958 that he personally rescinded the order.

*************************
I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.


*************************

Friday, June 5, 2009

John Wayne-Personal Life

johnwayne1

John Wayne was married three times. His wives were all Hispanic. His wives were Josephine Alicia Saenz, Esperanza Baur, and Pilar Pallete. He had four children with Josephine and three with Pilar.

Wayne stormiest divorce was from his second wife, Esperanza. Esperanza had convinced herself Wayne and co-star Gail Russell were having an affair. After the wrap of the film 'Angel and the Badman', there was the usual party for the cast and crew. Wayne came home late. Esperanza was drunk and waiting for him when he arrived. Esperanza attempted to shoot Wayne as he walked through the door.

There were several high profile affairs in Wayne's life. One was with Marlene Dietrich and another with his former secretary Pat Stacy. Pat Stacy wrote a biography of her life with Wayne. The book is titled 'Duke: A Love Story'.

In the 1960's, Wayne traveled frequently to Panama where he purchased the island of Taborcillo. The island was sold by his estate at his death. The island of Taborcillo changed hands many times until it was open as a tourist attraction.

Wayne was a Freemason. He was Master Mason in Marion McDaniel Lodge #66, F&Am in Tucson. Wayne became a 32nd Scottish Rite Mason. He later became a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Anaheim.

*************************
I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Film Career

John Wayne-Politics

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.


*************************

Monday, June 1, 2009

John Wayne-Film Career

WayneStagecoach

John Wayne worked for Fox Film corporation for $75 a week in small roles. he was given on-screen credit once as 'Duke Morrison' in 'Words and Music'(1929). In 1930, John got his first starring role by director Raoul Walsh in 'The Big Trail'. Walsh suggested the screen name 'Anthony Wayne' after the Revolution War general 'Mad Anthony' Wayne. Fox Studio chief Winfield Sheehan rejected the name. Walsh suggested another name 'John Wayne'. Sheehan liked and agreed the screen name. The name stuck. Wayne himself wasn't there for the discussion. Wayne's pay was raised to $105 a week.

'The big Trail was the first big budget outdoor spectacular of the sound era and cost over $2 million. "The Big Trail' utilized hundreds of extras, wide scenes of the American Southwest. It was filmed in two versions, the standard 35mm and Grandeur. The audience that saw the film in Grandeur stood and cheered. Unfortunately, at the time only a handful of theaters were equipped to show the film in its widescreen process, make the effect a large waste. 'The big Trail' was considered a failure.

After the failure of 'The Big Trail', Wayne was banished back to small roles. He played a corpse in 'The Deceiver' (1931). He appeared in the serial 'The Three Musketeers' (1933), A updated version of Alexander Dumas' navel in which the principal characters were soldiers in the French foreign Legion. He appeared in many low-budget westerns and serials. Eighty westerns Wayne estimated he had appeared in between 1930-1939. Wayne was mentored by stuntmen in riding and other cowboy skills. Wayne and Yakima Canutt (a famed stuntman) developed and perfected stunts used today.

Wayne's breakthrough role came in John Ford's classic 'Stagecoach' (1939). Ford had difficulty in getting financing for 'Stagecoach' because of Wayne's non-star status. After getting rejections from all the top studios, Ford turned to and struck a deal with independent producer, William Wellman. 'Stagecoach' became a huge success and Wayne became a star. Wayne later appeared in over twenty of John Ford's films. Some of those films are 'She Wore A Yellow Ribbon' (1949), 'The Quiet Man' (1952), 'The Searchers' (1956), 'The Wings of Eagles' (1957), and 'The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance' (1962).

The first colored film John Wayne appeared in was 'Shepherd of the Hills' (1941). He co-starred with his longtime friend, Harry Carey.

In 1942, John Wayne appeared in his only film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, 'Reap the Wild Wind'. He co-starred with Ray Milland and Paulette Goddard. It was also one of those rare times Wayne played a character of questionable values.

Wayne was offered the starring role in the film 'All the King's Men' (1949) by director Robert Rossen. Wayne rejected the role because he thought the script was un-American.

Wayne lost the leading role in 'The Gunfighter' (1950) due to his refusal to work for Columbia Pictures chief Henry Cohn (Henry Cohn had mistreated Wayne when he was a young contract.). The lead role in 'The Gunfighter' went to Gregory Peak later.

One of John Wayne's popular roles was his portrayal of a heroic copilot in the film 'The High and the Mighty'. Wayne also played aviators in the films 'Flying Tigers' (1942), 'Flying Leatherneck' (1951), 'Island in the Sky" (1953), 'the Wings of Eagles' (1957), and 'Jet Pilot' (1957).

John Wayne won the Best Actor Oscar for 'True Grit' (1969). He was also nominated as producer of Best Picture for 'The Alamo' and 'The Green Berets' (1968). John Wayne's last film was 'The Shootist' (1976).

*************************

I put this section here for people who came from the tribute page I have up on my main website, "Midnight Angel's Place". Home will take you back to the tribute page of John Wayne on my main website. The other links will take you to the other segments about John Wayne.

Home

John Wayne-Early Life

John Wayne-Personal Life

John Wayne-Politics

John Wayne-Military Conterversy

John Wayne-Death

John Wayne-Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Medal of Freedom

Winds Of The Wasteland-This is a movie John Wayne starred in.

*************************