May 3, 2007
Duke's gonna be 100
Awesome post. Something to revel in.
If you think he was a one-note actor, you haven't watched the full range of his performances. You haven't seen the emotional underpinning he could put into the simplest scene. The way he could speak volumes through movement and facial expression and action. The way he spoke to our notion of American manliness and, especially through his films with John Ford, helped outline a complicated view of America itself.
A couple great quotes from John Wayne, and also from Peter Bogdonavich about John Wayne:
To me, Duke had always seemed slightly out of breath...
But go read the full post. 100 Things about John Wayne.
Cool! Thanks for posting that link!
Posted by: Dan at May 3, 2007 5:00 PMI happened to read that post this morning. Sigh.
Posted by: DBW at May 3, 2007 6:12 PMThe Duke always reminded me of my Grandfather, and I don't think I ever realized until reading this post that they had the same birthday.
Posted by: DBW at May 3, 2007 6:36 PMDBW - wow!! Wonderful!
I never get tired of talking about John Wayne, and I love that you love him too. Well, that so many people love him ... it's awesome to talk about his skills, his special-ness. It makes me happy.
Posted by: red at May 3, 2007 7:26 PMGreat post. Wayne remains iconic to this day. Frankly, it he had only made The Searchers, I'd still feel that way. But with that body of work and especially with Ford, it's stuff you come back to again and again. Like a favorite song, you find comfort there. Atta boy Duke. Happy 100!
Thanks for the kind words.
Posted by: the shamus at May 4, 2007 11:57 AM