Though he did not serve in the military, he was always an exalter of flag and country, his war movies and USO trips into harm’s way making him a patriotic symbol. Those aren’t bad qualities for a boy to glean from a movie hero.Īlong with being a movie icon, Wayne was a vocal Republican, even during the late 1960s and early ’70s when such a demonstrative conservative proclamation could have threatened his boxoffice championship. Wayne, who never played petty or vindictive on screen, portrayed men who faced down formidable odds, defended the rights of others, showed regard for authority and paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But, as a kid, my views on character were reinforced by watching the Duke’s movies. After all, he often ended conflict with guns or fisticuffs. Now, I suspect an endorsement of John Wayne as my screen hero may not sit well with some. “True Grit: Special Collector’s Edition” includes an audio commentary and several fun featurettes. And for years I have excitedly awaited the arrival of a “making-of” documentary. Even then, I knew no one could play Marshal Rooster J. His legendary career went on to span five decades, boasting several classic performances, including the Oscar-winning Rooster Cogburn in “True Grit.”Īs a kid, I read True Grit by Charles Portis. (Fortunately, the nickname “Duke” replaced Marion.) Years later, when the young actor got his first big break in 1930’s “The Big Trail,” the head of Fox Studios rechristened him John Wayne. The man who became the embodiment of the great American western hero was born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, on May 26, 1907. Paramount has a total of 14 Wayne titles on DVD, highlighted by an all-new Special Collector’s Edition of “True Grit” and three DVD collections: “The John Wayne Century Collection,” “The John Wayne Western Collection,” and the “John Wayne Adventure Collection.” (BP)–Paramount Home Entertainment and Warner Home Video joined last week to honor what would have been John Wayne’s 100th birthday.
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