Behind the Bastards

Part Two: John Wayne: A Dude Who Sucked

14 snips
Apr 28, 2022
Francesca Fiorentini joins the discussion on the controversial life of John Wayne, exploring his tumultuous relationships and the stark contrast between his patriotism and draft evasion during WWII. She humorously recounts Wayne’s drunken antics and the chaotic production on set, while addressing the troubling representation of women in his films. The conversation also critiques Wayne's absurd casting choices, highlighting a notorious role as Genghis Khan, and wraps up with a nod to the importance of mental health awareness.
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ANECDOTE

John Wayne's First Cowboy Role

  • Robert Evans and Francesca Fiorentini discuss John Wayne's entry into cowboy roles.
  • Director Raoul Walsh noticed Wayne's physique while he was moving furniture, leading to his first cowboy role.
ANECDOTE

John Wayne's Name Change

  • John Wayne's birth name, Marion Morrison, was deemed unsuitable for a cowboy actor.
  • The name "John Wayne" was chosen, which became iconic due to its single-name impact.
ANECDOTE

Wayne's Dysentery on Set

  • During the filming of "The Big Trail," Wayne arrived drunk and suffered from dysentery.
  • Iron Eyes Cody, pretending to be Native American, cared for him with "Indian remedies."
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