Understanding John Wayne – Happy Birthday

May 26, 2015

I’ve always been a John Wayne fan.

It was only in my teens when VCRs and the idea of visiting a video store and renting a movie became popular, that I noticed late night TV viewing was also changing. Before the VCR revolution, late night TV was a wealth of wonderful classic movies from the Marx Brothers and Abbott and Costello to films by the likes of Gary Cooper, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and, of course, John Wayne. Afterwards, it seemed it was harder and harder to find those great films being played on TV on a regular basis. Luckily, I was all ready hooked on the classics.

As our society turned more and more politically correct, admitting you were a fan of The Duke became harder – not in all circles, but quite a few. Wayne’s image is one of the gung-ho American, shooting first and asking questions later. That perception was often used to illustrate all that is wrong with America, as it suggests a bulldog attitude of brawn over brains. Over the years, I’ve found, however, that those who look poorly upon the John Wayne mystic are often those who have never sat down and truly watched any of his movies.

John Wayne died June 11, 1979 after having lost his battle with cancer, and after having made over 150 movies. Today, May 26th is his birthday, and as one of the most popular actors ever, it’s worth noting to those who have a limited view of the Duke, he was a more complex man than they could ever suspect.

John Wayne did not create the John Wayne mystic; he merely made films that reflected his interests and beliefs. As the ultimate screen cowboy, some would believe he was the enemy of the Native American, but in his later films, where he had control, Native Indians were portrayed respectfully. In Chisum, his character threatens a U.S. Soldier who is disrespectful to Indian Chiefs on a reservation, in The Undefeated he has an adopted Native American son, and in Fort Apache, his character refuses to engage in the final battle – a court-martial offense – because he’d negotiated a peace with Tribal Elders, respects them, and would not go back on his word. These are just a few aspects of the John Wayne image that might surprise those who haven’t watched any of his movies; there are more, but too many to note here.

In his life, John Wayne did speak his mind and defended his beliefs – something we should all do. While he created an on-screen image that has led to his mystic, now that he’s gone, I’d imagine he would be surprised he is as well remembered and loved to this day, by those of us who have watched his work and understand his complexity. I get the impression he was a man who was busy making a living and caring for his family and friends – many of those friends who worked with him again and again in his movies.

John Wayne was a man who has left us a wealth of great work. No matter how many biographies I read, I do understand, I’ll never truly know the real man behind the image, but that’s okay, because what he represents on screen is strength, honor and dignity. Before anyone criticizes the man and his image, I’d suggest watching his work, and discovering there’s more to the John Wayne mystic than you thought. As for me, I’ll continue to be a fan, and will never feel uncomfortable admitting that ever again.

Happy Birthday, Duke.