Thoughts on some Books about John Wayne that I have read:
JOHN WAYNE: American by Randy Roberts (1995)
His friends and fans simply call him Duke. More than 20 yrs. after his death he is still coming in 1st or 2nd in polls askings Americans who their favorite actor is. Why is this? Come on, he's dead already!
Beginning in 1930 with THE BIG TRAIL and ending in 1976 with THE SHOOTIST, DUKE has been bigger than life, a symbol to the world of the ruggedness, tough independence, personal conviction, and courage that make up the American character.
I love him not just because he was a great actor, but because he played roles that showed us an America to be proud of. He was the type of guy you wouldn't mind sitting with in a bar for a few drinks and, definitely, you'd love him at your back in a fight!
The authors of this book tell you everything you need to know to understand and appreciate John Wayne the way I and millions the world over do.
This meticulously researched, and well thought out story of the life of DUKE is a must. From his childhood to his college years, from his first job in Hollywood thru the incredible career he led as an actor, from one marriage to the next and his political views and activism all the way thru to his battle with the Big C this book is a gold mine.
An added plus are the extensive notes and bibliography sections and a complete chronological Filmography.
You will never look at John Wayne, the actor and the man, in the same way ever again.
John Wayne's America by Gary Wills (1998)
This book is essentially a discussion about an idea.
American values, and culture came to be influenced by the films and film roles of John Wayne, and the author explores that in great detail.
This book helped me understand why I admire the courage, resolution, dignity, and strength that his characters displayed, and why I admire Wayne's ability to disappear into the skin of whatever character he played.
DUKE: The Life and Image of John Wayne by Ronald L. Davis
His friends and fans simply call him Duke.
More than 20 yrs. after his death he is still coming in 1st or 2nd in polls askings Americans who their favorite actor is.
Why is this?
The author of this book will help you understand and appreciate John Wayne the way I and millions the world over do.
You will never look at John Wayne, the actor and the man, in the same way ever again.
He is my favorite American Actor of all time, and, before I sold the collection several years ago, I owned nearly all his films on Video.
Not the best book out there, but still informative.
DUKE, We're Glad We Knew You: John Wayne's Friends and Colleagues Remember His Remarkable Life by Herb Fagen (2000)
Critics complain that he was a Johnny-One Note who played the same person over and over, and wasn't very good at it. I say this is Baloney.
The annecdotes and observations of the people who lived and worked with him that are found in this book show that he was able to do so much, physically, and emotionally with the characters he played.
You come away with a better sense of why you cheered, laughed, and cried under the spell of his performances. Whether you agreed or disagreed with the actions of his character, you still cared for him and cared about what happened to him
His friends, family, and co-workers loved and admired him, and it shows very clearly in this wonderful book.
Sure, he drank, and smoked, and was a staunch anti-commie, but he was also a loyal, funny, kind and gentle family man who worked hard to perfect his craft and cared about his co-workers.
Read this book and understand.
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