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Post by Dirty Santa PaulsLaugh on Aug 20, 2020 18:18:17 GMT
He grew into his craft, though he was a movie star before being an actor. He had been around Hollywood (mostly with John Ford) for a while, and even landed a starring role The Big Trail and continued in B-movies and supporting parts for Ford until the director showcased him in Stagecoach. His reintroduction scene is stunning. Howard Hawks pushed him on Red River and the Duke, as always, learned from the masters. The Shooters Shootist was his valedictory.  This is the image of the uniquely American hero. There is one old, old b-movie where he plays a hockey goon. He learned to ice skate for the part. I love that Ringo was so naive in Stagecoach he never figured out Dallas was a prostitute. You are spot on about that intro shot of Ringo Kid. So iconic and pure starmaking brilliance. John Ford knew Duke was a star more than Wayne himself did and certainly more than the studios did. I've seen several documentaries on Ford and he was fascinating. You and many here are probably familiar with the same docs I've seen but I'll never tire of watching Peter Bogdanovich try to interview a very succinct Ford. In case anyone wants a reminder. I hate to be smug or argumentative but I'll power through anyway and ask How can anyone say they love film but not like John Ford? Ford was fucking with Bogdanovich and to the young man’s credit, he knew it and love that the old grouch did. Great documentary. Peter got to know the Hollywood old guard before kids like him took over. Another thing is how Ford uses the Monument Valley/Moab region. Sometimes watch one of his black and white westerns followed by a technicolor one. Not a John Wayne movie, but My Darling Clementine racks as one of Ford’s best. I have a big soft spot for Donavan’s Reef...not his best, but fun. Marvin gets to show off his considerable comedy skills.
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