Inspired by some of the recent comments in this thread I’d like to hear what some of you think are John Wayne’s best film moments. Not just the fights, but the great lines, scenes and jokes. (And please, no hijacks about his politics.)
One of my favorites is the climactic scene in True Grit, when Rooster Cogburn is facing Ned Pepper and his gang across the field; Cogburn says he’s here to bring them in and Pepper says, “That’s pretty bold talk for a one-eyed fat man!”
“Fill yer hand, you son-of-a-bitch!” and he puts the reins between his teeth, draws his second gun, and rides at them, guns blazing in both hands.
There is an absolutely terrific moment near the end of Fort Apache.
Spoiler
In it, Henry Fonda plays a George Custer type army officer, who is massacred due to his own stupidity. Wayne was his second in command; Fonda sent him to the rear because Wayne kept insisting that he was going into a trap. When Fonda is killed, he becomes a hero. Wayne knows better. In the final scene, Wayne is interviewed by a reporter who talks about a painting of Fonda dying heroically. The reporter asks the Duke if the painting is accurate.
There is a pause, and a close up of Wayne. Should he tell the truth, or not?
Then Wayne speaks. “That’s exactly the way it happened.”
Incredible moment.
“But I won’t. I won’t. The hell I won’t.”
SMACK
I thought this was goign to be a Duke Kahanumoku surfing thread. . .
From Big Jake
Duke: Take of your goggles
Michael: takes of his goggles
SOCK
Duke: THATS for pretending to be dead
Michael: I didnt know who was up there, i HAD to be careful
Duke: Oh, are u hurt, helps him get up
SOCK
Duke: THATS for scaring me outta 10 years of my life, which i cant spare, do that again and i’ll kill ya
Go john wayne!
John Wayne is creditted with one of my favorite quotes:
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”
Cool thread, Lurk.