History of John Wayne in Timeline
"John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison, was an iconic American actor nicknamed \"the Duke\". Famous for his roles in Westerns and war movies during Hollywood's Golden Age, his career spanned from the 1920s to the American New Wave. Wayne starred in 179 film and television productions, remained a top box-office draw for three decades, and collaborated with many renowned Hollywood stars. The American Film Institute recognized him as one of the greatest male stars of classic American cinema in 1999."
May 26, 1907: Birth of Marion Robert Morrison
On May 26, 1907, Marion Robert Morrison, later known as John Wayne, was born in Winterset, Iowa. This event marked the beginning of the life of one of America's most iconic actors.
May 30, 1907: Birth Announcement
On May 30, 1907, the Winterset Madisonian newspaper announced the birth of Marion Robert Morrison, who would later become known as John Wayne. The announcement noted his birth weight as 13 pounds.
1915: Death of Marion Mitchell Morrison
The year 1915 marked the passing of John Wayne's grandfather, Marion Mitchell Morrison, a veteran of the American Civil War.
1916: Move to Glendale
In 1916, John Wayne's family relocated to Glendale, California, settling at 404 Isabel Street. This move would significantly impact Wayne's life, as he would later attend Glendale Union High School and become involved in the local community.
1924: Glendale High School Football Championship
In 1924, John Wayne was part of the Glendale High School football team that won the league championship. This victory highlighted his athletic abilities during his formative years.
1926: John Wayne's Acting Career Begins
John Wayne's acting career began in 1926 and spanned several decades.
1926: Early Film Roles
John Wayne's early film career began in 1926 with an uncredited role in "Bardelys the Magnificent." This marked his initial foray into the world of film, where he would later become a prominent figure.
1927: The Dropkick
John Wayne appeared in the 1927 film "The Dropkick," showcasing his early involvement in the film industry during a time when silent films were transitioning to sound.
1929: Salute
In 1929, John Wayne appeared in the film "Salute." This role, among others, contributed to his growing experience in front of the camera during the early years of his career.
1929: Words and Music
The only film to credit John Wayne as "Duke Morrison" was the 1929 musical "Words and Music." This film serves as a unique piece of trivia in his filmography.
1930: The Big Trail
John Wayne landed his first leading role in Raoul Walsh's Western "The Big Trail" in 1930. Though a box-office failure, the film, an early widescreen epic, marked a turning point in Wayne's career.
1930: Birth of John Wayne
The year 1930 marked a pivotal moment in Marion Robert Morrison's life. Director Raoul Walsh cast him as the lead in "The Big Trail" and christened him "John Wayne." This event signified the birth of his iconic persona and the start of his journey toward becoming a legend in Hollywood.
1930: Filming of "Maker of Men"
While the film was released in 1931, the filming of "Maker of Men" took place in 1930. This film provided John Wayne with another opportunity to hone his acting skills.
1931: Release of "Maker of Men"
"Maker of Men," a film featuring John Wayne, was released in 1931. This film marked another step in his journey toward becoming a leading man in Hollywood.
1931: The Deceiver
After the commercial disappointment of "The Big Trail," John Wayne took on smaller roles, including a brief appearance as a corpse in "The Deceiver" in 1931.
1933: The Three Musketeers
John Wayne landed a lead role in the 1933 serial "The Three Musketeers," a film adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel set in contemporary North Africa.
1936
Despite his largely conservative political views, John Wayne voted for Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1936 presidential election.
1936: Motion Picture Herald's Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars Poll
John Wayne's popularity as a Western star was evident in 1936 when he was listed in the Motion Picture Herald's Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll. This recognition cemented his position as a bankable actor in the Western genre.
1937: Death of Clyde Leonard Morrison
In 1937, John Wayne's father, Clyde Leonard Morrison, passed away.
1938
John Wayne's high-profile affair with Merle Oberon began in 1938.
1939: Stagecoach
John Wayne's breakthrough performance in John Ford's "Stagecoach" in 1939 solidified his status as a mainstream star and marked a turning point in his career.
1939: Motion Picture Herald's Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars Poll
John Wayne's presence in the Motion Picture Herald's Top Ten Money-Making Western Stars poll in 1939 further solidified his standing as a leading figure in the Western genre, a recognition that would follow him throughout his career.
1939: Breakthrough with Stagecoach
John Wayne's role in John Ford's "Stagecoach" in 1939 catapulted him to mainstream stardom. This breakthrough role solidified his place in Hollywood and led to a prolific career in motion pictures.
1940: Box Office Poll Appearance
Wayne's popularity extended beyond Western films, as evidenced by his appearance in the 1940 Box Office poll, which considered the overall popularity of actors across various genres.
1941: Shepherd of the Hills
John Wayne starred alongside his friend Harry Carey in "Shepherd of the Hills" in 1941, marking his first appearance in a color film.
1942: Reap the Wild Wind
In 1942, John Wayne appeared in Cecil B. DeMille's epic "Reap the Wild Wind," sharing the screen with Ray Milland and Paulette Goddard. This role was a departure for Wayne as he played a morally ambiguous character.
1942: Three Sheets to the Wind
John Wayne starred in his own radio adventure series, "Three Sheets to the Wind" in 1942. Produced by Tay Garnett, the show featured Wayne as Dan O'Brien, a detective using alcoholism as a facade for his investigations.
1942: Flying Tigers
John Wayne took on the role of an aviator in the 1942 war film "Flying Tigers." This was one of several films where he portrayed individuals in aviation.
1943: USO Tour and OSS Assessment
John Wayne embarked on a USO tour of South Pacific military bases and hospitals in 1943. During this tour, he discreetly assessed General Douglas MacArthur and his staff for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).
1943: Joan Didion's First Encounter with Wayne's Films
Writer Joan Didion, in her essay "John Wayne: A Love Song," reminisced about her first experience watching a John Wayne film in the summer of 1943. She was struck by his on-screen presence and how it shaped her perceptions of masculinity and romance, noting the line, "he would build her a house, 'at the bend in the river where the cottonwoods grow'" as particularly impactful.
February 1944
John Wayne participated in establishing the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, a conservative organization in Hollywood, in February 1944.
1944: Completion of USO Tour and OSS Service
John Wayne concluded a three-month USO tour in the South Pacific in 1944, during which he assisted the OSS. He was later acknowledged for his contributions with an OSS Certificate of Service.
1947
John Wayne's affair with Merle Oberon ended in 1947.
1948: Red River
In 1948, John Wayne starred in "Red River," a Western film where he portrayed a cattleman driving his herd on the Chisholm Trail. The film is considered a classic of the genre.
1948
John Wayne supported Republican candidate Thomas E. Dewey in the 1948 presidential election.
1948: Inspiration for Batjac
The name for Wayne's production company, Batjac, originated from the fictional shipping company "Batjak" in the 1948 film "Wake of the Red Witch." A spelling error by Wayne's secretary led to the name variation.
1949: She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
John Wayne appeared in John Ford's "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" in 1949, one of nearly two dozen collaborations with the renowned director.
1949: Turning Down "All the King's Men"
John Wayne declined the lead role in "All the King's Men" in 1949, finding the script's political message disagreeable. The role went to Broderick Crawford, who won an Oscar for his performance.
1949
John Wayne was elected president of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals in 1949.
1949: Top Ten Money Makers Poll Appearance
John Wayne's consistent box office draw was noticeable in 1949 when he first appeared on the Top Ten Money Makers Poll, which ranked actors based on their films' financial success across all genres.
1949: Release of "Sands of Iwo Jima"
The release of "Sands of Iwo Jima" in 1949 marked a pivotal moment in solidifying John Wayne's image as a movie war hero. This image became so embedded in global consciousness that even Emperor Hirohito of Japan requested to meet Wayne during his visit to the United States in 1975.
1950: Losing "The Gunfighter" Role
Due to a longstanding grudge against Harry Cohn, head of Columbia Pictures, John Wayne refused to work on "The Gunfighter" in 1950. The role of Jimmy Ringo, initially intended for Wayne, ultimately went to Gregory Peck.
1950: First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll
John Wayne achieved the top spot on the Top Ten Money Makers Poll in 1950, underscoring his immense popularity and his ability to draw audiences to theaters. This accomplishment highlighted his position as a leading figure in Hollywood.
1951: Flying Leathernecks
Continuing his foray into aviation roles, John Wayne starred in "Flying Leathernecks" in 1951.
1951: First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll
John Wayne's dominance at the box office continued in 1951 when he once again secured first place in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll. His repeated success solidified his image as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
1952: Big Jim McLain
To showcase his anti-communist stance, John Wayne starred in "Big Jim McLain" in 1952, playing a HUAC investigator.
1952: Founding of Batjac
John Wayne co-founded the production company Batjac in 1952. This company produced films starring Wayne and other actors, including "Seven Men From Now" and "Gun the Man Down" in 1956.
1952: The Quiet Man
John Wayne starred in John Ford's "The Quiet Man" in 1952, a film that showcased a different side to his usual tough-guy persona.
1952: The Quiet Man
In 1952, John Wayne starred alongside Maureen O'Hara in "The Quiet Man." This film, set in Ireland, showcased a different side of Wayne's acting abilities and became a beloved classic.
1953: Island in the Sky
John Wayne appeared in "Island in the Sky" in 1953, further adding to his repertoire of aviation-themed films.
1954: First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll
In 1954, John Wayne's popularity reached new heights as he achieved the top ranking in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll for the third time. This accomplishment highlighted his enduring appeal and his ability to consistently draw in large audiences.
1954: The High and the Mighty
John Wayne garnered significant praise for his performance as a heroic copilot in the 1954 film "The High and the Mighty," directed by William Wellman and adapted from a novel by Ernest K. Gann.
1956: Notable Batjac Productions
Batjac, John Wayne's production company, released two notable films in 1956: "Seven Men From Now," which marked a significant collaboration between director Budd Boetticher and actor Randolph Scott, and "Gun the Man Down," featuring James Arness.
1956: The Searchers
John Wayne took on the role of a Civil War veteran in the 1956 film "The Searchers." His character embarks on a perilous journey to rescue his niece who has been kidnapped by Comanches.
1956: The Conqueror
John Wayne's portrayal of Genghis Khan in the 1956 film "The Conqueror" was met with harsh criticism, becoming one of his less well-received roles.
1956: The Searchers
John Wayne's role in John Ford's "The Searchers" in 1956 is often regarded as one of his most nuanced and powerful performances. The film also marks the first instance of Wayne using the term "Pilgrim" on screen.
1957: John Wayne Confronts Kirk Douglas
In 1957, at a party, John Wayne expressed disapproval to Kirk Douglas about his decision to play Vincent van Gogh in "Lust for Life." Wayne believed that they, as prominent actors, needed to portray "strong, tough characters," thus upholding a particular image of masculinity.
1957: The Wings of Eagles and Jet Pilot
John Wayne appeared in two aviation-themed films in 1957: "The Wings of Eagles" and "Jet Pilot." These roles solidified his on-screen persona as a skilled and courageous aviator.
1957: The Wings of Eagles
John Wayne once again collaborated with director John Ford for "The Wings of Eagles" in 1957, showcasing their enduring partnership in filmmaking.
1957: Top Ten Money Makers Poll Appearance
John Wayne's consistent presence in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll continued in 1957, marking his ninth consecutive year on the list. This achievement solidified his status as one of the most bankable stars of his era.
May 14, 1958: Cameo Appearance in "I Married a Woman"
John Wayne made a cameo appearance as himself in the Hal Kanter-directed comedy "I Married a Woman," starring George Gobel and Diana Dors, which premiered in Los Angeles on May 14, 1958.
1958: Top Ten Money Makers Poll Appearance
John Wayne's consistent presence in the Top Ten Money Makers Poll continued in 1958, marking the beginning of another impressive run on the list.
March 18, 1959: Premiere of "Rio Bravo"
"Rio Bravo," directed by Howard Hawks and starring John Wayne alongside Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Angie Dickinson, premiered on March 18, 1959.
1959: Nikita Khrushchev's Request to Meet Wayne
Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, during his 1959 visit to the United States, expressed a desire to meet John Wayne, alongside his wish to see Disneyland. This request underlined Wayne's global recognition and his embodiment of a particular image of America.
1959: Rio Bravo
John Wayne teamed up with Dean Martin for the 1959 Western "Rio Bravo." The film's success further solidified Wayne's star power and his ability to captivate audiences in the genre.
1960: The Alamo and North to Alaska
John Wayne directed, produced, and starred as Davy Crockett in "The Alamo" in 1960. He received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. The same year, he led the cast in Henry Hathaway's "North to Alaska" alongside Stewart Granger and Ernie Kovacs.
1960
John Wayne supported Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election but expressed his hope for John F. Kennedy's success after Kennedy won.
1961: The Comancheros
In 1961, John Wayne shared the lead role with Stuart Whitman in Michael Curtiz's Western "The Comancheros."
May 23, 1962: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance Premieres
On May 23, 1962, John Wayne starred in "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," directed by John Ford and co-starring James Stewart.
1962: Two Iconic Films: "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "The Longest Day"
The year 1962 saw John Wayne star in two impactful films. In "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," he played a rancher, while in the World War II epic "The Longest Day," he played a significant role, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
February 20, 1963: Wayne Stars in Segment of How the West Was Won
On February 20, 1963, John Wayne acted in a segment of the film "How the West Was Won," directed by John Ford.
1964
John Wayne actively campaigned for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential election.
1964
John Wayne was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery to remove his left lung and two ribs in 1964. He publicly announced his cancer diagnosis, urging people to get preventative examinations.
February 15, 1965: Cameo Appearance in The Greatest Story Ever Told
John Wayne made a brief cameo appearance as a centurion in "The Greatest Story Ever Told," directed by George Stevens, on February 15, 1965.
1966
John Wayne supported his friend Ronald Reagan's campaign for Governor of California in 1966.
May 24, 1967: The War Wagon Premieres
"The War Wagon," starring John Wayne and Kirk Douglas, and directed by Burt Kennedy, premiered on May 24, 1967.
1968: The Green Berets
John Wayne produced, co-directed, and starred in the pro-Vietnam War film "The Green Berets" in 1968, using his fame to support the cause.
1968
John Wayne was asked to run for national office in 1968 but declined. He supported Ronald Reagan's campaigns for Governor of California and actively campaigned for Richard Nixon, addressing the Republican National Convention.
June 13, 1969: True Grit Premieres
"True Grit," starring John Wayne as Rooster Cogburn, premiered on June 13, 1969, a performance which would later earn him an Oscar for Best Actor.
1969: Academy Award for "True Grit"
John Wayne's performance as a rugged, one-eyed marshal in the 1969 film "True Grit" earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, cementing his legacy in Hollywood.
1969: Interview with Roger Ebert
In a 1969 interview with film critic Roger Ebert, John Wayne defended his acting range, citing diverse roles in films such as "The Quiet Man," "Iwo Jima," and "Yellow Ribbon" to counter the criticism of playing similar characters throughout his career.
June 24, 1970: Chisum Released
On June 24, 1970, "Chisum," directed by Andrew V. McLaglen and starring John Wayne as a cattle rancher fighting against land grabbing, was released in cinemas.
1970
John Wayne supported his friend Ronald Reagan's campaign for Governor of California in 1970.
1970: Death of Mary "Molly" Alberta Brown
John Wayne's mother, Mary "Molly" Alberta Brown, passed away in 1970.
May 1971
Playboy magazine published an interview with John Wayne in May 1971, where he expressed support for the Vietnam War and shared controversial opinions on social issues and race relations in the United States.
June 1971: Big Jake, a Critical and Commercial Success
June 1971 saw the release of "Big Jake," a critically acclaimed hit starring John Wayne as an estranged father pursuing his grandson's kidnappers.
1971
John Wayne wrote to President Richard Nixon, expressing opposition to Nixon's planned trip to China in 1971.
1971: First Place in Top Ten Money Makers Poll
After over a decade since his last first-place ranking, John Wayne reclaimed the top spot on the Top Ten Money Makers Poll in 1971. This accomplishment demonstrated his enduring appeal and his ability to connect with audiences across generations.
February 7, 1973: The Train Robbers Premieres
"The Train Robbers," starring John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor, and Ben Johnson, premiered on February 7, 1973.
1973: The Harvard Lampoon Invites John Wayne to Receive The Brass Balls Award
In 1973, The Harvard Lampoon extended an invitation to John Wayne to receive their satirical "Brass Balls Award." Wayne saw this as an opportunity to promote his film "McQ" and attended the ceremony the following year.
1973
John Wayne separated from Pilar and began a romantic relationship with his former secretary, Pat Stacy, in 1973.
1973
John Wayne was allegedly angered by Sacheen Littlefeather's presence at the 1973 Oscars, where she refused an award on Marlon Brando's behalf in protest of the film industry's treatment of Native Americans.
January 15, 1974: John Wayne Receives The Brass Balls Award
On January 15, 1974, John Wayne accepted The Brass Balls Award from The Harvard Lampoon, a satirical paper. The award, presented at the Harvard Square Theater, humorously acknowledged Wayne's "outstanding machismo." Despite protests, Wayne received a standing ovation from the audience.
1974
Film critic Charles Champlin wrote about John Wayne, highlighting his powerful presence as a motion picture actor in 1974.
1974: Top Ten Money Makers Poll Appearance
John Wayne's final appearance on the Top Ten Money Makers Poll came in 1974, marking the end of an era for the legendary actor. His consistent presence on the list for over two decades cemented his legacy as one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood history.
March 25, 1975: Brannigan Premieres
On March 25, 1975, "Brannigan," starring John Wayne as a Chicago police lieutenant in London, premiered.
1975: Emperor Hirohito's Request to Meet Wayne
During his visit to the United States in 1975, Emperor Hirohito of Japan specifically requested to meet John Wayne, highlighting how Wayne's on-screen persona had transcended film to become a symbol of America, even to former wartime adversaries.
1976: The Shootist
John Wayne's final screen performance came in the 1976 film "The Shootist." He played an aging gunfighter battling cancer, a role that resonated with audiences and served as a poignant end to his illustrious career.
1977: Attendance at Jimmy Carter's Inaugural Ball
In 1977, John Wayne attended Jimmy Carter's inaugural ball, even though he identified as part of "the loyal opposition" politically. This attendance highlighted his respect for the office of the presidency and his engagement with American political life.
1977: John Wayne's Acting Career Ends
John Wayne's illustrious acting career came to an end in 1977 after he had appeared in over 170 films.
April 9, 1979: Final Public Appearance
On April 9, 1979, John Wayne made his last public appearance at the Academy Awards ceremony. This appearance occurred just two months before his death from stomach cancer.
May 26, 1979: Congressional Gold Medal Award
On his 72nd birthday on May 26, 1979, John Wayne was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States. Numerous Hollywood figures and American leaders, including prominent names like Maureen O'Hara, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra, testified to Congress in support of recognizing Wayne with this prestigious award.
June 11, 1979: Death of John Wayne
John Wayne, a prominent figure in Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away on June 11, 1979. His death marked the end of an era for Western and war films, genres he significantly impacted.
1979
John Wayne's romantic involvement with Pat Stacy continued until his death in 1979.
1979: Andrew Sarris' Commentary on John Wayne
No specific event provided.
June 9, 1980: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
John Wayne was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on June 9, 1980, by President Jimmy Carter. This recognized his significant contributions to American culture and his status as a national icon.
1980: Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 1980, John Wayne was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This award acknowledged his immense contributions to American cinema and his status as a cultural icon.
1983: Duke: A Love Story
Pat Stacy published "Duke: A Love Story," a book about her life with John Wayne, in 1983.
1985: The John Wayne Cancer Foundation is Founded
In 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation was established in honor of John Wayne with a mission to support the fight against cancer. The foundation receives funding through the use of Wayne's name and focuses on providing resources for cancer patient care through research, education, awareness, and other support programs.
1994: Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors
In 1994, fifteen years after his passing, John Wayne's enduring popularity was evident as he appeared in the top ten of the Harris Poll of Most Popular Film Actors. This recognition underscored his lasting impact on audiences and his status as a legend whose appeal transcended his lifetime.
1998: Naval Heritage Award
The US Navy Memorial Foundation bestowed the Naval Heritage Award upon John Wayne in 1998, recognizing his consistent support for the Navy and the military throughout his cinematic career.
1999
John Wayne's previously unmarked grave has been marked with a quotation since 1999.
1999: AFI Recognition
In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized John Wayne's significant contributions to classic American cinema by selecting him as one of the greatest male stars of that era.
1999: Ranking by American Film Institute
In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized John Wayne's enduring legacy as an actor by ranking him 13th on their list of the Greatest Male Screen Legends of classic Hollywood cinema.
2005: John Wayne Named Top Money Maker
As of 2005, a Quigley Poll named John Wayne the top money maker in the film industry, reflecting his successful and enduring career.
2005: John Wayne Enterprises Trademark Dispute with Duke University Begins
Since 2005, Duke University has been involved in a trademark dispute with John Wayne Enterprises over the use of the name "Duke" and Wayne's image on products sold by the company.
2006: "Louie and the Duke Classics" Events
In 2006, friends of John Wayne and his former Arizona business partner, Louis Johnson, initiated the "Louie and the Duke Classics" events. This annual weekend event in Casa Grande, Arizona, features a golf tournament, an auction of John Wayne memorabilia, and a team roping competition. Proceeds from the event benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.
May 26, 2007: John Wayne Centennial Celebrations
May 26, 2007, marked the centennial of John Wayne's birth and was commemorated with numerous celebrations. His birthplace in Winterset, Iowa, hosted events such as chuck-wagon suppers, concerts featuring artists like Michael Martin Murphey, and a groundbreaking ceremony for the new John Wayne Birthplace Museum and Learning Center. Later that year, the California Museum in Sacramento inducted Wayne into the California Hall of Fame.
2011
John Wayne's yacht, the Wild Goose, was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
September 30, 2014: John Wayne Enterprises Lawsuit Dismissed
On September 30, 2014, a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by John Wayne Enterprises, a company owned by Wayne's heirs, against Duke University. The lawsuit concerned the use of the "Duke" brand and Wayne's image on products. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had filed the suit in the wrong jurisdiction.
2015: Mylène Demongeot's Comments on John Wayne
In a 2015 interview, French actress Mylène Demongeot spoke about her interactions with classic Hollywood stars, specifically mentioning John Wayne alongside Gary Cooper and Cary Grant. She praised them as "unbelievable guys," emphasizing their unique qualities and the impact they had on the film industry.
2016: Proposed "John Wayne Day" in California
In 2016, California assemblyman Matthew Harper put forward a resolution to designate May 26 as "John Wayne Day" in the state. However, the resolution was voted down 35 to 20 due to concerns surrounding Wayne's views on race and his association with organizations like the John Birch Society and the House Un-American Activities Committee.
February 2019
The resurfacing of John Wayne's 1971 Playboy interview in February 2019 led to calls for renaming John Wayne Airport.
October 2019
USC student activists called for the removal of a John Wayne exhibit in October 2019, citing his controversial 1971 Playboy interview.
June 2020
The calls to rename John Wayne Airport resurfaced during the George Floyd protests in June 2020.
July 2020
It was announced in July 2020 that the John Wayne exhibit at USC would be removed.
2021: Inflation-Adjusted Budget of "The Big Trail"
In 2021, the budget for the 1930 film "The Big Trail," which marked John Wayne's first starring role, was estimated to be over \$32.8 million when adjusted for inflation. This figure highlights the significant investment made in the film, which was intended to be a grand spectacle of the sound era.
2022
An investigation in 2022 cast doubt on the account of John Wayne attempting to confront Sacheen Littlefeather at the 1973 Oscars, suggesting it was unlikely to have happened as Littlefeather wouldn't have been able to witness it.