Since he couldn't go fight abroad, he decided to do his part at home, and dedicated himself to the war effort by making inspirational war films - including 1942's "Flying Tigers", and 1945's "Back to Bataan". To all Americans, he became the true symbol of the American fighting man.
Besides the war in Europe, Duke also fought against Communism in his backyard. In the 1940s, Duke was one of the most notable stars to come out against the supposed Communist conspiracy in Hollywood. With others, he helped form the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals. With fellow actors like Barbara Stanwyck and Robert Taylor, Duke sought to challenge the Hollywood Communists.
Even when some personalities admitted to their Communist leanings, Duke thought it took courage to admit wrongdoings, and felt that those who came clean deserved to work in continue working in Hollywood instead of being blacklisted. People warned Duke that his battle against Communism would led to the end of his career, but when he left the presidency of the MPAPAI, he was still the number one box office draw. So much for his critics.
After World War II ended, Duke continued working and continued to gain the respect of his peers and fans. Howard Hawks cast him in 1948's "Red River", co-starring a young Montgomery Clift. Turning in an excellent performance, the Duke created an unlikable, yet complex character. John Ford also cast him in two movies that continued adding to Wayne's onscreen legend, in 1948's "Fort Apache" and 1949's "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon".
Through the 1950s and 1960s, Wayne starred in several mediocre movies that only made money because he was the star. One notable disaster was Duke's turn as Genghis Khan in 1956's "The Conqueror". But for every bad film, there were those he was destined for, including 1956's "The Searchers", 1959's "Rio Bravo", and 1962's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". "The Searchers", the one movie of Wayne's that I've seen, is now considered to be Wayne's best performance. In 1969, Wayne won the Academy Award for "True Grit", another Hollywood classic.
In the 1960's, Duke also traveled to Vietnam, and visited the troops. When he returned to the States, he vowed to make a film in honor of the Special Forces. That film was "The Green Berets". Critics were not kind, condemning both the film and the actor. Duke fired back, claiming the critics were attacking his politics, not his pictures. Indeed, now "The Green Berets" is also considered a classic Wayne film - patriotic to the core, just like Wayne.
 |
