The John Wayne Filmography

We have had the Maureen O'Hara biography, the release of many restored DVDs, the John Wayne stamp, and most recently, Fred Landesman has compiled The John Wayne Filmography in a fit of love and admiration.

McFarland Pubications, who have graciously published my first book, have done a fantastic job in this tome. A young Wayne stares out at you from the foreground, while the magnificent scenery of Monument Valley pulls you in. Look a little closer, and you can see where Wayne, Trevor, and Devine rumbled across the prairie. Listen, and you can hear the wail of the lonely coyote. Sniff the air, and you can smell Utah. Ahh, the memories.

This volume was clearly a work of love. The 170-plus films Wayne made in his career are all here. Listed alphabetically from Adventures End (1937) to Wyoming Outlaw (1939), each entry lists release date, the cast, production crew, and studio. Over 800 reviews have been plucked from the various entertainment sections of prominent American newspapers. A short synopsis, and notes on the film finish up each section. Mr Landesman even researched the negative costs, and was able to find the reported 'costs'. Great notes and anecdotes on co-stars and the production crew are included in the notes.

I am particularly amazed at the bulk of work he did in the cast listings. However, he did have help in tracking down exactly who was in the film. Right down to uncredited extras, he has listed many future stars in their first roles and jobs in Hollywood. Lou Costello, Wardell Bond, and many others toiled for the early studios Wayne was employed by.

John Wayne worked for Republic, Lone Star, Monogram, Universal, Tiffany Company, Fox, Columbia, Paramount, Warner Brothers, and Mascot Pictures. His career spanned 50 years (1926 to 1976), and his role in Rooster Cogburn won him the best actor statue. Reading through the film cast lists, I was amazed to find that many of my favourite actors were in some Duke Films. Jay Silverheels was listed as being in True Grit; as a true Lone Ranger-phile, I was not aware of that. I must watch it again, and keep one eye out for him. Lou Costello, whom I previously mentioned, was in one of Wayne's first films. The list is endless, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I will scan through my lists for some hitherto unknown role.

Go To Page: 1 2