John Wayne Western
by Michael B. Druxman on 06/05/11
June 6, 2011
Yesterday afternoon, I watched BIG JAKE with John Wayne, Richard Boone and Maureen O'Hara.
There is nothing like a John Wayne western. With very few exceptions, even his lesser ones are very entertaining.
The classics, of course, are STAGECOACH, RED RIVER and THE SEARCHERS, but I also enjoy THE COMANCHEROS, CHISUM, THE SPOILERS, RIO GRANDE, SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON, THE COWBOYS and THE SHOOTIST.
You'll note that I did not mention FORT APACHE, RIO BRAVO or THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, all of which I believe are over-rated.
BIG JAKE is really a middle-of-the road Wayne Western, but I have a personal connection to it, as two of my former publicity clients were involved in its making.
Christopher Mitchum (Robert's youngest son) played Wayne's son in the movie, shot in Mexico and originally titled THE MILLION DOLLAR KIDNAPPING, and George Sherman was the director.
I recall a couple of things that Sherman told me about the picture.
1. He tried to talk John Wayne out of using both Chris Mitchum and Patrick Wayne as his two sons in the picture, as he felt that the roles were so good that they would attract bigger names. But, "the Duke" insisted and one did not argue with "the Duke".
2. The dog in the movie is, in fact, Lassie...but his owners did not want that publicized.
When Sherman returned from location, I arranged for him to be interviewed by Variety, and in that interview, he complained about the Mexican production crew. A veteran producer and director, Sherman felt that Mexican crews did not work as fast as American crews, which made it difficult for him to keep the picture on schedule.
Apparently, this honest opinion did not sit well with Wayne and his people, who often worked south of the border, because a few days later they gave an interview to Variety in which they disputed Sherman's claim.
In any event, if you want to see an enjoyable Western, take a look at BIG JAKE.
Have a creative day.
Michael
