That was wonderful, I met the Duke by accident in a grocery store where he docked his boat in Newport Beach when I was 12 years old......about peed my shorts seeing him....lol. When I told him my last name was Elder he tousled my hair and said I guess we are related, and off he went.😳 That was in 72.
Regardless of any issues on the set, the Shootist is a very strong and durable western. Hats off to Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brien, Harry Morgan, Sheree North, Scatman Crothers, Bill McKenney, Don Siegel, and all of the rest for an excellent film.
And Rick Lenz, too. We interviewed him about THE SHOOTIST. There should be a link to one of the two episodes with Rick at the end of this episode. Thanks, TT.
A friend of mine wouldn’t watch this movie once John Wayne died! Then about 10 years ago he finally watched it & now it’s his favorite John Wayne movie!
Not just my favorite John Wayne film, it's one of my all time favorite films of any genre. Great acting, all around great cast, great script, great cinematography, great story, just a superb movie.
We did the Warner tour in Burbank in 2010 and went into the house that was Jimmy' Stewart's House it was beyond a Thrill. I was with my late twin Brother and it brings back so many memories of that trip
I almost can't watch it, I have to resolve myself to get down to the experience. Very moving in every way. Wayne was saying goodbye, surrounded by the best cast that any western has ever had. Thank you for making this masterpiece.
“The Shootist” is one of my favorite westerns. Due to the untold number of westerns John Wayne was in during his career he was the perfect man for the part. He may be the only actor whose long career in the westerns genre ended as the other characters he played lived; in a shootout. His character left this world in a blaze of glory. He will long be remembered. Now I’ve got to find the book, “The Last Shootist!”
Jimmy Stewart continued to act even after The Shootist although he was past his prime and didn’t have the hits like he did earlier on in his career like 1930s into 1950s and even 1960s, his last film was An American Tail: Fievel Goes West when he voiced Wylie before his death in 1997. Your right they were good friends off screen and sure it a tough screen knowing would be their last together after they appeared years earlier in the 1962 western The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
At the end of my mom's life when she was super frail and bedridden she would only watch John Wayne westerns, sometimes on a loop. And the older I get, somehow I understand it. The world felt somehow safe so long as Duke was ambling about. I can't think of any replacement Trojan of that particular pedigree and quality. Maybe Clint. She liked him a lot, too. Mom had awfully good taste. Thank you, Rob, for these moments which never fail to trigger powerful memories and remind us of a time when men were men.
I was lucky enough to be living near carson city when the shootist was filmed there. I was able to watch john wayne from just a few feet away, though never had the good fortune to meet him. Always my most fave cowboy. RIP mr. Morrison.
I am glad The Duke toughed it out to finish this film. I am not really into westerns, I've watched a few but THIS one is my all time favorite. I saw it in theaters when it came out, I was 11 and I loved it. SUCH a star studded cast, who could NOT want to see it?? I finally bought the DVD about a year and a half ago and really enjoyed the specials about how they made it etc. The thing that really got me though, was Hugh O'Brien. He said he wanted to be in the movie just because it was The Duke's last film. He said he didn't care what role he got, no matter how small and also said he didn't care if he got paid or not. He WANTED to be in the movie. THAT says something! GREAT film, I watch it quite often, well worth it!
John Wayne gave a good performance in the Shootist but his BEST PERFORMANCE was in SEARCHERS. Both the movie and John Wayne should have gotten Oscars. Best western ever made. Great story, acting and movie making by John Ford.
The Duke was King. Hollywood may choose Fonda but he wasn't colorful like John. If the little director is still alive, tell him that Wayne was right, Ford would not have done it that way! If he doesn't believe you, a swift kick to his backside will suffice!!!!! 🤠👍!!!! Great show Rob!!!
Backing up what Miles said, I worked on a film with Bill McKinney who played one of the guys in the saloon at the end. He told me one of the reasons for re-shooting that sequence was when The Duke saw the footage that was filmed without him, Bill had been shot in the back by Books. John Wayne was outraged that it would imply that he’d shot a character in the back - never in his career had he been depicted that way. Apparently he made quite a scene in the production office about it. I worked on a different film with Ben Johnson. He had great stories as you can imagine.
I guess the Duke forgot about his role as Ethan Edwards, the notorious back shooter from The Searchers. Ward Bond's character even makes mention of it to Ethan's face. Perhaps Wayne decided he would never shoot another man in the back after that role.
We just now caught this episode. Can't wait to get a copy of the books and watch the films mentioned. We were thinking that the end for good westerns had come...and then we watched this. Thank you so much again, Mr. Word. Great guest and great insight. Sometimes such pollarized opposites make for some epic stories.
Even though it was a work of fiction, I always felt it was autobiographical….. it doesn’t matter if it’s John Wayne playing someone else, this was his Swan-song. A classic movie and Mr. Wayne last hoorah. And What a Hoorah!!!!
When I saw the movie at the time it came out I knew just by watching him in the picture that that was his swan song and that he was dying of the cancer that was suppose to be in remission. It was great to watch but in retrospect very sad to see such a legend leaving us.
My step father worked as a stunt rider/wrangler on Stage Coach. He said his only interaction with John Wayne was to say "Good morning Mr. Wayne," during the shoot. Many years later (late '60's/early '70's) he sat at the table next to Wayne's at the Five Crowns restaurant in Corona del Mar. He said Wayne was constantly being interrupted by fans during dinner, so he didn't want to bother him. I saw John Wayne in person once, when I was 14 years old in 1975. We were taking my older sister to LAX for a flight. When we reached the airport there was a huge traffic jam (this was before the remodel). In a dark green station wagon with a raised roof next to us, was John Wayne riding shotgun. He looked exactly as he did in The Shootist - complete with mustache and cowboy hat. We waved and he waved back. We stayed next to his car for about a half an hour (there was no where else to go) and watched him get dropped off as we dropped off my sister. Later my sister excitedly told us that she walked right next him inside the terminal. It was a BIG deal.
I have seen this awsome movie last duke made, Oscar should have got another Oscar, and a medal for All his grand movies, glad i have All his movies, VHS dvd and super 8 thank you lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns from your friend tom now and always 🤩 🤩 USA
Great interview!!! I first saw The Shootist when it first premiered in theaters, and thought that John Wayne would win an Oscar the next season. It wasn’t to be, but it was one of my all time favorites. I look forward to see the continuation film.
The "Shootist" has always been a favorite John Wayne film for me because it's his last and he is ironically dying of a cancer just like his character. Even the onset frictions shout out the real life persona of John Wayne. I have heard that Wayne and Stewart had some less than pleasant friction during this filming as well. Thank you Rob.
I don't believe there was friction between wayne and stewart as john fought to get stewart that part. The director didn't want stewart because he couldn't hear well at that point and struggled to recall his lines and hit his cues. He wanted to replace him, but john would have none of it. It is true that john fought with the director constantly on the shootout scene... from having his personal specific pistols, to the scene where he dies. In the end, it was done more john's way than not, and what a great thing that it was. One of the greatest shootouts, and a wonderful classic movie.
The Shootist, is one of my all time favorites. It is enjoyable to hear and sometimes see the behind the filming moments. Another whole movie could be made from the stories behind the movies. I hope the above made sense Rob. Thank you again. Regards from Adelaide, South Australia.
The Shootist is and was an underrated movie. It got both praise and criticism. The acting was great as was the cinematography. Whether you like him or hate him, John Wayne was a giant in Hollywood and a great actor. Jimmy Stewart was also one of the great actors. Lauren Bacall was a Hollywood legend. Ron Howard was a good actor and became one of the great Directors. To me The Shootist was story with a different view of what a gunfighter was from other depictions of gunfighters in other western movies. I am glad to see the movie get the recognition it deserves through your channel and others i have watched this week. Thanks Rob and keep up the good work.
One of your very best programs, Rob. Miles Swarthout was a superb writer and screenwriter, articulate and humble. He revealed a fascinating side of John Wayne and others connected to The Shootist. He is sorely missed. Many thanks again for re-airing this episode.
As a John Wayne film the Shootist has a different vibe, Maybe it's the direction, maybe because the hero dies I've never been able to put my finger on it. But still a favorite.
JW died in other films but this one was more like life immitatting fiction. I get the feeling that he knew it was his last feature film, that he wouldn't be well enough to make another.
John Wayne didn’t like the revisionist style used in westerns and he didn’t want to be shown on screen being shot in the back. He didn’t like his westerns being overly violent and turned down an offer from Clint Eastwood to star with Eastwood in 70s as Wayne hated Eastwood’s revisionist style and violence used in his films. Eastwood and Wayne never talked again after Wayne wrote Eastwood an angry letter back. Clint Eastwood had wanted to have John Wayne star with him in High Plains Drifter. John Wayne didn’t like Eastwood’s thrillers either and ended up doing two cop films in 74 and 75 similar to Dirty Harry.
@@scottknode898 I could do without body parts blown all over the place. The first Rambo was stealth, training and intelligence. The rest were increasingly violent and bloody. It's a turn-off.
@@jozatexan1964 I agree First Blood in 82 was a classic and one of my favorite movies while the sequels were made to be shown as larger scale action films for Stallone especially Rambo First Blood Part 2 and went against Arnold Schwarzenegger at the box office with commando
It definitely has a different vibe/look to it. Absolutely wonderful movie but the look and soundtrack almost has a "made for TV" feel to it. Hard to explain...but definitely a different feel than other big screen westerns.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this show. The legendary John Wayne has been my favorite since the 70s but I remember his movie , Hatari , way back in the the mid sixtees as a small boy. Sir I'm enjoying your shows.Thank you.India.
@@AWordonWesterns yeah buddy, I hear yuh.... But like my daddy always said.... We all gotta eat...lol Can't wait to get by and visit the museum their....
The Shootist was made for John wayne, no other actor could have played the part as well. It was more or less His life's story in movies. A fitting movie for His last movie.
This was an excellent movie, perhaps the best I ever saw him in. True Grit was his only movie where he got an Oscar, but I think he should have received one for The Shootist.
Miles is eloquent, concise and informative about this great movie. The producer of 'The Shootist', William Self, was Airman Barnes, who put the electric blanket on the block of ice in 'The Thing' (1951).
i watched this movie when i was younger and it didn't 'grab' me, but recently i watched it in my fifties, and really enjoyed it and the slower storytelling pace. it's the same thing with the tv show, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. all my friends are watching it during the pandemic. i never liked it as a kid. now i can appreciate it with it's slower pacing and original slant to a 60's action show
Great guest with yet another perspective of a great film. There can't be too many westerns. Only the quality might be in question. The newer westerns seem to be missing something.
Thank you once again Rob ! Miles brings a completely fresh, and what would have otherwise been lost to time had you not been able to capture these very special moments of Miles Swarthout's perspective on this great American Classic ! ( The Shootist ) One of my all time favorites ! These very special moments would not be known any other way Rob, Especially since we lost Miles in his such a relatively short life ! I am looking forward to finding, and reading his novel, "The Last Shootist" ! I would have not known this book existed otherwise ! Thank you again Rob !
The Shootist movie was made in 1975/76. Wayne died in 1979. Boone in Jan, 1981. Scatman Crothers died in 1986. Carradine in 1988. Stewart died in 1997.
Fascinating interview, Rob! Thank you for the insight on “The Shootist.” Your interview style brings out the best in the participants. The public would never know these invaluable oral histories without your effort and thorough research. Thank you so much!
What a great video,Mr. Word. And the tea handle guns at the end if I'm not mistaken. Really a lot of history and much more than meets the eye in this movie. My favorite western of all time. I think I saw it for the first time on cable tv a couple years after it came out. Pretty amazing that I wasnt aware of it at the theater. I remember watching King Kong at the theater with Bridges which I do remember very well and was advertised a lot. Thanks for these great videos of all our heroes
The shootist was and still is a very great movie . Richard Boone another great actor are all gone now . Hard to believe how time pass us by now , with great memories of the past .
Love these behind the scene stories, especially about Duke. I am going to see the John Wayne Experience at the Ft. Worth Stockyards next week and I am beyond excited.
@@AWordonWesterns just left the exhibit. Great show! If you are anywhere near Ft. Worth it is well worth the visit, I am glad I added the extra day to my trip.
As a fan of both the Duke and Don Siegel, this is some juicy gossip, lol. Thanks for the movie tales! BTW, one of the first films I watched in the movie theater! I loved it.
This is a great video! I found myself disappointed that it had to end. I could have watched this one for hours! WOW is always raising the bar for me. Thanks Rob!!👍😊
Glad you enjoyed it, slick. Thanks. I re-edited this for our annual May A WORD ON WAYNE and used every morsel of Miles' interview. It had originally been only 4:50 and glad I had more to include. RIP, Miles. 1946-2016
Another enjoyable interview, Rob. I never tire of hearing about the Duke. The sense of inescapable fate and the bleakness of manly will as the only remaining virtue in the face of unavoidable violence, hangs over this masterpiece. A fitting conclusion to the career of one of our greatest actors.
Definitely one of my favourite westerns. It's also one of three or four of my favourite Duke films. With the Green Berets, and Rio Bravo, and True Grit.
Best last movies, I would include in the list, Steve McQueen in The Hunter, along with John Wayne and Henry Fonda. In the movie, McQueen portrayed real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa' Thorson, who was aging and not in good physical condition, same as Steve in real life.
Spencer Tracy was in poor health during filming of his last film Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner due to his long term alcoholism and the studio was against Tracy doing the film and co star Katherine Hepburn used her salary to ensure Tracy would be able to stay working on film as they didn’t think he would be able to finish filming. Spencer Tracy died 17 days after filming was completed. Gary Cooper was in such poor health during filming of his last film he had to do frequent breaks to get oxygen as was dying of prostate cancer in which he died in 1961. Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable both filmed their final appearances in the film The Misfits and last film completed by both actors as Gable died of a heart attack shortly after filming in 1961 and Monroe died a year and half later. A doctor was on call during filming of The Misfits due to the poor health of the 3 principal actors Gable, Monroe and Montgomery Clift all being in bad health while they were dealing with alcoholism with Cliff also passing away in 66. Henry Fonda was not good health when he filmed his final and probably one of his best performances in On Golden Pond and died a year after the films release.
What a great video, Rob. This is one of my favorite films and hearing about how hard this was for John Wayne to shoot just makes the film that much more a treasure. Thank you, Rob, so very much.
The shootist is one of my favorite movies ever. It was a rainy day and I was a kid trapped in the house. In those days there wasn't many options on TV. 6 channels maybe. One was showing the shootist and it caught my attention because Ritchie Cunningham was in it. I was to young to know Opie but happy days was a huge show and here was Ritchie in a movie so I started watching. And boy did it hold my attention. I hadn't a clue who John Wayne was or Ms Bacall , Mr Stewart, or any other of the legendary actors in the film. Maybe Harry Morgan as I knew col. Potter. But almost every single actor in this film was a legend and it was my introduction to all of them. One of the lines that really stuck me and still does to this day.... Just take good care of old Dollar. That scene brought the finality of what Books was planning home to me as it did to Mr Howard's character. It became and it remains one of my all time favorites top 5 . I will watch it everytime it's on even though I own a copy. And still manages the same emotional responses as the first time. Just a fantastic movie. How it didn't sweep Oscar's is beyond me. 5 stars plus. Thank you to everyone involved .
Really enjoyed this interview. Miles seemed like he gave an honest assessment of The Shootist. Wouldn't it be nice to have Hollywood stars like, Wayne, Cooper, Stewart, McCrea and Randolph Scott making movies again. I know there are other old time stars I could have named but they just popped in to my head. There were also plenty of old time Women stars that I admired. #RobForPresident2024
Great story about the shootist John Wayne and the whole cast put out very good efforts for a superb movie in which John Wayne being sick and putting out his best as always , a real tribute to a true professional as an actor and as a person in acting and real life.
Thanks for another great video and the truth!!!! Other videos do nothing but lie about the stars ( Landum C. goes there, Facts Verse ). The Duke and other stars deserve better!!!! Make sure you know who put the video out
Interesting idea, The Shootist directed by John Ford... The thing apart from the great acting in that movie that impressed me most is Duke's carrying and using such finely done "D" coverage Peacemakers. He was a man who knew the true purpose of those revolvers and that despite their great ornamentation they were meant to be shot. When I finally do get my own "D" coverage engraved pieces, I will certainly be carrying and shooting them as well. The Shootist was a true joy in seeing two of Hollywood's greatest men- Duke and Jimmy Stewart- together, alongside Lauren Bacall and Richard Boone, more of Hollywood's finest actors and actress.
And adding lots of new goodies, too, Ken. The original "Bad Blood" was under 5 minutes and 7 years ago when our shows were much shorter. Glad you enjoyed it, every morsel of Miles.
My only real comment is that yes, there was more westerns to come but unfortunately not the more, and more, that was hoped for in 2014 and since, by me at least. There has been so much said and written about the Shootist from different sources with many contradictions on what "really occurred", in relation to this production. I think the only real point of agreement, is that in spite of, or maybe because of, The Shootist is an outstanding film. One that deserves being referred to as a classic film with an enduring legacy for all whom were involved in it's making.
Thanks Rob for another great behind the scenes interview. The Shootist is up there with the best of the Duke's movies. If it's ever on TV I have to stop everything and watch it.
It is hard for me to pick a favorite of the many great movies made by John Wayne. But this would certainly be one of them for a variety of reasons. The movie has a great script provided by superior writers who adapted the original novel for the screen, great leading cast of course but very fine group of supporting actors. Also, as an aside, I appreciate so much the effort Rob Word goes to in producing this shows. He is so knowledgable, a great storyteller and has a respect and a love for the subject that shines through all his shows. Thanks Rob for keeping us united rather than divided by reminding us of great values that the western movie genre had and the outstanding quality of the films. Westerns get a bad rap perhaps because so many started out as 1 or 2 reeler movies and lacked sophistication as some would say but the wonderful American values taught in most of these movies are timeless and Rob does a wonderful job of reminding us of these values in all his shows. Thanks so much Rob.
Was there more of this interview? Miles was very interesting and he had info to share. I finally saw the Shootist about a couple of years ago, and I was surprised how much I like it. I really admire John Wayne for his dedication to the art and to his country.
That's all the interview that was shot that day. I'm sure glad he came by the taping and shared what he did. Unfortunately, Miles died two years after the interview.
Hugh O'Brian said John Wayne invited him to watch the dailies when he came back. In the bar scene one of the other men got shot in the back by Books. O'Brian said when Wayne saw that he got upset and said they'd have to reshoot that because in all his movies not once had he shot a man in the back and he wasn't going to start now.
@@AWordonWesterns you are most welcome. I was watching an interview with O'Brian when he talked about that. He said it was an honor for John Wayne to ask him to watch the dailies with him. It's a great movie.
Very true, Joe. However, I believe the Duke was suffering from a (forgivable) lapse of memory in memory in this circumstance. In "The Searchers" - what many consider to be Wayne's finest film - his character Ethen Edwards sets his nephew Martin Pawley (Jeff Hunter) out as bait, because he realizes storekeeper Jerem Futterman plans to ambush them. When Futterman sneaks up on Pawley, Edwards shoots him - in the back.
@@cjmarshall0221 From what I saw of the movie, Ethan seems to have called out to Futterman, then waited until Futterman's side was turned to him then fired, rather than shoot Futterman in the back. I know that Ward Bond's character Captain Clayton mentioned that all 3 baddies were shot in the back, but whatever. I think the shootout should have been a face-to-face quickdraw.
Can't imagine misplacing as big an item as Greg Palmer, who musta taken up at least two seats on the bus. As for The Homesman, it was one of the most brilliantly acted, most original takes on the genre as I've ever seen. While also being one of the most depressing and painful to watch. Glad I saw it once, but you'd have to zip tie me to a chair and duct tape my eyelids to my forehead to get me to watch it again. The Shootist on the other hand is a brilliant film, bitter sweet, poignantly sad with a great shootout ending that could be no more fitting and appropriate a denouement as the Duke's last film if his life and career were scripted.
I read the book before seeing the movie. Now usually that isn't a good thing for me. I hate how the movies always change the book, rarely for the better. But, The Shootist was quite possibly the most depressing thing I've ever read. I'm so glad they changed the ending. I would have not liked to have thought that poorly of Rob Howard.
You know, it is funny in that there are stories like this, troubles making the movie, about every great movie that was made. The most told one is the classic Casablanca, where most every actor on the set thought it was going to be a flop.
That was wonderful, I met the Duke by accident in a grocery store where he docked his boat in Newport Beach when I was 12 years old......about peed my shorts seeing him....lol. When I told him my last name was Elder he tousled my hair and said I guess we are related, and off he went.😳 That was in 72.
Great memories, Frankie. Thanks.
Regardless of any issues on the set, the Shootist is a very strong and durable western. Hats off to Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, James Stewart, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brien, Harry Morgan, Sheree North, Scatman Crothers, Bill McKenney, Don Siegel, and all of the rest for an excellent film.
And Rick Lenz, too. We interviewed him about THE SHOOTIST. There should be a link to one of the two episodes with Rick at the end of this episode. Thanks, TT.
@@AWordonWesterns yes,Mr Lenz had a very memorable part!
Agreed, well said.
A friend of mine wouldn’t watch this movie once John Wayne died! Then about 10 years ago he finally watched it & now it’s his favorite John Wayne movie!
Patrick Wayne was the same. It was years before he could watch the film. His Dad was just superb in the film. What a performance!
The Shootist has to be one of my favorite John Wayne movies . Thank you for this interesting insight.
I believe J.W really should have won a oscar for this movie.
"The Shootist" is likely John Wayne's best Western...up there with Eastwood's "Unforgiven."
Political I feel. Mr. Wayne a great man and a great actor. RIP
I agree,so much realism he drew from his own experience at the time! Bacall was great and Ron Howard was superb!
Not just my favorite John Wayne film, it's one of my all time favorite films of any genre. Great acting, all around great cast, great script, great cinematography, great story, just a superb movie.
Yea, me too. Also the searchers.
John Wayne won the Academy Award for True Grit, but his performance in The Shootist was far better. Perhaps his best ever.
He was an out spoken conservative thats why he didnt get but the one
John Wayne really showed his soul in that Movie. He deserved the Oscar for both of them.
@@ericwethington You are so right. politics always interfere from the left
@@barrygioportmorien1 he deserved Oscars for the the searchers she wore a yellow ribbon and who whot liberty valance among others
@@ericwethington Also "Rio Grande" 1949.
We did the Warner tour in Burbank in 2010 and went into the house that was Jimmy' Stewart's House it was beyond a Thrill. I was with my late twin Brother and it brings back so many memories of that trip
I am a dying man afraid of the dark is perhaps the most poignant line that John Wayne ever said in his long career.
Very true
The line was actually, “I'm a dying man, scared of the dark.”
i like weil find them i promise you that its as certain as the earth tuns.
@@MsBamafanatic nitpicking
@@hollypebbles No, accuracy.
I almost can't watch it, I have to resolve myself to get down to the experience. Very moving in every way. Wayne was saying goodbye, surrounded by the best cast that any western has ever had. Thank you for making this masterpiece.
“The Shootist” is one of my favorite westerns. Due to the untold number of westerns John Wayne was in during his career he was the perfect man for the part. He may be the only actor whose long career in the westerns genre ended as the other characters he played lived; in a shootout. His character left this world in a blaze of glory. He will long be remembered. Now I’ve got to find the book, “The Last Shootist!”
Chokes me when Jimmy says to Duke “You have a cancer”
They both knew, they were getting old. This was their goodbye to the screen and to each other.
Jimmy Stewart continued to act even after The Shootist although he was past his prime and didn’t have the hits like he did earlier on in his career like 1930s into 1950s and even 1960s, his last film was An American Tail: Fievel Goes West when he voiced Wylie before his death in 1997. Your right they were good friends off screen and sure it a tough screen knowing would be their last together after they appeared years earlier in the 1962 western The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
At the end of my mom's life when she was super frail and bedridden she would only watch John Wayne westerns, sometimes on a loop. And the older I get, somehow I understand it. The world felt somehow safe so long as Duke was ambling about. I can't think of any replacement Trojan of that particular pedigree and quality. Maybe Clint. She liked him a lot, too. Mom had awfully good taste.
Thank you, Rob, for these moments which never fail to trigger powerful memories and remind us of a time when men were men.
Thanks, Ian. Glad Duke's films brought your Mom some comfort.
I was lucky enough to be living near carson city when the shootist was filmed there. I was able to watch john wayne from just a few feet away, though never had the good fortune to meet him. Always my most fave cowboy. RIP mr. Morrison.
Every western is a morality tale and "The Shootist" is one of the best in the genre. Thank you Rob, you've nailed it yet again.
I completely agree, very well put! Best wishes from the UK.
Yet, sadly, it underperformed at the box office.
God Bless Mr J.Wayne. great movie. Great Legend
The house used in the film is along 395, in Carson Valley. I used to drive past it all the time, back in the 90’s. Beautiful place.
Thanks for the info, Paul. Sounds like a nice place to take a Road Trip!
I am glad The Duke toughed it out to finish this film. I am not really into westerns, I've watched a few but THIS one is my all time favorite. I saw it in theaters when it came out, I was 11 and I loved it. SUCH a star studded cast, who could NOT want to see it??
I finally bought the DVD about a year and a half ago and really enjoyed the specials about how they made it etc. The thing that really got me though, was Hugh O'Brien. He said he wanted to be in the movie just because it was The Duke's last film. He said he didn't care what role he got, no matter how small and also said he didn't care if he got paid or not. He WANTED to be in the movie. THAT says something! GREAT film, I watch it quite often, well worth it!
John Wayne gave a good performance in the Shootist but his BEST PERFORMANCE was in SEARCHERS. Both the movie and John Wayne should have gotten Oscars. Best western ever made. Great story, acting and movie making by John Ford.
The Duke was King. Hollywood may choose Fonda but he wasn't colorful like John. If the little director is still alive, tell him that Wayne was right, Ford would not have done it that way! If he doesn't believe you, a swift kick to his backside will suffice!!!!! 🤠👍!!!! Great show Rob!!!
One of my favorite westerns. Amazing cast.
Thanks, Dale. Couldn't agree more!
Backing up what Miles said, I worked on a film with Bill McKinney who played one of the guys in the saloon at the end. He told me one of the reasons for re-shooting that sequence was when The Duke saw the footage that was filmed without him, Bill had been shot in the back by Books. John Wayne was outraged that it would imply that he’d shot a character in the back - never in his career had he been depicted that way. Apparently he made quite a scene in the production office about it.
I worked on a different film with Ben Johnson. He had great stories as you can imagine.
Duke was right I think. Maybe he had a sense that it was his last film, and it was the wrong way for him to go out.
Thanks, Rick
That would make a lot of sense.......the Duke shoot someone in the back ? I don't think so.....
I guess the Duke forgot about his role as Ethan Edwards, the notorious back shooter from The Searchers. Ward Bond's character even makes mention of it to Ethan's face. Perhaps Wayne decided he would never shoot another man in the back after that role.
@@adrianotero7963 Except that Wayne had shot men in the back. Three of them in The Searchers.
I read that John Wayne said that he played John Wayne in every role he played. I think that was the best acting role of his career.
I wonder who Marion Morris on was.
Interesting to hear another angle on the movie shoot. Sad to know now how sick Jonn Wayne was at the time, a true professional. Thanks again.
He was a man you could describe in one word, John Wayne, American.
Right on, David.
That's three words.
We just now caught this episode. Can't wait to get a copy of the books and watch the films mentioned. We were thinking that the end for good westerns had come...and then we watched this. Thank you so much again, Mr. Word. Great guest and great insight. Sometimes such pollarized opposites make for some epic stories.
Thanks and happy Thanksgiving.
@@AWordonWesterns Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Word. May the good LORD be gracious unto you throughout the NewvYear. ♡
Even though it was a work of fiction, I always felt it was autobiographical….. it doesn’t matter if it’s John Wayne playing someone else, this was his Swan-song. A classic movie and Mr. Wayne last hoorah. And What a Hoorah!!!!
The movie was good I watch it all the time over and over
When I saw the movie at the time it came out I knew just by watching him in the picture that that was his swan song and that he was dying of the cancer that was suppose to be in remission. It was great to watch but in retrospect very sad to see such a legend leaving us.
My step father worked as a stunt rider/wrangler on Stage Coach. He said his only interaction with John Wayne was to say "Good morning Mr. Wayne," during the shoot. Many years later (late '60's/early '70's) he sat at the table next to Wayne's at the Five Crowns restaurant in Corona del Mar. He said Wayne was constantly being interrupted by fans during dinner, so he didn't want to bother him. I saw John Wayne in person once, when I was 14 years old in 1975. We were taking my older sister to LAX for a flight. When we reached the airport there was a huge traffic jam (this was before the remodel). In a dark green station wagon with a raised roof next to us, was John Wayne riding shotgun. He looked exactly as he did in The Shootist - complete with mustache and cowboy hat. We waved and he waved back. We stayed next to his car for about a half an hour (there was no where else to go) and watched him get dropped off as we dropped off my sister. Later my sister excitedly told us that she walked right next him inside the terminal. It was a BIG deal.
Nice story. Thanks, Jim.
I have seen this awsome movie last duke made, Oscar should have got another Oscar, and a medal for All his grand movies, glad i have All his movies, VHS dvd and super 8 thank you lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns from your friend tom now and always 🤩 🤩 USA
I never had a chance to see tis movie till two weeks back. I enjoyed it a lot more than I would.
Thanks, Thomas.
Great interview!!! I first saw The Shootist when it first premiered in theaters, and thought that John Wayne would win an Oscar the next season. It wasn’t to be, but it was one of my all time favorites. I look forward to see the continuation film.
Glad you enjoyed it, Thomas. Thanks.
The "Shootist" has always been a favorite John Wayne film for me because it's his last and he is ironically dying of a cancer just like his character. Even the onset frictions shout out the real life persona of John Wayne. I have heard that Wayne and Stewart had some less than pleasant friction during this filming as well. Thank you Rob.
I don't believe there was friction between wayne and stewart as john fought to get stewart that part. The director didn't want stewart because he couldn't hear well at that point and struggled to recall his lines and hit his cues. He wanted to replace him, but john would have none of it. It is true that john fought with the director constantly on the shootout scene... from having his personal specific pistols, to the scene where he dies. In the end, it was done more john's way than not, and what a great thing that it was. One of the greatest shootouts, and a wonderful classic movie.
@@tmcorey1 thanks for the update and that clears up my confusion about Stewart and Wayne.
The Shootist, is one of my all time favorites.
It is enjoyable to hear and sometimes see the behind the filming moments. Another whole movie could be made from the stories behind the movies.
I hope the above made sense Rob. Thank you again.
Regards from Adelaide, South Australia.
Thanks, Sammy. Got it!
The Shootist is and was an underrated movie. It got both praise and criticism. The acting was great as was the cinematography. Whether you like him or hate him, John Wayne was a giant in Hollywood and a great actor. Jimmy Stewart was also one of the great actors. Lauren Bacall was a Hollywood legend. Ron Howard was a good actor and became one of the great Directors. To me The Shootist was story with a different view of what a gunfighter was from other depictions of gunfighters in other western movies. I am glad to see the movie get the recognition it deserves through your channel and others i have watched this week. Thanks Rob and keep up the good work.
One of my favorite movies, and what a great tribute to John Wayne as his last movie. And what an incredible book and script that made it all happen!
One of the best John Wayne films.
One of your very best programs, Rob. Miles Swarthout was a superb writer and screenwriter, articulate and humble. He revealed a fascinating side of John Wayne and others connected to The Shootist. He is sorely missed. Many thanks again for re-airing this episode.
As a John Wayne film the Shootist has a different vibe, Maybe it's the direction, maybe because the hero dies I've never been able to put my finger on it. But still a favorite.
JW died in other films but this one was more like life immitatting fiction. I get the feeling that he knew it was his last feature film, that he wouldn't be well enough to make another.
John Wayne didn’t like the revisionist style used in westerns and he didn’t want to be shown on screen being shot in the back. He didn’t like his westerns being overly violent and turned down an offer from Clint Eastwood to star with Eastwood in 70s as Wayne hated Eastwood’s revisionist style and violence used in his films. Eastwood and Wayne never talked again after Wayne wrote Eastwood an angry letter back. Clint Eastwood had wanted to have John Wayne star with him in High Plains Drifter. John Wayne didn’t like Eastwood’s thrillers either and ended up doing two cop films in 74 and 75 similar to Dirty Harry.
@@scottknode898 I could do without body parts blown all over the place. The first Rambo was stealth, training and intelligence. The rest were increasingly violent and bloody. It's a turn-off.
@@jozatexan1964 I agree First Blood in 82 was a classic and one of my favorite movies while the sequels were made to be shown as larger scale action films for Stallone especially Rambo First Blood Part 2 and went against Arnold Schwarzenegger at the box office with commando
It definitely has a different vibe/look to it. Absolutely wonderful movie but the look and soundtrack almost has a "made for TV" feel to it. Hard to explain...but definitely a different feel than other big screen westerns.
I've thoroughly enjoyed this show. The legendary John Wayne has been my favorite since the 70s but I remember his movie , Hatari , way back in the the mid sixtees as a small boy. Sir I'm enjoying your shows.Thank you.India.
Thanks, Subhash. HATARI is a favorite of mine, too. Very different and a GREAT score by Mancini. I've got a 3-sheet movie poster from it.
Rob...you're doing great work for the history of westerns...
Don't ever quit...
I appreciate that. But, c'mon, DA, I need a break!
@@AWordonWesterns yeah buddy, I hear yuh....
But like my daddy always said....
We all gotta eat...lol
Can't wait to get by and visit the museum their....
The Shootist was made for John wayne, no other actor could have played the part as well. It was more or less His life's story in movies. A fitting movie for His last movie.
This was an excellent movie, perhaps the best I ever saw him in. True Grit was his only movie where he got an Oscar, but I think he should have received one for The Shootist.
Rob thank you AGAIN for an amazing video about one of the finest movies ever made and one of the greatest actors to grace the stage JOHN WAYNE.....
Miles is eloquent, concise and informative about this great movie. The producer of 'The Shootist', William Self, was Airman Barnes, who put the electric blanket on the block of ice in 'The Thing' (1951).
Thanks, Paul. Bill Self was a wonderful man. I'd sometimes have lunch with him at The Palm. His son, Ed, too. Great stories!
Best John Wayne movie. A great supporting cast I think the cast made Waynes star shine brighter.
Good time to revisit this. RIP Mr. Swarthout .
Thanks, Madman. It sure was.
i watched this movie when i was younger and it didn't 'grab' me, but recently i watched it in my fifties, and really enjoyed it and the slower storytelling pace. it's the same thing with the tv show, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. all my friends are watching it during the pandemic. i never liked it as a kid. now i can appreciate it with it's slower pacing and original slant to a 60's action show
Thx.my good man.
The Horse Soldiers, El Dorado, and The Shootist, my favourite trifecta of John Wayne movies.
I don't know how many novels I've read by Glendon Swarthout, but they're all excellent.
The Shootist is my all time favorite movie.
Excellent Rob, so interesting to see this interview with Miles Swarthout,. talking about "The Shootist", one of John Wayne's best movies.
Great guest with yet another perspective of a great film.
There can't be too many westerns. Only the quality might be in question. The newer westerns seem to be missing something.
Again, great interview! One of my favorite movies. As someone else said, I didn’t want it to end. Magnificent performance from John Wayne.
Thank you once again Rob !
Miles brings a completely fresh, and what would have otherwise been lost to time had you not been able to capture these very special moments of Miles Swarthout's perspective on this great American Classic !
( The Shootist )
One of my all time favorites !
These very special moments would not be known any other way Rob,
Especially since we lost Miles in his such a relatively short life !
I am looking forward to finding, and reading his novel,
"The Last Shootist" !
I would have not known this book existed otherwise !
Thank you again Rob !
Thanks, quad. That's very nice to hear. Enjoy the sequel.
The Shootist movie was made in 1975/76. Wayne died in 1979. Boone in Jan, 1981. Scatman Crothers died in 1986. Carradine in 1988. Stewart died in 1997.
Fascinating interview, Rob! Thank you for the insight on “The Shootist.” Your interview style brings out the best in the participants. The public would never know these invaluable oral histories without your effort and thorough research. Thank you so much!
What a great video,Mr. Word. And the tea handle guns at the end if I'm not mistaken. Really a lot of history and much more than meets the eye in this movie. My favorite western of all time. I think I saw it for the first time on cable tv a couple years after it came out. Pretty amazing that I wasnt aware of it at the theater. I remember watching King Kong at the theater with Bridges which I do remember very well and was advertised a lot. Thanks for these great videos of all our heroes
Thanks, O.M. I'll keep 'em comin'!
The shootist was and still is a very great movie . Richard Boone another great actor are all gone now . Hard to believe how time pass us by now , with great memories of the past .
"You must think I'm a real dangerous man." - Jacob "Big Jake" McCandles to John Fain
Big Jake came out 50 years ago this month. Hard to believe.
Love these behind the scene stories, especially about Duke. I am going to see the John Wayne Experience at the Ft. Worth Stockyards next week and I am beyond excited.
Thanks. I hear it's a great exhibit, Eric. Let us know how you like it.
@@AWordonWesterns just left the exhibit. Great show! If you are anywhere near Ft. Worth it is well worth the visit, I am glad I added the extra day to my trip.
Two movies where John Wayne was totally robbed and should have gotten an Oscar were the Searchers and the shootest.
Rio Bravo El Dorado and Big Jake are my favorites.
The Searchers? Yes.
The Shootist?
Boring rehash.
Searchers….YES!
Sands of Iwo Jima and The Searchers.
Add the Cowboys..
As a fan of both the Duke and Don Siegel, this is some juicy gossip, lol. Thanks for the movie tales! BTW, one of the first films I watched in the movie theater! I loved it.
This is a great video! I found myself disappointed that it had to end. I could have watched this one for hours! WOW is always raising the bar for me. Thanks Rob!!👍😊
Glad you enjoyed it, slick. Thanks. I re-edited this for our annual May A WORD ON WAYNE and used every morsel of Miles' interview. It had originally been only 4:50 and glad I had more to include. RIP, Miles. 1946-2016
Another enjoyable interview, Rob. I never tire of hearing about the Duke. The sense of inescapable fate and the bleakness of manly will as the only remaining virtue in the face of unavoidable violence, hangs over this masterpiece. A fitting conclusion to the career of one of our greatest actors.
Definitely one of my favourite westerns. It's also one of three or four of my favourite Duke films. With the Green Berets, and Rio Bravo, and True Grit.
Best last movies, I would include in the list, Steve McQueen in The Hunter, along with John Wayne and Henry Fonda. In the movie, McQueen portrayed real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa' Thorson, who was aging and not in good physical condition, same as Steve in real life.
Spencer Tracy was in poor health during filming of his last film Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner due to his long term alcoholism and the studio was against Tracy doing the film and co star Katherine Hepburn used her salary to ensure Tracy would be able to stay working on film as they didn’t think he would be able to finish filming. Spencer Tracy died 17 days after filming was completed. Gary Cooper was in such poor health during filming of his last film he had to do frequent breaks to get oxygen as was dying of prostate cancer in which he died in 1961. Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable both filmed their final appearances in the film The Misfits and last film completed by both actors as Gable died of a heart attack shortly after filming in 1961 and Monroe died a year and half later. A doctor was on call during filming of The Misfits due to the poor health of the 3 principal actors Gable, Monroe and Montgomery Clift all being in bad health while they were dealing with alcoholism with Cliff also passing away in 66. Henry Fonda was not good health when he filmed his final and probably one of his best performances in On Golden Pond and died a year after the films release.
What a great video, Rob. This is one of my favorite films and hearing about how hard this was for John Wayne to shoot just makes the film that much more a treasure. Thank you, Rob, so very much.
Nice interview and I really liked the movie!
😷 Rob, great flashback , great movie & the Duke was outstanding 👍
Two of the greatest movies ever made, The Shootist and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Yes, Lee Marvin was great in that one.
I always thought it should been longer or something love Boone in it of course Jimmy too nice have them two in it still great one love the opening too
The shootist is one of my favorite movies ever. It was a rainy day and I was a kid trapped in the house. In those days there wasn't many options on TV. 6 channels maybe. One was showing the shootist and it caught my attention because Ritchie Cunningham was in it. I was to young to know Opie but happy days was a huge show and here was Ritchie in a movie so I started watching. And boy did it hold my attention. I hadn't a clue who John Wayne was or Ms Bacall , Mr Stewart, or any other of the legendary actors in the film. Maybe Harry Morgan as I knew col. Potter. But almost every single actor in this film was a legend and it was my introduction to all of them. One of the lines that really stuck me and still does to this day.... Just take good care of old Dollar. That scene brought the finality of what Books was planning home to me as it did to Mr Howard's character. It became and it remains one of my all time favorites top 5 . I will watch it everytime it's on even though I own a copy. And still manages the same emotional responses as the first time. Just a fantastic movie. How it didn't sweep Oscar's is beyond me. 5 stars plus. Thank you to everyone involved .
Thanks, Michael. What an impact this film has had on you and many others.
First time I saw this movie was in eighty nine, luved it so much that I bought the vhs tape, rest in peace duke
Really enjoyed this interview. Miles seemed like he gave an honest assessment of The Shootist. Wouldn't it be nice to have Hollywood stars like, Wayne, Cooper, Stewart, McCrea and Randolph Scott making movies again. I know there are other old time stars I could have named but they just popped in to my head. There were also plenty of old time Women stars that I admired. #RobForPresident2024
Thanks, Russ, but I ain't running! Way too busy putting these shows together.
I think that this is a very fitting End to the great film.
Great story about the shootist John Wayne and the whole cast put out very good efforts for a superb movie in which John Wayne being sick and putting out his best as always , a real tribute to a true professional as an actor and as a person in acting and real life.
Well said, David. Thanks.
God bless John Wayne! Miss him so much! I own the dvd "The Shootist" but can't watch it. I just don't want to watch John Wayne die.
Thanks for another great video and the truth!!!! Other videos do nothing but lie about the stars ( Landum C. goes there, Facts Verse ). The Duke and other stars deserve better!!!! Make sure you know who put the video out
Thanks very much, Alex. We strive to be accurate. Some of those exploitation sites really make my skin crawl.
Interesting idea, The Shootist directed by John Ford... The thing apart from the great acting in that movie that impressed me most is Duke's carrying and using such finely done "D" coverage Peacemakers. He was a man who knew the true purpose of those revolvers and that despite their great ornamentation they were meant to be shot. When I finally do get my own "D" coverage engraved pieces, I will certainly be carrying and shooting them as well. The Shootist was a true joy in seeing two of Hollywood's greatest men- Duke and Jimmy Stewart- together, alongside Lauren Bacall and Richard Boone, more of Hollywood's finest actors and actress.
They will never be another Duke!
Rob you keep pulling them off the shelf and sharing with us. Thank You Mr. Word!
And adding lots of new goodies, too, Ken. The original "Bad Blood" was under 5 minutes and 7 years ago when our shows were much shorter. Glad you enjoyed it, every morsel of Miles.
I do miss the DUKE he always made a good Western movie. Thanks Rob
I watched the SHootist all the way through recently (1st time). I was actually quite surprised by Ron Howard's performance. Quite good.
He was very good.
My only real comment is that yes, there was more westerns to come but unfortunately not the more, and more, that was hoped for in 2014 and since, by me at least. There has been so much said and written about the Shootist from different sources with many contradictions on what "really occurred", in relation to this production. I think the only real point of agreement, is that in spite of, or maybe because of, The Shootist is an outstanding film. One that deserves being referred to as a classic film with an enduring legacy for all whom were involved in it's making.
The movie " Green Beret" and all the movies that he played dead in moved me to tears.
I'm glad Arrow video put out a blu-ray of this movie great special features especially about the score
Great man
Great actor
John wayne
Who could disagree with that!
Thanks Rob for another great behind the scenes interview. The Shootist is up there with the best of the Duke's movies. If it's ever on TV I have to stop everything and watch it.
Thanks for all the background info on The Shootist. This and The Cowboys are my two favorites. I appreciate your effort.
You bet, John. Thanks
It is hard for me to pick a favorite of the many great movies made by John Wayne. But this would certainly be one of them for a variety of reasons. The movie has a great script provided by superior writers who adapted the original novel for the screen, great leading cast of course but very fine group of supporting actors. Also, as an aside, I appreciate so much the effort Rob Word goes to in producing this shows. He is so knowledgable, a great storyteller and has a respect and a love for the subject that shines through all his shows. Thanks Rob for keeping us united rather than divided by reminding us of great values that the western movie genre had and the outstanding quality of the films. Westerns get a bad rap perhaps because so many started out as 1 or 2 reeler movies and lacked sophistication as some would say but the wonderful American values taught in most of these movies are timeless and Rob does a wonderful job of reminding us of these values in all his shows. Thanks so much Rob.
Thanks, GG. Nice.
The Shooting, what a film to go out on. Great movie!
Was there more of this interview?
Miles was very interesting and he had info to share.
I finally saw the Shootist about a couple of years ago, and I was surprised how much I like it.
I really admire John Wayne for his dedication to the art and to his country.
That's all the interview that was shot that day. I'm sure glad he came by the taping and shared what he did. Unfortunately, Miles died two years after the interview.
@@AWordonWesterns oh no! That’s too bad. God rest his soul.
The shootist was John Wayne's best movie. He may have been the only person who didn't know that it was his last one.
I thought the shootist was a fine tribute to the man that made some of the best westerns ever made. Long live the duke.
Hugh O'Brian said John Wayne invited him to watch the dailies when he came back.
In the bar scene one of the other men got shot in the back by Books.
O'Brian said when Wayne saw that he got upset and said they'd have to reshoot that because in all his movies not once had he shot a man in the back and he wasn't going to start now.
Thanks, Joe.
@@AWordonWesterns you are most welcome.
I was watching an interview with O'Brian when he talked about that. He said it was an honor for John Wayne to ask him to watch the dailies with him.
It's a great movie.
Very true, Joe. However, I believe the Duke was suffering from a (forgivable) lapse of memory in memory in this circumstance. In "The Searchers" - what many consider to be Wayne's finest film - his character Ethen Edwards sets his nephew Martin Pawley (Jeff Hunter) out as bait, because he realizes storekeeper Jerem Futterman plans to ambush them. When Futterman sneaks up on Pawley, Edwards shoots him - in the back.
@@cjmarshall0221 very true. I can understand how he might forget that though, he did so many movies.
@@cjmarshall0221 From what I saw of the movie, Ethan seems to have called out to Futterman, then waited until Futterman's side was turned to him then fired, rather than shoot Futterman in the back. I know that Ward Bond's character Captain Clayton mentioned that all 3 baddies were shot in the back, but whatever.
I think the shootout should have been a face-to-face quickdraw.
Can't imagine misplacing as big an item as Greg Palmer, who musta taken up at least two seats on the bus.
As for The Homesman, it was one of the most brilliantly acted, most original takes on the genre as I've ever seen.
While also being one of the most depressing and painful to watch. Glad I saw it once, but you'd have to zip tie me to a chair and duct tape my eyelids to my forehead to get me to watch it again.
The Shootist on the other hand is a brilliant film, bitter sweet, poignantly sad with a great shootout ending that could be no more fitting and appropriate a denouement as the Duke's last film if his life and career were scripted.
I read the book before seeing the movie. Now usually that isn't a good thing for me. I hate how the movies always change the book, rarely for the better. But, The Shootist was quite possibly the most depressing thing I've ever read. I'm so glad they changed the ending. I would have not liked to have thought that poorly of Rob Howard.
IMHO....The Shootist is the finest western John Wayne ever made.
Always a informative video.
Thanks Rob.
Excellent interview. Thanks again for posting these gems.
Glad you enjoyed it, JC. Thanks.
You know, it is funny in that there are stories like this, troubles making the movie, about every great movie that was made. The most told one is the classic Casablanca, where most every actor on the set thought it was going to be a flop.