Howdy all and thanks for all the great portfolios and interest in Andy’s computer game. There are some amazingly talented folks out there, and I loved looking at all the awesome art and CG models. I’m finishing my calender piece for Drexler today for his new ST, SOTL Calender and am finally getting to the final details
While listening to the internet radio “Live 365, Atomic City” often plays patriotic pieces recorded by John Wayne…Today was no exception and encouraged me to see if any of these pieces were made into videos via YouTube, and sure enough, there were a few of them to see.
Getting back to John Wayne, he was and is a true American hero, and he was a symbol of what Patriotic America was founded on…Truth, Love, Justice and Freedom. He always remembered the everyday man and woman with respect, as well as our ArmedForces, to whom he gave great reverence. So, in thinking of Mr Wayne today and all that he believed in, here are some videos to encourage your day, enjoy!!
Eavesdropping with Johnny 
Ah, The Quiet Man. One of his best films ever and it wasn’t a western!
I bought that one and haven’t seen it yet!!!!
John
Aint that the truth? They don’t make em like the Duke anymore. Must have John Wayne films for me are The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, True Grit, and Rio Bravo.
YEAH!!! I’m a big Searchers fan!!!
How could I forget that one!
Rio Bravo, The Searchers and I love Captain Nathan Brittles in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon; Ben Johnson along for that ride, too. Ah, a good cavalry flick. 🙂
I’ve heard of A Quiet Man, of course, but haven’t seen it either, to my surprise. Netflix….
I’m a big fan of “The Duke” myself. To me it seemed he understood that somewhere along the line he became more than just an actor; he became a symbol of The American Spirit, a vision of the best of us and what we aspire to be. That could not have been an easy burden but he accepted it with quiet grace and dignity.
Too many people wrap themselves in the flag and declare themselves defenders of American ideals these days. They don’t hold a candle to John Wayne, though, because they lack the most important quality such responsibility demands: Humility. I wish he was still here to remind us of that.
Here’s to ya, Duke. Saddle up, it’s time to ride.
Awesome words and well put!!! I completely agree with you!!
I’ve only gotten through the first 2 videos, but just wanted to comment. What a voice, and what a genuine human being. I couldn’t help think of all the American soldiers that fought in the tragic First World War, as I took my exam on that just a couple of hours ago. Hearing taps and how it came about was very moving. Thanks so much for sharing, John.
BTW, I don’t know if the colors are the most readable, but I felt red, white and blue was appropriate. Can your color challenged eyes make out the colors?
You said it, what a voice,, full of compassion!
The Sons of Katie Elder. Nuff said. 😀
and how!
I love the last scene in The Searchers where John Ford has the Duke outside alone, everyone else had gone in, he is framed by the door, simply brilliant.
There is footage of Maureen O’Hara speaking before Congress in 1979 about giving the Duke a medal, that it should say just one thing “John Wayne, American”. I think that sums him up perfectly.
Terry
And of course John you would like The Searchers it has a Star Trek connection, Jeffery Hunter is in it.
Terry
Hey also in that final scene the Duke holds his forearm for a minute before he turns and walks away,, that was a personal tribute to his friend Harry Carrey who had passed away.. Carry always used to hold his arm like that.
The indy film “The Only Good Indian” framed the opening and closing shots like that. I am friends with the cinematographer and he told me those shots were an intentional nod
to the Searchers.
http://www.theonlygoodindian.com/
Watch the trailer and you’ll see the classic shot.
John, make some time to watch “The Quiet Man” and you won’t be sorry you did
“Rio Bravo” is one of my favorites of all time. “Sorry don’t get it done, Dude.”
The Duke, one of a kind, no doubt, pilgrim. 🙂
peace | deg
“The Searchers” is a classic. Don’t forget the WWII flick “In Harm’s Way” is one of my personal favs. Some other great ones are “Back to Bataan/They Were Expendable”, “The High and the Mighty”. Basically anything he did from 1942-1967.
Good man there, John Wayne! My wife introduced me to Rio Bravo shortly after we got married and it quickly became a favorite. He had quite the presence on screen! 😀
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.
Nuff said.