John Wayne was a versatile actor who made a name for himself in a wide range of genres, from Westerns to war movies, and even a handful of comedies. With a career spanning over 50 years, he left behind a diverse collection of films that continue to charm audiences to this day. Among his most notable works is “The Alamo” (1960), a historical epic directed by Wayne himself. This film tells the story of the Battle of the Alamo in a Western setting and showcases Wayne’s directing skills alongside his acting prowess in handling both tough and tender roles. Another standout is “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949), a classic Western directed by John Ford. It follows officer Tod Book, who is tasked with escorting a young woman to safety amid lurking dangers, featuring a strong narrative and memorable performances.
In of disaster movies, “The High and the Mighty” (1954) stands out. Directed by William A. Wellman, this tense and suspenseful thriller follows the story of a plane facing catastrophic failure and the passengers who must work together to survive, highlighting Wayne’s ability to handle drama and action. “Big Jake” (1971) is a late-era Western in which Wayne plays a rancher who must rescue his kidnapped grandson from a group of bandits, delivering plenty of excitement and spectacle. The war drama “Sands of Iwo Jima” (1949), directed by Allan Dwan, tells the story of a Marine Sergeant leading his men in the Battle of Iwo Jima, showcasing Wayne’s dramatic range.
John Ford’s “The Wings of Eagles” (1957) is a biopic about Navy aviator and screenwriter Frank W. “Spig” Wead, where Wayne’s portrayal of a strong and interesting character shines through. In “Rio Grande” (1950), another Ford-directed Western, Wayne stars as an officer fighting against Apache forces in Texas. “How the West Was Won” (1962) is an epic Western directed by a trio including John Ford, telling the story of several generations in the Old West with a massive production scale. “The Horse Soldiers” (1959), also directed by Ford, follows a Union Cavalry outfit on a Civil War mission, delivering a strong narrative and memorable performances.
John Wayne in Cahill U.S. Marshal (Photo: Cahill U.S. Marshal)
In “3 Godfathers” (1948), directed by Ford, Wayne stars in a Western about three outlaws caring for a young child after his mother’s death, again offering a strong narrative and memorable performances. “The Shootist” (1976), directed by Don Siegel, is a poignant film about an aging gunfighter confronting his mortality, showcasing Wayne’s ability to handle both drama and action. “El Dorado” (1966), directed by Howard Hawks, features Wayne teaming up with an old friend to take down a ruthless rancher. “The Quiet Man” (1952), a romantic comedy directed by Ford, tells the story of an American returning to Ireland and falling in love, filled with humor and heart.
Wayne also starred in “The Longest Day” (1962), a war epic about the D-Day landings, and “Red River” (1948), a Western directed by Hawks about a man and his adopted son on a difficult journey. “They Were Expendable” (1945), directed by Ford and Robert Montgomery, is a war drama about American airmen protecting the Philippines from Japanese forces. In “Baby Face” (1933), directed by Alfred E. Green, Wayne stars in a pre-Code Hollywood film about a young woman using her sexuality to get ahead. “Fort Apache” (1948), directed by Ford, and “The Cowboys” (1972), directed by Mark Rydell, are both classic Westerns with strong narratives and memorable performances.
