John Wayne + Lauren Bacall

It is my understanding that Bacall did NOT care for Wayne and was not thrilled during the filming of this movie. No doubt it had more to do with their political differences, something that was not a factor with Wayne but apparently was with Bacall. However, when they made the Shootist together many years later, Bacall warmed up to Wayne and they developed a friendship on the set. It may be that Bacall matured over the years, Wayne certainly hadn't changed, and learned to see beyond a person's political views. I've always like Bacall, but felt she shown more in comedies than in dramas. She is much like Wayne, her acting is more a reflection of her being herself as Wayne is in his roles. Both shine in comedies, it seems to play against type.

Whats to be enamored of???

"We're going to need a bigger boat..."

I've been watching movies from the 1930s through every decade since. My movie collection is up to about 300 currently. I'm a cinemaphile. I've read many books through the years about cinema. I don't consider myself an idiot. I'm also not enamored of John Wayne, although I admit to owning five of his films. He was like all actors of his day, a personality that was the same in every movie. Most of my favorite stars were like that: Bogart, Cagney, Ladd, Stewart, Mitchum. Before I watch any old-time film I know what I'm going to get from the leading man! And that's perfectly okay with me. John Wayne's funny hip-rolling walk, narrow-eyed glare announcing somebody was in trouble(...), unique speech pattern, lop-sided grin, obvious toupee and other constants in his films are all amusing to me. He wasn't a terrific actor: the Duke was a very likeably predictable screen personality.

My take on the film: Decent entertainment, not among his best 6/10, but worth a watch especially if you're a fan of the Duke, and a happy ending!