The Duke
It has long been an industry wide regulation that every time an animal works before the cameras, a representative from the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals) is on the set.

During filming of "Hondo," however, star John Wayne, in his own inimitable way, questioned why the rep had to move in close and alongside the cameras for scenes he had with the dog used in the film.

"What the hell does he think I'm going to do, bite the animal?"

In an age of few heroes, John Wayne sure sits tall in the saddle. While critics argue that he was not that good an actor because he so often portrayed himself, Wayne's name is at the top of every movie star popularity survey.  That's not bad for a guy who passed away 20+ years ago.

Said director John Ford in 1961:  "The Duke is one hell of an actor and anyone who says differently is an idiot."  Said director Howard Hawks in '67:  "I put newcomers in scenes with Wayne so they can learn from him.  Charlene Holt in 'El Dorado,' for instance.  Wayne gave her a lot of confidence and taught her a great deal.  James Caan is another.  He is another story we tell in 'El Dorado'---the story told in "Nevada Smith,' the Steve McQueen picture."

Wayne turned director for three pictures---"The Alamo," "The Comancheros," after director Michael Curtiz became ill, and "The Green Berets."  He took a lot of criticism for "Berets," but wanted to tell the story of "the greatest soldier ever to walk the face of this Earth," he said.  In a John Wayne picture, pride went along with being an American and toughness was a part of being a man.  Around his kids, pride went along with being a dad and sometimes toughness got lost. When son Patrick turned in a first-rate performance in "An Eye For An Eye," I had to tell his dad how good he was.  "Well, thank you," The Duke replied, tears welling.  What's this? John Wayne with tears in his eyes?  When it came to talking about his kids, he could show a few. That was the best part about interviewing stars.  Sometimes you caught them off guard or with guys like John Ford.  There was a lot of waiting around for camera or lighting setups.  Wayne played chess. Jack Elam played poker.  Walter Brennan cracked jokes.  "No matter how late you are getting to work around here, you're too early,' said Brennan.  "Who's your hero?" someone asked Wayne's youngest son, Ethan.  "Him," the boy replied, smiling at his dad, and again dad had tears in his eyes.  He had tears in his eyes when he accepted his Oscar for "True Grit." A lot of us did.  "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "I'm no stranger to this podium.  I've picked up a lot of these beautiful golden men before, but always for friends.  One night I picked up two; one for Admiral John Ford and another one for our beloved Gary Cooper.  I was very clever and witty that night, the envy of even Bob Hope.  But tonight I don't feel very clever, very witty.  I feel very grateful, very humble, and I have many, many people to thank.  I want to thank the members of The Academy.  To all of you watching at home on television, thank you for taking such a warm interest in our glorious industry.  Good night."

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