Despite political controversies and his conservative nature, I still love John Wayne.   He gave so much to cinema it’s hard not to.

Actually born under the name Marion Robert Morrison, Wayne was given the name we all know when he got his first starring role in Raoul Walsh’s The Big Trail. From here Wayne would become known for his height, voice and masculinity.  He more or less defined the Western genre and is most likely who most people think of when they think of a cowboy.

My favorite films of his include Red River, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Rio Grande, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, El Dorado and of course The Searchers.

And speaking of The Searchers, give a watch to a trailer and the beautiful last scene below.

*photo by Jessica N. Diamond (CC)