John Wayne: American
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Author Description
Based on over five years of interview and archival research, John Wayne: American explains the appeal of Wayne's abiding Americanness. Indeed, we cannot understand America itself without understanding John Wayne. Born in a dyed-in-the-wool Republican town in Iowa, a football star and student leader, and a scholarship boy at USC, Wayne went to Hollywood because it was the truest meritocracy in America, the one place where his lack of wealth and connections could not hurt him. After spending the first decade of his career on Poverty Row, he emerged as a star in Stagecoach. But it was during World War II that Wayne - and America - emerged as superpowers. Wayne came to politics reluctantly, joining the mainstream of America in its confrontation with communism - and maintaining his opposition ever since. At heart, however, Wayne was a nonideological conservative. He loved his freedom, his friends, his women, and his booze. He believed in simple justice, and common decency, and he will always be beloved as a result.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This biography explores the enduring appeal of John Wayne's quintessential Americanness and its connection to understanding the nation itself. The book details Wayne's journey from his Iowa roots and USC football days to his rise in Hollywood's meritocracy, culminating in his stardom with Stagecoach. It examines his evolution as a cultural icon during World War II and his subsequent, though reluctant, engagement with politics, aligning with America's confrontation with communism. Ultimately, the work posits Wayne as a non-ideological conservative who cherished freedom, friendship, women, and drink, embodying simple justice and common decency.
THE SCOPE MAP
- Extensive interview and archival research forming the basis of the narrative.
- Analysis of John Wayne's 'abiding Americanness' and its cultural significance.
- Exploration of Wayne's early life, including his Iowa upbringing and USC football career.
- The trajectory of his Hollywood career, from Poverty Row to stardom in Stagecoach.
- Wayne's emergence as a cultural superpower during World War II.
- His political evolution and alignment with mainstream American anti-communist sentiment.
- Characterization of Wayne as a non-ideological conservative focused on freedom and personal values.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
This biography is presented as a comprehensive look at John Wayne's life and cultural impact, emphasizing his role as a symbol of American identity. The author's extensive research, including interviews and archival materials, suggests a detailed and authoritative account. The narrative aims to connect Wayne's personal values and public persona to broader themes in American history and conservatism. The book positions Wayne as a beloved figure whose appeal stems from his embodiment of simple justice and common decency.
Page Count:
738
Publication Date:
1995-01-01
ISBN-10:
0029238374
ISBN-13:
9780029238370
Biography
Non-Fiction
History
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