"There've been a lot of stories about how I got to be
called Duke. One was that I played the part of a duke in
a school play, which I never did. Sometimes, they even
said I was descended from royalty! It was all a lot of
rubbish. Hell, the truth is that I was named after a
dog!"
Duke won a college Football Scholarship to the
University of Southern California. Whilst at University,
Duke began working at the Fox lot on Western Avenue.
Duke became a permanent fixture on the Fox lots. He
continued to move the props. Did some stunt work. Fed
and watered the animals used on the various sets.
Appeared in crowd scenes. (In Hangman's House, Duke
actually appeared as a silhouette.)
1930, Raoul Walsh, the director who made the first
outdoor western, In Old Arizona, was contracted to the
Fox Studios. He was about to make another western, The
Big Trail. A young trail scout was needed. No one could
be found to play the role. Discussing the matter with
Ford, Ford suggested that he look at a tall young fellow
by the name of Marion Morrison. Walsh liked what he saw
een test was arranged. Duke passed with flying colors.
There was one problem: his name. It would be difficult
to convince the American public that Marion Morrison was
a tough trail scout. Duke Morrison was considered and
dropped. The name of a General from the American War of
Independence was suggested. "Mad" Anthony Wayne. Anthony
was replace with John. Consequently, without any say in
the matter, Duke acquired his screen name: John Wayne.
VOTING RULES
1. You are allowed to vote for any site once per day,
per isp account.
2. You must vote for yourself at least three times per
week.
The Oldie-Goldie's operates on a four day voting
week....
All Voting is on CDT
