Stars at the Pool

Cary Grant & Doris Day between takes

Jean Harlow

Jeanne Crain, Gale Robbins, Mary Anderson, June Haver, & Trudy Marshall - 1940s

Mickey Rooney & Esther Williams (I'm guessing Andy Hardy days)

Robert Wagner

Robert Wagner photo-bombing Jeffrey Hunter

All images found via Pinterest

PULP CATHOLICISM #131

True Detective Season 2 Episode 6 Recap

Episode 5 left us chasing blue diamonds, a crazy shack, and confrontation between Colin Farrell's Ray Velcoro and Vince Vaughn's Frank Semyon.
After watching this episode, and the reality that only two episodes are left, we had too much introduction and filler. The setup stories could have been truncated. The episodes are getting better, but it feels like two episodes isn't enough time.

Check out my previous recaps or keep reading to dive into this episode. Spoilers beware.

I'm going to give you something. Put it in your shoe.

Frank didn't force Ray to do anything that wasn't already in him.

This was a good start to the episode. There was no fight between Frank and Ray with Frank blaming Ray and washing his hands of any wrong doing.

He looks nothing like you, which is true for both of them.

Ray determines his earlier retribution targeted the wrong guy. While he threatens to go after the guy, it seems at odds after his Frank conversation. Ray can tell this guy is the real culprit, though he looks nothing like Ray's son.

Dollars to donuts we've already seen these kids all grown up.

Are those Mayor Chessani's 'kids'? How deep do Chessani's crimes go? The picture is a boy and girl, similar to Chessani's kids. With what little we've seen we know his adult kids are nothing short of messed up. I think we know why.

Have a chat with Uncle Frank.

Now we see why Stan's death was given such prominence, they were going to come back to it. They could have given him a scene before his death. Frank proves he is down with kids. Could this lead to adopting Stan's kid? Anything could happen in the last two episodes!

Is Ray an interior decorator? No. He's just on a bender.

Why would Ray DVR the Cardinals? Why not the Dodgers or even the Angels and Athletics? Is DVR'ing the wrong game and his son not picking up on it what really upset him? His wife tells him she doesn't want to win but that seems hard to believe since he's handing her the win and she isn't objecting. My next question was why do a paternity if she doesn't want to win, but the show addressed that question. She needs that for her, which seems to ignore Ray's feelings on the matter.

Hey, why do they call you hammer time... wait, nooooo!!

Frank once again proves he's tough as nails. He wants the girl more than the cops and he's willing to screw whoever gets in his way.

Ani has got something, at least that's what all the pimps tell her.

Ani is all dressed up and ready to party without the dozens of knives she usually carries. Ray and Frank are on surveillance. Just how badly will this go?

Paul's been watching WWE again.

Ray and Paul tag teaming the competition. Paul neutralizes the threat, Ray stands around pointing a gun.

Tacky sweater party this isn't.

The parties are crazier than Eyes Wide Shut. We got nothing on the crazy murder shack, but this party is wall to wall old guys looking for something easy. Ani has some repressed memories. It looks like her dad was aiding  aspiring political types before the parties became a touch too classy for the woods and vans.

No party like a full moon party because  full moon party don't stop.

No party like a full moon party because a full moon party don't stop... until... no, they don't. Ray and Paul save the day and Ani who finds her missing person and a potential murder charge. I doubt they'll press charges, wouldn't want to bring attention to your crazy sex party.

 And of course, no recap is complete without a highway shot.

CUTAWAYS: METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR

See if you can spot the problem the scientists in the following clip from 1990’s Metamorphosis: The Alien Factor are having.

That’s right, they’re facing the age-old conundrum  of when, where and how it is appropriate to show public displays of affection in front of your… progeny.

Well, according to Pope Francis, almost any time is a good time for parents to express their love for one another through little caresses or kisses. In an address to parents of confirmation candidates in 2014, His Holiness remarked how important it was that children witness their parents being affectionate. “Don't ever forget that your children are always watching you” the Pontiff explained, “and when they see that a father and mother love each other, children grown in an air of love, in happiness, also in security, because they know that they are safe in the love of their father and mother.”

So, go ahead mom and dad, hug and smooch away in front of the kids, it’s fine. Um, might want to make sure you’re not brandishing a needle in front of their eyes at the time, though. Probably just asking for trouble if you do that.

The Weekly Movie Watch Volume 53

This week I watched Spartacus, Alien Nation, Left Behind.

I watch movies every week and then write down my thoughts. Read my previous reviews!
My rating is simple, Watch It, It Depends, Skip it.

Spartacus - The scale and scope is matched by the quality.

Spartacus (1960)
Watch Spartacus
Written by: Dalton Trumbo (screenplay), Howard Fast (based on the novel by), Peter Ustinov (uncredited), Calder Willingham (battle scenes, uncredited)
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick
Starring:Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier
Rated: PG-13

Plot: 
Spartacus leads a slave revolt from a Gladiator school, planning to sail away from Rome with his army of freed slaves. Befor reaching the coast, they must defeat the opposing armies of Rome.

Review:
Helmed by my favorite director, Stanley Kubrick, Spartacus is a sweeping, grand epic starring Kirk Douglas. It doesn't feel like a Kubrick film. It lacks a timeless quality present any many Kubrick films. While it doesn't diminish the impact, it possesses the sensibilities of an older movie. It's similar to Gladiator, but with much more depth and size to the story. The scale is simply stunning many times over. Long sweeping shots of armies and landscapes abound. This is without relying on video effects making it all the more impressive. "I am Spartacus." is an amazing line in an amazing sequence.
Watch it.

Spartacus - This is just one of many grand, sweeping shots.

 

Alien Nation - A terrible, sci-fi knock off of Lethal Weapon.

Alien Nation (1988)
Watch Alien Nation
Written by: Rockne S. O'Bannon
Directed by: Graham Baker
Starring: James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Terrence Stamp
Rated: R

Plot: 
Humanoid aliens landed and now live and work beside humans. A human police detective and alien are paired together to work on a case with far reaching implications.

Review:
It's a buddy-cop movie at it's core. It's similar to Lethal Weapon in that there are two cops and a villain. The difference? Lethal Weapon is good. The characters are incredibly boring and the plot didn't start until two-thirds of the way in. The sci-fi element lends itself to a commentary on racism and immigration, but the portrayal of the aliens is overly simplistic. The main bad guy, who of course is an alien is paper thin. Mandy Patinkin, is unrecognizable as San Francisco, part of the cop duo. James Caan, as the other half of the duo, embodies every hard nosed cop cliche the writers could cram into the movie. District 9 excels much better as a commentary on racism. The plot contrivances propel the plot forward at the expense of believability. Salt water is acid for the aliens for no reason other than to manipulate an ending. This movie may have had lofty goals, but the story is so underdeveloped that it doesn't land.
Skip it.

Left Behind - Why did Nic Cage star in this? Why was this movie ever made?
These are the big questions the movie begs us to ask.

Left Behind (2014)
Watch Left Behind 
Written by: Jerry B. Jenkins (based on novel), Tim LaHaye (based on novel), Paul Lalonde, John Patus
Directed by: Vic Armstrong
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Lea Thompson
Rated: PG-13

Plot: 
Thousands of people vanish instantly. Those left behind must fight the chaos to survive. In summary, Nic Cage spends the entire movie trying to land a plane. Spoiler, he does.

Review:
How quickly did I realize this wouldn't be good? Within the first few seconds as I heard the score. It's like a bad, let me emphasize bad, made for television movie. I was hoping for the crazy Nic Cage we know and love. Crazy Cage did not make an appearance. The movie is incredibly hokey from the start reinforcing the sub-par production values. Do you like stilted dialog? There is plenty of that. Oddly enough, there must be some kind of glass breaking quota. There were at least three cinematic window breaking sequences. I'm amazed this was made. I double checked to confirm a movie of this poor quality was actually released in theaters. It was! I thought this would be a movie about character development and people bonding together. Instead it's just about landing a plane. You should not watch this. I was hoping the plane would crash just to end it the movie. Disappointment abounds.
Skip it.

ONE SHEET WORDS OF WISDOM #006

ONE SHEET WORDS OF WISDOM #005

Jurassic Box Office Indeed! JURASSIC WORLD Trails Only TITANIC And AVATAR!

They did it! JURASSIC WORLD ($1.52b) is now in the sole possession of third place on the all-time world box office list trailing just TITANIC ($2.2b) and AVATAR ($2.8b).

That is one heckuva accomplishment and my family contributed solidly to the effort I might add. Universal in fact has never broken the billion dollar mark with a movie before as hard as that is to believe. This year? They did it twice - JURASSIC WORLD and FURIOUS 7 ($1.51b). Nice movie line up guys!

Can STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS continue the solid march of the box office this year? One would definitely think so considering the buzz the movie's been getting. We'll see in December!

Congratulations to the JURASSIC WORLD team and director Colin Trevorrow!! Good on you!

PULP CATHOLICISM #130

July's Massive Housecleaning Continues

Just so no one thinks the number of movies expiring from Netflix this month represents business as usual, here's a tally of how many titles left the service each month since December of last year (as tracked by the enormously helpful site, New on Netflix USA):

December (2014) - 281 titles removed
January - 352
February - 224
March - 218
April - 307
May - 246
June - 212

That averages out to 307 departing titles per month, for the last six months. By comparison, July's total is (drum roll, please)...996. And counting. By the end of this month, given what we already know is set to expire, the toll will easily surpass 1,000.*

Making this number even worse is the fact that, as reported in my July 3 post (also picked up by many news outlets), the majority of these titles left with little to no warning�going against Netflix's historic practice of providing at least one week's notice prior to expiration.

That means you went to bed on the 19th with, say, 164 titles in your queue, and in the morning you woke up to find that 18 of them had disappeared. Poof�gone. Without any chance to reorder or prioritize based on Need To Watch. Thought you'd get a chance to bone up on some Mario Bava giallos or classic silents? Or one of those TV movies of the 1970s you were always curious about? Too bad. Netflix had other plans. And if reports of recent customer service calls are correct, the company plans to eliminate its expiration warnings altogether (because, why bother keeping your customers informed?).

Read more �

CUTAWAYS: ONE CRAZY SUMMER

Well, we did it. For the first time in years the family actually left town for a quick weekend vacation. Not to worry though, we were immediately punished for it once we got home. Still, it was fun while it lasted. We even managed to work in a little dolphin spotting along the way.

Of course, me being me, the first thing I immediately thought of once Flipper and his pals began popping up was this…

Once I got that out of my system, though, my thoughts turned to this…

According to the 1909 Catholic Encyclopedia:

“The use of the dolphin as a Christian symbol is connected with the general ideas underlying the more general use of the fish. The particular idea is that of swiftness and celerity symbolizing the desire with which Christians, who are thus represented as being sharers in the nature of Christ the true Fish, should seek after the knowledge of Christ. Hence the representation is generally of two dolphins tending towards the sacred monogram or some other emblem of Christ. In other cases the particular idea is that of love and tenderness. Aringhi (Roma Subterr., II, 327) gives an example of a dolphin with a heart, and other instances have some such motto as PIGNUS AMORIS HABES (i.e. thou hast a pledge of love). It is sometimes used as an emblem of merely conjugal love on funeral monuments. With an anchor the dolphin occurs frequently on early Christian rings, representing the attachment of the Christian to Christ crucified. Speaking generally, the dolphin is the symbol of the individual Christian, rather than of Christ Himself, though in some instances the dolphin with the anchor seems to be intended as a representation of Christ upon the Cross.”

I really don’t know if it’s feasible these days to get this kind of religious symbolism back into the mainstream public consciousness so that something like running across a few dolphins brings to mind Christ as well as old silly movies. Sure is a nice thought, though.

True Detective Season 2 Episode 5 Recap

In the two months since the firefight that wrecked the city, the true detectives have not fared well
Colin Farrell's Ray Velcoro is now security for Vince Vaughn's Frank Semyon, Rachel McAdams's Ani Bezzerides works evidence, and Taylor Kitsch's Paul Woodrugh is an insurance fraud detective.
While their situations have worsened, Farrell shaved his mustache which is an improvement. It turns out the three cops have kept in touch and now want to solve the case they left behind. Check out my recaps of each episode.

Detective team assemble!

This episode provided more info and was a solid contribution.

Let her share.

Ani is in counseling due to Mayor Chessani, though she doesn't know this. She does find out his son has lofty aspirations of being a pimp.

Paint me like one of your...

But Ani hasn't left the case of Casper alone. These blue diamonds are a big deal.

No! No! No!

Paul has lost twenty thousand dollars. His mom took it,emasculates him, and then regrets his existence. I'm sure she's more loving than actually portrayed.

We know that guy!

The psychiatrist is back, but who didn't see that coming. Ray discovers the psychiatrist knows more than he let one while following Frank's subordinate. Frank would be interested in this info if only he knew about it.

It's good to be a gangster

Frank has problems on the home front. His marriage is falling apart and did I mention the word gangster really bothers him.

Ray and Ani are on the case.

The blue diamonds are missing from evidence. It's time to assemble. Ani convinces Paul, and then she calls Rayand with the promise of keeping his kid, Ray signs up.

Ray finds out that Frank set him up. The guy he ostensibly killed for raping his wife wasn't the real culprit. Who did Ray track down?


Ray and Frank need to talk this one out.

Colin 'Punchy' Farrell is back with a vengeance.

Ray extracts information about parties and political figures from the psychiatrist.

Wait, there's another ticket that came by here?

Looks like Ray's old partner was interested in the diamonds. Too bad he died last episode.

This is crow house!

We see the crow house. Long live the crow. Let them eat crow.

Next episode I expect Frank and Ray to have a terse confrontation, but I'll bet they'll resolve it over a cup of tea and scones.

Sensio Launches 3DGO! Advertising Campaign In Theatres Across USA For It's Service

SENSIO Technologies Inc. (“SENSIO”) (TSX-V:SIO) has announced the launch of its first advertising campaign in the United States for its 3DGO! service.

Beginning July 17th, the new 3DGO! native 3D ad will be seen by millions of moviegoers in select theaters across the U.S. in National CineMedia (NCM)’s FirstLook pre-show program in front of select 3D films including “Minions” and “Ant-Man.” NCM is America’s Movie Network, with nearly 50 leading national and regional theater circuit affiliates including AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group. These films are expected to be two of summer’s biggest blockbusters with Minions opening last weekend to a record-breaking $115 M while Marvel’s Ant-Man is projected to draw $65 M during its first weekend.

“We are absolutely thrilled with this first cinema advertising campaign which heralds the beginning of our widespread 3DGO! awareness efforts,” said Nicholas Routhier, President and CEO of SENSIO. “Our 3DGO! customers are first and foremost huge 3D movie fans and reaching out to them in theatres before the viewing of a favorite 3D movie seemed only natural. We firmly believe that this effort will contribute to the accelerated growth of new 3DGO! users and help us in reaching our goals in terms of users, rentals and revenues.”

The ad is available on the Facebook page of 3DGO!

3DGO! is the world’s first and only dedicated 3D transactional VOD service offering the largest selection of high-quality 3D content, including some of the latest 3D Hollywood blockbuster titles, via internet streaming to 3D smart devices. The application offers consumers quick and easy access to an ever-growing library of varied 3D content which SENSIO is committed to continue developing. Neither subscription nor additional playback equipment is required making it a simple, inexpensive and ideal way to watch 3D in the home. 3DGO! uses the award-winning SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D technology, a unique frame-compatible technology providing high-fidelity stereoscopic images while using conventional 2D channels. The application is currently available in the US and Canada on select 3DTVs. For a list of compatible devices and available movies, please visit www.3DGO.com.

For further information on SENSIO and its technologies, please visit www.sensio.tv

Source: BoxOfficeMojo.com 

About SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO):

Founded in 1999, SENSIO Technologies Inc. (www.sensio.tv) is a pioneer in the field of stereoscopic 3D imaging and of 3D content distribution at home. For over 15 years, SENSIO has been developing, patenting and marketing advanced 3D image processing technology providing superior image quality as well as a simple user friendly experience. Its award-winning technology, SENSIO ® Hi-Fi 3D, can be found in millions of products for the cinema, distribution and consumer electronics markets worldwide.

Today, SENSIO uses its technologies and 3D expertise to deliver its video-on-demand service, 3DGO!, the first 3D-dedicated service offering Hollywood blockbuster movies directly to consumers. SENSIO works with some of the biggest brands in the consumer electronics industry and the film industry to become the destination of choice for 3D movie fans. 3DGO! aims to become the largest distributor of 3D content for the consumer market in the world.

SENSIO is listed on the Toronto TSX Venture Exchange (SIO)

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis of SENSIO for the quarter ended February 28, 2015. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SENSIO® is a registered trademark of SENSIO Technologies Inc

Looking forward to seeing the ad and using the technology ASAP! More news on this as soon as we get it - I know many of you are seeking 3D content for your smart 3D TVs. This is amazing!

The Weekly Movie Watch Volume 52

This week I watched Crank, A Most Wanted Man, The Lazarus Effect.

I watch movies every week and then write down my thoughts. Read my previous reviews!
My rating is simple, Watch It, It Depends, Skip it.

Crank - Adrenaline fueled fun ride.

Crank (2006)
Watch Crank
Written by: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
Directed by: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor
Starring: Jason Statham, Amy Smart 
Rated: R

Plot: 
Jason Statham is Chev Chelios, a hitman that will die if his heart rate drops.

This movie is over the top and ridiculous in the best possible way. It's comedic action with a great mood and irreverent humor. What if the typical action movie was turned up to eleven? This is it.
Rent it.

A Most Wanted Man - I most wanted a better movie.

A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Watch A Most Wanted Man
Written by: Andrew Bovell (screenplay), John le Carre (novel), Stephen Cornwell (additional writing)
Directed by: Anton Corbign
Starring: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams
Rated: R

Plot: 
A Muslim illegally immigrates to Germany and is caught up between German and American intelligence agents.

Review:
The synopsis makes this movie sound good. Unfortunately it's misleading. This movie has great ideas but it just doesn't come together. A movie has to be more than the ideas on which it's based.
It's got a big list of actors including Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, Rachel McAdams, and Robin Wright. Initially it seemed like a tale of intrigue that would slowly unravel. I like movies that are slower paced, but this became tedious. I got tired of seeing people sitting in diners and talking. By the time we got to the end, I didn't care any more.
Skip it.

Lazarus Effect - Overuses common horror tropes.

The Lazarus Effect (2015)
Watch The Lazarus Effect  
Written by: Luke Dawson, Jeremy Slater
Directed by: David Gelb
Starring: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass, Evan Peters
Rated: PG-13


Plot:
A group of doctors can revive the dead. Hilarity ensues. Actually no, death and destruction ensues.

Review:
The concept isn't novel, but the movie seemed fairly competent. The longer I watched the less sense it made. The movie mistakenly tries to build towards a big finish which was only detrimental. Going for the big finish translated to plot missteps, like the devil dog who disappeared half way in yet ostensibly had to still be in the lab. The problems with going too big are just like the movie Lucy. I was hoping it would lean more towards subtlety and an unnerving atmosphere. It relied too heavily on blank screen/lights out. I watch movies to see colors on the screen, not a blank screen. I'm guessing that was done to pad the run time.It's basically a revenge movie and a lot like Event Horizon. Despite it's faults, it's decent for a horror movie.
It depends (provided you like horror movies).

All the President's Men Movie Review

All the President's Men (1976)

Rent All the President's Men on Amazon Video
Written by: Carl Bernstein (book), Bob Woodward (book), William Goldman (screenplay)
Directed by: Alan J. Pakula
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Warden 
Rated: R

Plot: 
Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman portray reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they try uncover the truth about the Watergate break-in.

Verdict
This is a great movie about journalism and history. A remake would want to add action, but this is great as is.
Watch it.


Review:
I know about Watergate, but I didn't know about the reporters who broke the story. From the start the movie pulls you in, depicting the Watergate break-in.
Woodward and Bernstein relentlessly pursue the story. It's all the more amazing because it's true. Redford and Hoffman do a great job. It's not a movie about characters or development. It's a revelation of truth, piece by piece. It's also a great look at journalism. There is a difference between a reporter and a journalist.
The shameful fact is this movie would not be made today, because it lacks car chases, explosions, and drama for plot convenience.

Facebook Q&A with Patrick Wayne

Yesterday there was a live Q&A with Patrick Wayne on Facebook. I was unfortunately not able to participate as I was on the road all day on my way back home from a family reunion (I have SO much blog reading to catch up on...).

As the Q&A was only 30 min. long, Patrick wasn't able to answer many of the questions (there were close to 3500). It was also apparently his birthday, which I missed. Here are the questions that Patrick was able to answer.

Q: Hello Patrick how much fun was it working on McLintock?
A: McLintock was a lot of fun. My younger sister in real life played my sister in the movie and Yvonne DeCarlo played my mother. The script was written like a laugh riot and that was pretty much the temperament on the set. One fun day after another. What wonderful characters, like Edgar Buchanon and Chill Wills made every day enjoyable.

Q: Happy Birthday, Patrick! I had the pleasure of meeting you and your brothers in Winterset at the dedication of the John Wayne Birthplace in 1981. You guys couldn't have been more accommodating to me as you allowed me to tag along with you after the dedication as you strolled downtown for lunch and allowed me to sit with you and chat about your father and how much he meant to me as a fan. You each signed several items I had with me which I have displayed in a case at home in my "John Wayne" room. I have a photo of you and I together at the banquet that was held in your honor that evening. Thank you to you and your brothers for making that day one that has always stood out in my memory
A: A lot of water under the bridge Rod. Thanks for the fond memories.

Q: Hello Patrick. Did you enjoy being in Ireland during the filming of THE QUIET MAN?
A: Absolutely. I had a fantastic experience. It was 1951, my older brother and I were there for 6 weeks and had plenty of opportunity to travel around the country side and see the sites and meet the people. I went back in 1975 and Ireland looked like it had 25 years earlier. The countryside, the people and their personalities hadn't changed a bit. I went back again in 2010 with my younger sister and this was after the Celtic Tiger had taken over the economy and I still found the people and the country to be as charming and down to earth as they were 50 years ago.

Patrick and his father in Ireland during the filming of The Quiet Man

Q: I would have loved to see John Wayne play the part of Ted Williams in Ted's life story but his story never materialized. Was John a baseball fan? I can' t remember reading anything about him being one.
A: I don't know about Ted Williams, but my dad has been asked to play many parts of sports figures. The one that comes to mind is Coach Bear Bryant. There was a biography of the coach that got a lot of readers and interest and the studio decided to make it into a film. Coach Bryant tells the story, well if there's going to be a film, I want John Wayne to play the part. The studios came to offer him the role, he read the book, but he turned it down. And Coach Bryant asked him why he didn't want to do it. Wayne said to Bryant, well there isn't anything to the story and Coach Bryant said "I knew that, but I didn't think he did."

Q: Happy birthday Patrick! I'm a big fan of you and your father! Although I'm only 20 years old, i watch more old movies than new, and like to do research on them. smile emoticon I love all the movies that you have made with your father, who is actually one of my top crushes from the movies. grin emoticon Just watched the Quiet Man for the first time, and it was awesome! Didn't know you were in it though, until I was looking at your page on Wikipedia today. One of my favorite movies of yours is Shenandoah, love that movie.
A: Keep up the good work. I find myself going to Turner Classic Movies: TCM quite often.

Q: Hi Patrick, I've heard that your dad is on record saying Hondo was ihs favoite of all the movies he did. A couple questions (1) Did he interact directly with Louis L'Amour at all during the filming? (2) What are some other films he listed among his favorites? (3) Which was his favorite non-western film?
A: Louis L'Amour was not involved in the film production. Jimmy Grant wrote the script loosely based on the story. Jimmy Grant was one of those writers who could write dialog for my father and my father never had to change a word. It just flowed from the paper out of his mouth. Hondo was made in 3D which had a lot of gimmicks to take advantage of the 3D effect. But the film stood up on its own in 2D, and I'm pretty sure it has been exhibited more in 2D then 3D. His favorite was She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. In this film, he was playing a cavalry officer retiring from the cavalry in his mid 60s but in reality he was in his early 40's. I heard somewhere that The Quiet Man was one of his favorites.

Q: Happy Birthday Patrick, mine was yesterday. I am a big fan of everything John Wayne & Maureen O'Hara. Do you have a favorite movie with them? Also, was your family friends with hers?
A: Absolutely. I have many stories I can tell you about Maureen. Big Jake in 1971 was my favorite film with my dad and Maureen. She has been a great friend of the family. I believe Maureen single handedly convinced the congress to award my dad the Congressional Gold Medal. A few months ago, Maureen was awarded an honorary Oscar, and I got to take part in a video clip that they showed at the event, mainly because I am one of the last people still living that worked with her. Maureen gave me first screen kiss in The Long Grey Line. They found the clip of the kiss and included it in the video. She is a great woman and fortunately still with us

Q: Hi Patrick- what was it like having a father such as John Wayne? What kind of man was he?
A: I had a very privileged upbringing and have nothing to compare his skill sets as being a father. He was perfect. He was fair and consistent in his rearing of his children. You knew what was right and wrong and if you stayed in the parameters of what was right you were home free, and if you went outside those parameters I would run for the hills. And if you were really bad he would take a minute to process which would be the longest minute of your life. He was 3 people. He was a character in the motion pictures and his character in films was pretty much the same person from movie to movie. The character was a predictable one that his public liked. In his public life, he was a very opinionated person who felt comfortable and courageous enough to express his opinions even if they weren't popular. His private life was a much richer more interesting character than the one he played on the screen, more vulnerable, more humorous, all of those things we think of as being a human being.
 
Q: I like every single John Wayne movie the Shootist was great I miss him as I am sure you do also.....
A: I think I agree with you about The Shootist, for this reason: I couldn't look at the film for about ten years until after my father died. It was just too close to reality. But when I finally watched the film, I would have to say it was my father's finest performance, purely as an actor. He really reached out and took chances that he wasn't typically used to doing. He was more vulnerable in this film than any prior film. And in my opinion, a better candidate for an Oscar than the Rooster Cogburn character in True Grit, just my opinion.

Q: You are a very fortunate person. What is it like growing up as a Wayne? And being a Wayne as an adult?
A: One thing I remember growing up is that every time we went out in public, our mother or father cautioned us that you are representing the Wayne name and you have to be on your best behavior. I'm not saying that I paid any attention to that unfortunately. As an adult, I have been given the very special privilege of being able to use my fathers name to advance the cause of cancer research. My younger brother Ethan takes care of the enterprise, and we have the John Wayne Cancer Foundation that raises money to help the work we do at the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

 

Q: Happy Birthday Patrick!! I was wondering after all the movies you and your father have done who were some of the other actors you really looked up to and admired growing up? Thanks for answering!! god bless!!
A: I worked several times with Jimmy Stewart, a true gentleman and true American and I am very proud and honored to have known and worked with him. Tyrone Power was also very helpful and kind to me as a young actor.

Q: Hi Patrick - Did you enjoy working together on the movie "Big Jake"? I like that movie!
A: I liked it too. It was a special time to be not only working with my father, but my older brother produced the film and my younger brother played my nephew and Maureen O'Hara played my mother and as I said before, she was like a true member of the family.

Q: A great fan of your father! And watch his movies all the time. You featured in quite a few of them. The Searchers was my favourite.
A: The Searchers was one of my favorites too. It didn't hurt that Natalie Wood was in the film and we were both about the same age…and really hit it off well.

Q: Hello Patrick, than you for taking time to be here . My favorite movie of your dad's was the Searchers. What was it like being in that beautiful area during the filming?
A: Beautiful yes! But, so darn hot! They had a fine red dust that got into every possible place you can imagine dust can get. It didn't matter how long you bathed for in the evening you could never get rid of the dust. The heat was 100+ every day, with no way to escape the blazing sun. It's been 60 years since it was filmed and I can remember the heat and dust like it was yesterday. I went there one year in the spring after this movie and it was absolutely pleasant, the temperature was temperate, and the dust wasn't blowing. Why couldn't they have filmed in the Spring?

Q: My father and I truly enjoyed you in Big Jake!!! I love when he got tired of you boys,and you'll had a big blow out in the hotel room. Your a wonderful actor,just wish you guys would've done some more movies together. Either way as a fan of the Wayne Family,I'd love to hear your thoughts on your time on the movie sets with your dad,who we all know was larger than life to us fans. Yet such a wonderful and absolute true American. Thanks so much for your time.
A: Good question. My dad really enjoyed working and his personality was at its best when he was working. So he was really a lot of fun to be around in that environment. At the time I had a brother and 2 sisters who weren't really interested in pursuing a career in film, so quite often I had my dad all to myself. I wasn't competing with my siblings for his attention which also made it special. In hindsight, I would have to say, I learned some very important lessons about managing life and work.

Q: Gosh I wish we had heroes again. John Wayne was the last real man. The USA misses him. You were so fortunate and must have great and fond memories. Happy Birthday Patrick.
A: Thank you.

John Wayne FB page: We are thrilled and overwhelmed with the response, unfortunately we didn't schedule enough time with Patrick. Thank you everyone for your questions. We will have Patrick back soon to answer more. Good bye for now.