This is a good reminder of how much of a presence Wayne had in the twentieth century and how he invented a persona that inspired millions of moviegoers. Eliot never, to his credit, argues that Wayne couldn't act (a dull and essentially useless idea) and treats Wayne's highs with the respect they deserve. Eliot is good on some of the disasters, too, like The Alamo, The Conqueror and The Green Berets. He's also good on Wayne's relationship with Ford--and while that's nothing readers of Joseph McBride's Searching for John Ford don't know, it's a good primer for those who don't. The last fifty pages, in which Eliot tells the story of Wayne's cancer, final public appearance, and need to be forgiven by his third wife, are moving.

In his documentary on The Searchers, John Milius says something like, "When people say, 'Oh, John Wayne doesn't really act, I always think of The Searchers and think that that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard." Eliot thinks likewise. ( )

AMERICAN TITAN provides an extensive discussion of the life of John Wayne, with special focus on each of his films. The book begins with his family background, then soon branches into the early life of Marion Morrison. As a young gangly boy with an odd name, Marion was endlessly ridiculed by his schoolmates, until he learned how to fight and punch. After he decked one of his bigger tormentors, that put a stop to the teasing.

Most of AMERICAN TITAN is spent on the films. There is much detail--the actors, producer, director, etc. A lot of time is spent on Wayne's friendships with the directors and producers. The extensive notes and details on each film gets a little old after a while, but readers who are avid film buffs will find that part more interesting.

It was interesting to see how Wayne slowly got his start in Hollywood, and how poor an actor he was at first. When asked if he could ask, he replied, "Don't be silly, I can't act."

For me, the highlight of the book was near the end of the book, where Wayne is (barely) able to make it to the 1979 Academy Awards. The backstage workers honored him with an ovation, and Wayne quipped, "Hell, I'd have gotten sick before if I knew I'd get this kind of treatment." After his introduction by Johnny Carson, the frail actor ambles onto the stage, where he presents the award for Best Picture.

All in all, AMERICAN TITAN is an interesting read, albeit a little slow at times. It was heart wrenching to read about Wayne's last days, and his terrible end due to stomach cancer.

I have seen the bigger than life status of John Wayne many times at Orange County Airport, and it was good to finally get to know more about this great actor. Eliot provides an extensive Bibliography and Resource Notes at the end of the book.

Review copy courtesy of NetGalley ( )

John Wayne was a top box office draw for decades and symbolized masculinity, power, and patriotism. He is often overlooked and unfairly dismissed as a less talented movie actor however this book demonstrates him as an important voice and artist. The work is entertainingly written but academic enough to be detailed and exhaustive as a survey of Wayne's entire career.

The Big Trail, 1st starring role, 1930
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wayne

A collection of clips from John Wayne's earliest film appearances:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yQsekUz0FGM

Stagecoach with John Ford:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HEuCMRRLts8

Stagecoach:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stagecoach_(1939_film)

Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

The Quiet Man (1952)

The Searchers (1956)

The Wings of Eagles (1957)

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

El Dorado
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Dorado_(1966_film)

True Grit (1969)

Wayne at Harvard:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dINMVPRA3DY