What John Wayne thought of Doris Day

[paul]

There's a new book out about John Wayne entitled, "John Wayne" The Life and Legend".

On page 425 you will find the following:

Another frequent offscreen companion around this time was Rod Taylor.
Once, Wayne idly asked Taylor what he was working on. "The second of two pictures with Doris Day", he replied.
"Jesus Christ!" Wayne exploded. "I would crawl over the mountains of Beverly Hills on my hands and knees if I could do a movie with Doris Day!"

[jbeane]

Yet another reason to love John Wayne!

[howard]

What a wonderful quote from Wayne. Paul, you made my "Day" day!

[Musiclover]

Love the quote from John Wayne. He and director Andrew McLaglen were friends, and it was reported somewhere (can't remember the source) that they had verbally agreed that Wayne would co-star in "Ballad of Josie" -- but that didn't happen, supposedly because Marty Melcher would not approve the salary Wayne wanted. It's easy to look back after the fact and wonder if that pairing might have made the film more successful; however, it does seem that, if true, that decision was shortsighted on Melcher's part as far as box office returns are concerned. At any rate, Wayne reportedly told Doris at the AFI salute to Jimmy Cagney in 1974 that he regretted not having worked with her. I think their on-screen chemistry would have been great.

[jbeane]

Love the quote from John Wayne. He and director Andrew McLaglen were friends, and it was reported somewhere (can't remember the source) that they had verbally agreed that Wayne would co-star in "Ballad of Josie" -- but that didn't happen, supposedly because Marty Melcher would not approve the salary Wayne wanted. It's easy to look back after the fact and wonder if that pairing might have made the film more successful; however, it does seem that, if true, that decision was shortsighted on Melcher's part as far as box office returns are concerned. At any rate, Wayne reportedly told Doris at the AFI salute to Jimmy Cagney in 1974 that he regretted not having worked with her. I think their on-screen chemistry would have been great.

That just makes me feel bad - what an awesome pair they would have made. I don't think there is any doubt that the movie would have been a block buster. I think Doris would have been John Wayne's best leading lady ever!!

[Jas1]

Great quote, thanks for sharing, I'd do that too lol

[Lauren Benjamin]

Paul~
Thanks for your new about the John Wayne book. It's great to know that. And, for what it is worth, I hope Doris is informed about this also. It's a lovely compliment!

Lauren

[paul]

Hi Lauren -

I agree she needs to be made aware of this. I've contacted the author.