Many people think The Shootist was John Wayne’s last film but that really was not the case. The Shootist was his last theatrical release in 1976 – directed by Don Siegel and based on Glendon Swarthout’s 1975 novel of the same name. Home For The Seabees was a film for the US Navy and not a theatrical release. It was produced in 1977. It currently is being shown everyday at the Navy Historical Museum in Port Hueneme, California. Wayne agreed to do this movie because he admired the Seabees since he completed the movie, The Fighting Seabees in 1944. This is part one of a seven part series.
We were now in the last stage of preparation for the Navy film, Home For The Seabees, a movie starring John Wayne. The Wild Goose had returned from its voyage with the Duke from the Great Northwest. Commander Harry Flynn and I had two more meetings scheduled at Bayshore with JW, and a final polish of the script. I had inserted more Seabee history and tradition, eliminating scenes I knew would not work for John Wayne.
The three of us sat in his kitchen, beside a bust set in an alcove of Rear Admiral John Ford, scrambled eggs on his Navy cap. I felt a sobering sense of responsibility to make this film as good as it could be. The Duke had a little stub pencil, like golfers use, and as he made changes. He touched the pencil tip with his tongue, as he must have done back in the first grade. We kept all his changes of course. Who better to write for John Wayne, than the Duke himself?
A couple more sessions, a few hours long, and we knew, at least, that we did the best we could. Relaxing now, the Duke treated us to a verbal tour of his long career. I was also able to ask the kind of questions I wanted answers to. Like what had been the hardest thing to deal with in all those years past. He had two answers, and both surprised me. “Well, it was tough…really tough…..to make it look like Randy and Monty Clift could beat me in a fight.” Randy was, of course, was Randolph Scott, his co-star in three films made during the war, and of whom he liked and respected.
Monty Clift was a new star in the making, and a method actor, and Duke’s impression of him was more guarded. The real surprise was next, and was accompanied with a look of real sadness. “Keeping your innocence and enthusiasm in the face of terrible rejection…..that was hard”, Wayne said. Hard for him, maybe, but good for me. After that reveal, how could I complain when I was rejected. It had happened to John Wayne. After that, it was just about waiting, with one exception.
The Duke would be picked up by Navy helicopter and taken to the filming location at Naval Base Port Hueneme, home of the real Seabees, and landed there on the parade grounds. Wayne also indicated his approval of having fans present at the landing ground, and on shooting locations. My Navy unit, Combat Camera Group Pacific, was trained and ready…but not for this.
Working with John Wayne was challenge enough, without having gaggles of spectators around. I was just thankful that my job as writer was done.
Except, it did not work out that way. And in the next story, I’ll reveal the reason why.
If you missed any parts of this series, click on the titles below to catch up on what you missed …
Part One: “I’ll Do It For Ya!”
Part Two: The Movie is a Go!
Part Three: “It’s Impossible to be too Close to your Writers”
Part Four: Rewriting the Script for a Hollywood Legend
Part Five: “Who Better to Write for John Wayne than the Duke Himself”
Part Six: Walking the Last Mile
Part Seven: Wrapping Up Production: A Safety Tip From The Duke Himself
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Wayne was one of the “larger than life” celebrities from the Golden Age of Hollywood. It was my pleasure to work with “Mr. Wayne” (aso I called him) along with many other greats of that era. If you liked this story, you can read more about The Duke and many others I had the opportunity to interact with in my coffee table book Starcatcher: A True Life Hollywood Fantasy. At 83 years old, I decided to bring out the old typewriter and write my first book about my adventures. I found a great publisher who decided to make my book available to all of you! The fine folks at Robert Reed Publishers has the book on sale now with some great information and highlights.
