Blog Assignment #19/ John Wayne and Tony Curtis

          John Wayne was originally born Marion Robert Morrison, on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa. He was one of the twentieth century. He remains a popular American icon till this day. He was the oldest in his family and when he was seven he moved to Lancester, California. The family moved again soon after Clyde (his father) failed to become a farmer. When the family settled in Glendale, California, Wayne got his nickname "Duke" because of his pet dog. They spent so much time together they came known as "Little Duke" and "Big Duke". In highschool, Wayne excelled in his classes and in many different activities, including student government and football. He also participated in numerous student theatrical productions. He won a football scholarship to the University of Southern California. He started college in the fall of 1925. He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity

and continued to be a strong student. Soon after, he got a injury on the football field and ended his scholarship. 

          When he was out of school, he worked as an extra and prop man in the film industry. He met director John Ford when he was working as an extra on Mother Machree. With The Big Trail, Wayne recieved his first leading role.

For nearly a decade, Wayne played in numerous B movies, mostly western, for different studios. He even played a singing cowboy named Sandy Saunders among his many roles. Soon, he got his next big break in Stagecoach. Wayne played as Ringo Kid falls for Dallas. In the end, it took home the awards for Music and for Actor in a Supporting Role for Thomas Mitchell. After awhile, Wayne stepped away from his usual western roles to become a Swedish seaman in The Long Voyage Home. Along with many positive reviews, the movie earned several Academy Award nominations.