John Wayne’s Top War Films: A Legendary Actor’s Battlefield Legacy

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John Wayne, renowned figure in Hollywood, possessed an imposing presence that shaped two distinct cinematic genres – Westerns and war films, during the golden era of cinema. Although other actors might have surpassed him in terms of acting skills, few could rival Wayne’s charm or screen magnetism. For nearly five decades, he served as a symbol of America and masculinity, captivating audiences on both the big and small screens.

Originating as Marion Robert Morrison in Iowa in the year 1907, John Wayne first ventured into films back in 1926, portraying an unrecognized football player in “Brown of Harvard”. Over the subsequent years, he appeared in numerous B-movies, primarily Westerns, before director John Ford transformed him into a cinematic icon with his starring role in the timeless western masterpiece “Stagecoach” in 1939. In an ironic twist, half a century after his initial movie appearance, Wayne played his final role in “The Shootist” in 1976 and passed away from cancer complications in 1979.

Among the over 150 films Wayne starred in throughout his career, roughly a dozen of them fall under the category of non-western war movies. Despite this, he is iconically associated with war films, as most of these productions were box office successes and enduring classics that continue to shine more than four decades after his passing. Here’s a list of 15 outstanding war films featuring The Duke, many of which can be streamed online or purchased on physical media.

15
The Wings of Eagles (1957)

Under the direction of John Ford and with contributions from Frank Fenton and William Wister Haines, the movie titled “The Wings of Eagles” recounts the life story of Frank “Spig” Wead, played by John Wayne in the leading role. The late Mr. Wead was a dedicated U.S. Navy pilot who, despite being paralyzed following an accident, didn’t let go of his passion for aviation. Instead, he channeled it into screenwriting. Eventually, his written work earned him advancement within naval aviation, leading him to understand that the greater good often outweighs personal contentment.

An Authentic Portrayal of Frank Wead

The Wings of Eagles might appear as just another masterpiece from the collaboration between John Ford and John Wayne, two giants in the Western and war film genres. However, it offers so much more than that. If John Ford hadn’t directed this biographical war film, Frank Wead, the creator of the story, would still be remembered as one of the most passionate writers of military tales. The narrative is both heartrending and inspiring, and Wayne’s convincing portrayal of Wead’s life makes it one of his finest war movies to date. Consider purchasing or renting The Wings of Eagles on Apple TV.

14
The Alamo (1960)

John Wayne’s film titled The Alamo is an enduring masterpiece that blends Western and war motifs, portraying the unequal struggle for Texas independence in 1836. In this production, Wayne plays Davy Crockett, the renowned frontiersman, who joins a band of Tennessee soldiers to bolster the fort named in the title. Richard Boone and Frankie Avalon share leading roles as General Sam Houston and Smitty.

A Gargantuan Epic

For over a decade and with a budget of twelve million dollars, this grandiose epic has captured hearts for various reasons, yet John Wayne’s presence seems to be the most cherished aspect due to its self-indulgent nature, filled with scenes showcasing The Duke’s iconic behaviors such as drinking with friends and playfully brawling. However, the narrative gains momentum in the second act, offering continuous clashes between the rebellious forces and a ruthless military regime. The ensuing chaos and the valor displayed by the fighters fighting for a brighter tomorrow are masterfully portrayed on screen, making it an essential watch. Watch The Alamo on Hoopla.

13
Reunion in France (1942)

In contrast to this list, the film “Reunion in France” stands out as John Wayne’s character, Pat Talbot, doesn’t take center stage but significantly advances the plot. In the movie, Joan Crawford portrays Michele, a striking and affluent woman who initially doubts Germany could occupy France under Hitler’s rule. However, her holiday is spoiled when she discovers her husband, Robert (Philip Dorn), is collaborating with the Nazis. Then, an American pilot named Pat Talbot (John Wayne) enters the scene, seeking refuge from both the Nazis and Michele’s suspicious spouse, thanks to Michele’s aid.

Wayne Carries Things Forward

At its heart, this movie is essentially a war story, yet it skillfully weaves romance to cater to diverse tastes. However, what sets it apart is the abundance of unexpected plot developments and captivating performances from the lead actors that keep the narrative engaging without a moment’s respite. Joan Crawford’s portrayal stands out significantly, even though some viewers may argue that the film’s script didn’t quite reach its full potential.

Check Out Reunion in France on Prime Video.

12
How the West Was Won (1962)

In this captivating Western tale titled “How the West Was Won“, we delve into the dramatic era marked by conflicts and significant historical occurrences. The narrative unfolds the expansive journey of a family, vividly portrayed through stunning landscapes and scenes. This movie is set in the 1800s and chronicles the Prescott family’s westward migration, which unknowingly found itself enmeshed in the looming Civil War for numerous generations. The production of this film required no less than three directors – Henry Hathaway, John Ford, and George Marshall – and four cinematographers to bring its five extensive chapters to life.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Cast

As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate the unique masterpiece that is “How the West Was Won.” Some might argue it was a testament to John Ford’s exceptional direction in the Western genre, brought to life by an extraordinary ensemble cast including iconic figures like John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Caroll Baker, and Gregory Peck. Although the film wasn’t solely focused on Wayne, his powerful presence stood out amidst a talented group of actors. At the prestigious Academy Awards, it garnered a total of eight nominations and took home three awards for Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing. If you haven’t seen this cinematic gem yet, consider picking up or renting How the West Was Won on Apple TV.

11
Dark Command (1940)

A year following the success of Stagecoach, which significantly boosted John Wayne’s Western career, I found myself starring in my first “A” film at Republic titled Dark Command. This movie, set during the pre-Civil War era, showcases the struggle between Northerners and Southerners attempting to establish themselves in Kansas. The story mainly revolves around me, Bob Seton (Wayne), a Texas cowboy who unwittingly finds myself at odds with Will Cantrell (Pidgeon), a local schoolteacher with ambitious aspirations. In a turn of events, I not only secure Will’s coveted position as Marshall but also win the affections of Miss Mary McCloud (Trevor), the Southern banker’s daughter. Enraged by these developments, Will resorts to using lawlessness to advance his objectives, even if it means inciting a war and devastating entire settlements.

Part War, Part Western

Dark Command” is a unique blend of Western and Civil War themes, but it’s unquestionably one of John Wayne’s finest performances butting him onto the right path in his acting career. The film’s foundation in real-life events lends it an engaging historical backdrop, and its high-quality production earned it two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Production Design. “Dark Command” also represents the second collaboration between director Raoul Walsh and Wayne, following their initial partnership on “The Big Trail,” which launched Wayne into stardom with his lead role. Watch Dark Command on Pluto TV.

10
The Green Berets (1968)

One captivating film from Wayne’s collection, titled “The Green Berets“, is a 1968 war movie that unfolds amidst the turbulent Vietnam War. In this production, Wayne portrays Colonel Mike Kirby of the U.S. Army Special Forces, who is dispatched to aid the South Vietnamese with the support of two elite units. While defending against North Vietnamese forces at one of their bases, they must also devise a strategy to capture a prominent North Vietnamese general. David Janssen and Jim Hutton depict George Beckworth and Sergeant Peterson in this film.

A Highly Controversial War Film

As a supporter, I’d say: One of my favorite films by John Wayne, “The Green Berets,” was my personal endeavor to shift public sentiment about the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, I employed the same narrative style that I used in my World War II films, which didn’t resonate well in a country where the war’s image had already been tarnished by events like the Tet Offensive and revelations of war crimes. In this film, I adopted a strong, patriotic stance, but critics were harsh towards the movie, accusing me of trying to claim the moral superiority.

Looking back, it seems that The Green Berets might have been criticized excessively, as it is a well-made film about the Vietnam War. Although it overlooked some of the harsh truths and mistakes made by American troops (as well as the blunders in Washington), it accurately depicted the atrocities committed by the Viet Cong against civilians and the struggle to prevent Russian and Chinese Communist influence from spreading across Southeast Asia. Despite its tendency to advocate strongly for American intervention, the battle scenes make the film an engaging watch. Given that it was produced during the war itself, we can overlook the unrealistic combat tactics and the fact that the Georgia forests (where it was filmed) didn’t resemble Vietnam at all. Consider watching or renting The Green Berets on Prime Video.

9
Operation Pacific (1951)

George Waggner’s film titled Operation Pacific, stars John Wayne as the lieutenant commander of an American submarine. A catastrophe befalls the crew, leaving Wayne riddled with guilt. However, he must gather his strength when assigned a perilous mission against the Japanese forces. Actress Patricia Neal joins him in this endeavor as Mary Stuart, while Ward Bond and Philip Carey lend their talents to the supporting roles.

Corny, But Compelling

This film might not be the most authentic submarine movie, but it’s enjoyable due to the fantastic camaraderie between Wayne and his frequent co-star Ward Bond, who portrays the sub captain in this production. They have starred in 23 films together, including “The Searchers” and “The Quiet Man,” and in this film, Patricia Neal takes on the role of Wayne’s love interest. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, it remains a charming, crowd-pleasing movie that is still worth watching. The score by Max Steiner, who has previously worked on films like “Casablanca” and “The Searchers,” continues to be exceptional. Consider purchasing or renting “Operation Pacific” on Apple TV.

8
Flying Leathernecks (1951)

In the movie “Flying Leathernecks,” John Wayne and his frequent collaborator Robert Ryan portray Marine aviators. The interplay between these two characters adds an intriguing dimension to the film. John Wayne plays Major Daniel Kirby, a taskmaster who is pushing his squadron pilots towards perfection as they gear up for a Pacific battle. Robert Ryan takes on the role of Capt. Carl Griffin, Kirby’s compassionate right-hand man, who serves as the gentle counterbalance to Kirby’s stern approach. The tension between their contrasting personalities has far-reaching effects, and the pilots learn the harsh truth about entering battle without proper preparation.

Wayne and Ryan Together Again

This movie is one of only two films starring John Wayne that were produced by Howard Hughes’ production company, the other being “Jet Pilot.” This reflects Hughes’ strong interest in aviation. Despite the fact that the cockpit scenes (clearly filmed indoors) may appear dated now, given movies like “Top Gun: Maverick,” they are interspersed with rapid cuts of real fighter plane footage, which maintains a level of intensity. The film truly gains momentum in its second half when the pilots journey towards the Battle of Guadalcanal. Consider watching or purchasing “Flying Leathernecks” on Apple TV.

7
Back to Bataan (1945)

The movie titled “Back to Bataan” offers a unique take on World War II, starring John Wayne as an army colonel leading a guerrilla resistance in the Philippines following a Japanese invasion. He teams up with the esteemed Anthony Quinn, who portrays a native Filipino instrumental in rallying local support against the Japanese. Lawrence Tierney (known for his role in “Reservoir Dogs“) takes on a supporting character, and this film is cherished by World War II movie enthusiasts.

Production Changed During the War

Remarkably, the production of this movie took place towards the conclusion of the war, coinciding with General Douglas MacArthur’s return to the Philippines. This event influenced the film’s narrative, making its release in May 1945 particularly relevant. However, it’s important to note that the film’s portrayal of the Japanese and Filipinos may not hold up well today, so keep this in mind when viewing. This is a common issue with films from this era, and it has sparked discussions about John Wayne’s legacy more recently. Consider watching or renting Back to Bataan on Prime Video.

6
Flying Tigers (1942)

The movie “Flying Tigers” marked John Wayne’s debut in a World War II film, and it’s an excellent one. Although he had been part of a few films set during the war previously (notably John Ford’s “The Long Voyage Home” in 1940), this was his initial combat film. In this movie, John Wayne portrays the commander of a group of volunteer fighter pilots who were protecting China from Japan. John Carroll and Anna Lee appear as Woody and Brooke Elliott in supporting roles.

A Dazzling Dogfighter Film

This movie showcases thrilling dogfight scenes, owing to impressive model making and swift editing techniques. It received three Oscar nominations for Best Visual Effects, Best Original Score, and Best Sound. Notably, the film’s role as a propaganda piece is historically relevant, given it was released shortly after the United States joined World War II. Remarkably, it marked Republic Studios’ first movie to surpass $1 million at the box office. Watch Flying Tigers on Kanopy.

5
The Longest Day (1962)

Under the joint leadership of Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton, and Bernhard Wicki, the film titled “The Longest Day” unfolds as an extensive war drama chronicling the D-Day invasions in Normandy during 1944. The stellar cast, boasting approximately two dozen prominent actors, includes individuals who had actually taken part in the D-Day operations from both Allied and Axis forces, serving as advisors to bring authenticity to the production. Remarkably, this cinematic endeavor seeks to reenact the events of D-Day more than three decades prior to the release of “Saving Private Ryan”. In this production, John Wayne portrays Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort, a role initially intended for Charlton Heston at one point.

A Massive Ensemble

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve come to understand that not everyone considers “The Longest Day” as a John Wayne film, due to the fact they view his role more as an extended cameo rather than a leading part. Given the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including heavyweights like Henry Fonda, Richard Burton, Robert Mitchum, Sean Connery, Red Buttons, Robert Ryan, Roddy McDowall, and Peter Lawford, it’s hard to argue with that perspective. Although John Wayne does have a more substantial role in the movie compared to some others, his screen time is still relatively limited within this sprawling cast epic.

The role of John Wayne in the movie “The Longest Day” is crucial, clearly indicated by his individual credit listing (credited as “and John Wayne”). While this film may romanticize war at times, it’s generally well-made, showing a keen eye for historical accuracy. Each actor has their moment to excel, with Burton particularly standing out in some memorable scenes. Nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film eventually won two – for Best Cinematography and Best Special Effects. If you’re interested, you can either buy or rent “The Longest Day” on Prime Video.

4
In Harm’s Way (1965)

In 1965, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Otto Preminger (known for ‘Laura’ and ‘Anatomy of a Murder’) delved into the Pearl Harbor attack with the film “In Harm’s Way”. This production can be seen as equally a soap opera as it is a war movie, akin to Michael Bay’s take on Pearl Harbor in 2001. John Wayne plays Captain Rockwell Torrey, who seizes an opportunity for revenge when his ship is assaulted during the attack at Pearl Harbor.

Impressive Battles and Romantic Subplots

In the opening scene of the movie, the attack on Pearl Harbor is portrayed as a thrilling and intense battle sequence, albeit with some model work that appears less than realistic in certain sea battles. The second part of the film is filled with emotional drama, as even John Wayne, along with co-stars Kirk Douglas and Tom Tyron, are given romantic storylines. However, the final act offers an engaging naval battle to conclude the film. Due to its stunning cinematography, In Harm’s Way was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Cinematography category. Watch In Harm’s Way on Kanopy.

3
The Fighting Seabees (1944)

The film titled “The Fighting Seabees” portrays the actual formation of combat-ready construction units during World War II. In this narrative, Wayne’s character is a civilian civil engineer operating in the Pacific theater. His unarmed team faces numerous assaults by Japanese soldiers. Determined to enhance their defense, he advocates for the establishment of Construction Battalions (CBs). The movie follows the initial stages of the Seabees’ (a term they eventually earned) exploits, a little-explored aspect of the war in films.

Shining a Spotlight on a Rare Subject

This movie presents the raw truths of war, a rarity during that period, and Wayne delivers an impressive performance in a part that demands more depth than typical war roles. Notably, the film’s music, created by Walter Scharf (famous for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory), was even nominated for an Oscar. Don’t miss William Frawley, famed as Fred Mertz in I Love Lucy, playing Wayne’s companion. Check out The Fighting Seabees on Prime Video to watch or rent it.

2
They Were Expendable (1945)

In contrast to John Ford’s popular western collaborations with Wayne, the film “They Were Expendable” tends to be overlooked. This is largely due to the iconic nature of their western films. However, this film, considered one of John Ford’s masterpieces with Wayne, avoids simplistic patriotic displays for dramatic effect. Instead, it presents a somber portrayal, where John Wayne takes a secondary role to the outstanding Robert Montgomery, who plays the captain of a PT boat in the Pacific.

John Wayne At His Most Emotional

In this movie, “They Were Expendable,” the characters’ patriotism stems deeply from a sense of responsibility, notably Montgomery himself, who was a real-life PT boat commander before the film’s production. This film includes one of Wayne’s most heartrending scenes ever filmed. After several characters are lost in battle, a makeshift funeral ensues, and on the brink of tears, Wayne recites a poem cherished by one of the deceased characters – a powerful act from an actor renowned for his cinematic restraint. To witness this masterpiece, stream “They Were Expendable” on Max.

1
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

Generally regarded as one of the greatest World War II movies ever produced, “Sands of Iwo Jima” showcases John Wayne in the role of a stern Marine sergeant who is known for his no-nonsense attitude towards the soldiers he leads. He’s plagued by recollections of previous conflicts and is relentless in his pursuit to prepare his men for war, even if they dislike him due to his demanding training regimen.

An All-Time Classic Military Film

The movie “Sands of Iwo Jima” stands as a profound and respectful homage to the soldiers who battled at Iwo Jima, with its final scene packing a significant punch. This film has gained favor not only among John Wayne enthusiasts, but also among aficionados of war films. Although Clint Eastwood’s Iwo Jima films might be considered the definitive cinematic portrayal of the battle, “Sands” holds its own as a representation of the era. John Wayne received his first Best Actor nomination for this film in 1950 (he didn’t win), starting an unusual trend where he was nominated almost every decade. He was nominated again in 1961 for “The Alamo”, and in 1970 for “True Grit”, the role that eventually earned him an Oscar. Watch “Sands of Iwo Jima” on Kanopy.

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2025-03-01 05:36