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adam2 says on 16/Mar/10
I dont say Wayne was six feet and I dont bother to consider such issues BUT what I am saying is that I believe Wayne might have been six foot three.
In a way, I do agree with Eric. In my opinion John Wayne DIDNT look a 6-4 man like say Goldblum and Eastwood. Let alone Tim Robbins, who in my opinion is at least 6-5.
I agree that in BIG TRAIL he doesnt look 6-4.
Patrick says on 16/Mar/10
adam2 you need a psyhoanalyst... Patrick says on 16/Mar/10
"I" posted the anonymous comment! Anonymous says on 16/Mar/10
Yes, Parker. Well posted! 6'1 John Wayne...why not 5'8 as would suggest "someone" months ago?
The most funny is that the Duke is one of the actors whose height was easy to gauge, above all in the 40 and 50ies.
You can lead a horse to water... Gonzalo says on 16/Mar/10
Adam, please, show us where is that Wayne´s quote about his height. It sounds like you have made it up. It wouldn´t be the first time.
Eric, go get some friends Parker says on 16/Mar/10
Eric says on 14/Mar/10
Haha I laugh at the people who believe Wayne was 6'4"
That's ok Eric, as most people are laughing at you suggesting he was 6'1 max. josh says on 15/Mar/10
i disagreew its eric and adam2. i really think he was 6'4 and not 6 ft like they say. by the way is there anyone else in this page that is younger than 30 besides me just asking. Eric says on 15/Mar/10
Why then did we not see this enormous 6'6"-6'7" man on screen then? A legit 6'4-6'5" guy say like Liam neeson, Jeff Goldblum or Tom Robbins in John Wayne lifts would look 6'7". Wayne only ever looked 6'4" in big boots. Look at him in the early 30s. Big Trail etc. 6'4" is bull. Only in later films did he look bigger once Hollywood realised they had a macho film star and tried to make him look as big as possible. Wayne was obviously very conscious of his height himself always wanted to be the tallest. In my experience those who are as height conscious as Wayne was rarely give the exact barefoot measurement when asked their height. This is Hollywood after all. OK 6'0 is obviously too low but I can see 6'2" in his prime. Add the two inch boots and you get the 6'4". If Wayne though was wearing 4 inch lifts which must give around 3 inches why the hell didn't he ever appear 6'7" I ask? Watch the Big Trail and 6'4"+ for Wayne is extremely laughable. He barely looked 6'2" without boots in those mocassins. Wayne appeared 6'4" in cowboy boots. Yet you people think he was also 6'4" barefoot? Have you actually seen how big the heels are on those boots? Wayne NEVER looked 6'6" in boots. Wayne was 6'2 MAX. adam2 says on 15/Mar/10
Aleks, honestly: Gable was about six feet even prime, no more than that. And later on (in the 50s) he was only about 5-10½. Errol Flynn mentions in his autobiography how he was surprised how his drinking buddy (aka Gable) was much shorter than his height of six feet two. But was Flynn really 6-2? More likely six-one. So Gable wasnt really that tall man.
Wayne was a tall tall man, there´s no question about it. Just not 6-4. More like 6-3, chum. Aleks says on 15/Mar/10
Lol. Yeah, Wayne was 6' flat and Clark Gable was 5'8". adam2 says on 15/Mar/10
He wore bigger lifts than anyone, true. He was six-foot, three prime as the biographre stated. Wardell Bond was about six one max. The same with Bob Mitchum. Dean Martin was five nine without his lifts.
Sterling Hayden was six-five. Rock Hudson was six-fíve. Clint Eastwood was six-four. Tom Cruise is five-seven, the same height as Sly Stallone. Thank you!
Remember Wayne`s quote in 1934:
"Im six-foot, three and weigh 200lbs. And I hate people who are taller than me!" Maybe thats why he later on wore lifts. Eric says on 14/Mar/10
Haha I laugh at the people who believe Wayne was 6'4". This is Hollywood!! Many of his costars told the truth about Wayne. He wore four inch lifts and a wig. Wayne was likely 6' flat, 6'1" max in his prime. No way in hell was Wayne ever a legit 6'4". He wore bigger lifts than anybody. Shaun says on 12/Mar/10
josh says on 3/Mar/10
why would anyone want to wear lifts to look 6'4?
Or rather, why would somebody 6'4" ever need to wear lifts in their lifetime... Shaun says on 12/Mar/10
No. Wayne was listed at 6'3" on the football team in highschool and by eighteen was listed at 6'4" in college. adam2 says on 11/Mar/10
Gonzalo, so do you still maintain the 6-3 prime claim for old Duke? I remember when you said that. In that clip (if Paul really is 5-11) he really does look AT LEAST 6-4. RisingForce says on 11/Mar/10
In Brannigan, Wayne still looked huge at 67/68 years old, but it didn't seem like he had more than 8 inches on Richard Attenborough, who I think is only 5'6", maybe he was once 5'7", but I doubt it. In close shots they made the difference look smaller, most likely with the aid of a box, but it's also possible that Wayne wasn't standing as straight in the wide shots.
The debate should be 6'3" or 6'4". Anything under that is absurd, he was obviously very tall. Gonzalo says on 11/Mar/10
D193, the main thing is John Wayne towers over Paul McCartney who is listed 1`80 in this site. And Wayne was 63 years old at the timeThe difference between him and Andy Williams is irrelevant. Maybe Wayne put some lifts in his shoes when McCartney was heading for the stage in order to look taller. Anonymous says on 10/Mar/10
So by your assumption D193, Paul Mccartney is about 5-7.
Look at Wayne in the clip, he looks very tall definitly 6-4, also look at the clip at 1979 oscars, his last public appearance.
He descents those steps very quickly, so there is no way he could be wearing lifts. He is very thin and frail and because he is so thin he looks all of 6-4.
Explain the Ron Howard photo D193, how can he look so much taller than a 5-9 man wearing shoes. Game over I'd say. adam2 says on 10/Mar/10
6-1 college football height? Where did you get that? Parker says on 10/Mar/10
Alison - Try and catch 'Donovan's Reef' next time its on. He's in boat shoes all the way through - compare his height to 6'2 Lee Marvin. Here's a pic from the movie. I'm not doubting he could have had small feet, but 5'11 is beyond ridiculous
Click Here D193 says on 9/Mar/10
Shaun - you made a false assumption about me. You reckon I don't/can't believe any actor is 6'4 ? Er, tell me when I stated this ?
I don't dispute Tim Robbins' height. Goldblum, Vaughn, Christopher Lee, Neeson are just a list of other actors who spring to mind as being 6'4 or more.
Interestingly, you and others have not looked at the Wayne/Andy Williams clip and posted comments as to why Wayne was only 6 or 7 inches taller than Andy. Adam2, I'm not wasting anybody's time with mention of Wayne being 6'1 - it was his listed college football squad height....maybe you can comment on Wayne/Andy Williams. I'd like you to tell me why Wayne was only 7 inches max taller than 5'6ish Williams when both stood upright. josh says on 9/Mar/10
no adam2 i was not being sarcastic. now adam2 this is off topic but do you agree on my friend's 5'7 estimate on dmx? oh yeah i think john wayne was 6'4. Alison says on 8/Mar/10
I was just at Grauman's Chinese Theatre the other day and John Wayne's boot marks in the cement were TINY! He could not have cleared 5'11 I say. adam2 says on 8/Mar/10
I distinctively remember how some fella showed a clip from I love Lucy -show were Wayne was about six (?) inches taller than Dezi Arnaz. Then I saw a pic where Rock Hudson had a head on Arnaz.... Now what does that tell you?
Take a look at a film called JOHNNY GUITAR, people. It stars Sterling Hayden alongside Joan Crawford. Watch how much taller Hayden is than Wayne`s right hand neanderthal, Ward Bond. Then compare that sight to the difference the two friends had in their films. Tony G. says on 8/Mar/10
Hi, Anonymous.
The link below should show a barefoot John Wayne with Ron Howard (in boots). Also, Wayne with Desi Arnaz.
I agree... 6'1" for Wayne (and Clint Eastwood) is ridiculous.
Click Here Shaun says on 7/Mar/10
6'1" for Wayne. Don't worry D193 also claims Eastwood was only 6'2"" in his prime too. I think he is incredulous that an actor can actually be 6'4". What about Tim Robbins then D193? 6'2.5"? Anonymous says on 7/Mar/10
Listen D193, I dont have the picture of a barefoot Wayne face to face with Ron Howard(5-9) in the Shootist, he is approx 6'' taller than Ron(with footwear). They are standing on the same floor.
If Wayne was only 6'1'', this puts Ron at 5-6 and as for Henry Winkler, he must be barely over 5'. Parker says on 7/Mar/10
John Wayne was one of my favourite film stars of all time. I rarely post here, mainly because of some of the ludicrous height estimations I've seen for him.
A lot of you may be too young to remember 'Tiny Tim' who was an American Ukelele player. His nickname 'Tiny' came about because he was 6'1. Do a Google search if you want to read more about him. He starred on the 'Rowan and Martin' laugh in show, who were both about 6'1/6'2 themselves. Here is a pic of the three of them together.
Click Here
A picture says a 1000 words, so here is another picture of them on the show with a guest star.
Click Here
6'1 for John Wayne? Ludicrous. adam2 says on 7/Mar/10
Thank you josh... or were you being sarcastic?
Is McCartney 5-11? And why did that biographer put Wayne as 6-3. "The endlessly reported figure of six-foot-four is false, he stood six-foot three." Why in the blue hell would he make that kind of announcement?
D193, no more wasting time to suggest that he was 6-1 but there is a chance that he was 6-3 prime. That biographer makes me wonder.
And people who are "keen" on height tend to look taller than what they are. Im 6-2 but I have a great posture and possibly proportions that make me look taller which probably explains why most people think Im near 6-4 or so. Many many people comment about my height which in reality isnt all that impressive.
On the other hand I have a friend who has a horrible posture and is somewhat chubby (a nerd addicted to coke and chips) and to me and most people he looks short. Yet when he straightens up he is surprisingly close to my height.
6-3 for old Duke is possible, not definite. Gonzalo, you always have had some terrific pics. How about another display, fella? D193 says on 6/Mar/10
What's just as interesting as the McCartney comparison is the comparison with Wayne & Andy Williams - check the earlier link (Grammy Award 1970) at 27 seconds. Wayne and Williams are both standing upright and the top of Andy's head reaches just above the tip of Wayne's nose. About 6 to 7 inches difference IMO. Claims for Andy say he's less than 5'7. RisingForce, maybe its not such lunacy to suggest Wayne was 6'1 ? Also, Wayne looks off balance when he bends down to present Macca with his award. More to do with lifts than drink IMO. I had heard that Andy wore lifts and, based on the height differences between all three, there is an argument that Macca was the only one with regular footwear- he wore white trainers. Brunobrowne says on 6/Mar/10
There is no way a 6-2 inch man would tower over Mccartney by as much as Wayne did, come on Adam2 open your eyes man, and yes Wayne was heightwise thats why he slouched alot to be near other actors height. josh says on 6/Mar/10
everybody should listen to adam2 because he knows what he is talking about. we need more people like him. Brunobrowne says on 6/Mar/10
Adam2 Why do you consistently put Wayne down 'Also Wayne was drunk in that clip'. So what he towers over Paul, makes look very small,
When Wayne did lose all the weight when he was battling cancer in 1979, he looked very tall, you cannot argue with that, avery ill man still looked 6'4''. adam2 says on 4/Mar/10
I would like to point out that height really cant be a mystery like mr. Gonzalo has stated. Sometimes things arent what they seem to be. Posture can make some differences. So does a height-wise attitude. Im 6-2, a friend of mine was measure an even six feet. That means that I would be two inches (or maybe slightly more) taller than him, yet there have been times when I could look over his head which means at least five inches. People have described me easily over 190cm (6-4) even though Im not in those sizes.
I dont think theres anyone here who says that Wayne wasnt an imposing man. He had broad shoulders and a large frame and he probably was heightwise and wanted to be the big guy.
So my friend is taller than McCartney yet I`ve towered him the same way Wayne did with McCartney. Yet Im supposedly two inches shorter than Wayne. When people are standing (especially if they are standing next to a much larger man) they just relax and dont start to try to hard to match with the guy.
Where did the author get that 6-3 figure? Why would he lie in that way? Cheat an inch off just to irritate people? adam2 says on 4/Mar/10
Wayne is 20cm taller than Cartney. That would make him about 6-6 or 6-7 or so. Also Wayne is drunk in that clip. Just a notice.
Why did that biographer say 6-3 then? Took an inch off just to piss off people like old Bruno? Brunobrowne says on 4/Mar/10
More like 13-15 cm over the beatle josh says on 3/Mar/10
why would anyone want to wear lifts to look 6'4? Gonzalo says on 3/Mar/10
Here´s the video Brunobrowne refers to. Wayne towers over Sir Paul. 10 cms at least.
Click Here Brunobrowne says on 2/Mar/10
Adam 2 look at Wayne coming down the steps at the 1979 academy awards, at one stage he is moving very quickly so no way can there be lifts.
He is very thin and frail, but because now he is so thin he looks very tall. Brunobrowne says on 2/Mar/10
Saw a clip on youtube where Wayne presents 5'11'' Paul McCartney with a grammy, he looks huge beside him. adam2 says on 2/Mar/10
Risingforce, thank you very much for that piece of information. Much appreciated. Yes, I believe that Wayne was 6-3 as Willis states. Yes, Wayne usually towered over everyone but STILL his body just didnt look that legitimately tall as say Hudson`s or Eastwood`s looked. RisingForce says on 1/Mar/10
From a biography written by Gary Willis.
"Wayne always gave an impression of great size, but the endlessly repeated figure of six foot four is false."
I personally believe 6 ft 4 is the most logical height for Wayne, but I found that statement interesting. Willis does describe Wayne as a reasonable 6 ft 3. Click Here So it's not like he's some lunatic claiming he's only 6'1". Anonymous says on 27/Feb/10
I thought the whole thing about lifts had been put to bed monthes ago. He didn't need them. Wayne really was 6'4". I don't get why when the evidence of ebveryone who ever met him was that Wayne was tall large man, you are arguing about out of persepective photos of a man who notoriously slouched, has been photographed without shoes to look shorter and when the whole business of Hollywood is to make non tall actors look taller. Check out the Alamo, Widmark always looks in the same frame as Wayne. Only in one quick scene by teh wall he's standing on a box. So its possible all these actors who look the same height as Wayne are standing in something. Anonymous says on 26/Feb/10
I just read part of a John Ford biography. It turns out that John Ford influenced Wayne heavily and Wayne returned the favour by trying to copy Ford's 'graceful' style of walking. This sounds like a more likely explanation than some major hollywood conspiracy (that started when was a no name B movie actor) of putting lifts in all his shoes. RisingForce says on 22/Feb/10
The average height for a man in the late 50's was 5'8" flat. Now I believe it's 5'9.25"-5'9.5" so in the 30's it probably would have been the upper end of the 5'7" range, but not quite 5'8". filmfan says on 18/Feb/10
John Wayne was about 6'4'' I believe. I think Rock Hudson was probably 6'5'' so a little taller. Wayne was right wing no doubt but to describe him as racist is unfair. He was married to a Mexican I believe. He was a truly great actor, although he no doubt had some of the prejudices of people of his generation. adam2 says on 18/Feb/10
Actors have always been generally shorter than normal fellows. Also remember that in movies they want ALWAYS (always have always will) the star look as imposing as possible. Which means that they`ll cast shorter extras to make the lead actors look taller thus more imposing.
Rock Hudson was at least 6-5. In his autobiography there are claims that he was 6-6. Certainly in most of his films he really did look that height! Now Wayne did wore lifts later on but having said that I do believe that he was near 6-4. =) Aleks says on 17/Feb/10
Average height didn't go up by two inches in only 70 years. RisingForce says on 16/Feb/10
While I do think Wayne may have been a full 6'4", a 6'2"-6'3" man would also tower over basically everyone in the 30's when I believe the average height for a man was in the 5'7" range. Aleks says on 12/Feb/10
Wayne might've been wearing lifts in his later years because he was clearly shorter.
But at his peak, it's hard to argue he was anything under 6'4". Like I said, watch any western he made in the 30s, he towered everyone around him. D193 says on 11/Feb/10
Aleks,I've seen that photo. Hudson had 1.5 inches on Wayne. Didn't see any footwear though and Wayne was said to wear some lift. I think Hudson himself made such a claim. I see Hudson at 6'4. Take away the 'lift' and Wayne is three inches shorter. josh says on 10/Feb/10
lmao at frank 2 and adam going at each other like that. i would say john wayne was 6'4 and he was indeed a racist. you could see why public enemy didn't like him. Aleks says on 10/Feb/10
There's a picture of him next to Rock Hudson, and he's slightly shorter.
Now if you think Hudson was only 6'2".. D193 says on 8/Feb/10
Watched Hellfighters, Green Berets and Rio Bravo over the last few weeks. Wayne does not look 6'4 in any. Looked about 6'1 max, maybe an inch less in Green Berets. I believe his college height of 6'1 was correct and he was given some Hollywood inches to fit his hero image once famous. Why would he (or his college football team) refer to himself as 6'1 as a young adult if he was three inches taller ? Paul says on 5/Feb/10
What John Wayne found out in his last years is that there are two theories on understanding women and they are both wrong. RisingForce says on 4/Feb/10
Rob, here's a quote from John Wayne.
"I'm 53 years old and 6 feet 4. I've had three wives, five children and three grandchildren. I love good whiskey. I still don't understand women, and I don't think there is any man who does."
Click Here Patrick says on 4/Feb/10
OK Aleks; I agree with you. Patrick was evidently 6'2 or so.
I am watching Flying Tigers (1942) and depending the angles or just the shots the Duke looks as tall, taller (clearly) and sometimes a "tad" shorter than the same actor Jhon Carroll who was reportedly 6'5. Interesting that it appears very rare to see John Wayne shorter than anyone in any movie. Only very tall men look so. Aleks says on 3/Feb/10
Didn't say Patrick Wayne was 6'4" like his dad, but tall himself, like his dad. I think he was 6'2" peak.
That said, watching John's early westerns, it's obvious he's taller than 6'1"-6'2" like some are saying. Patrick says on 2/Feb/10
It's not question of "believing" you or anyone here: it is facts! That in a shot, such actor looks taller or shorter or equal to another one doesn't prove anything because what we try to do here, is to take the whole thing, the general impression given to us by hundreds of shots, scenes, pictures etc.
There are many movies, shots, scenes and above all, photos which show us what reality has likelihood to finally be.
In all the movies I watched in my life, I saw people turning taller and shorter and then taller again depending the angle and often, with seemingly “the same angle”!
That happens all the time and you never can take “one” shot as proof of anything above all when all the rest displays just the contrary as in The Searchers! Aleks says on 28/Jan/10
If you don't believe me, just look at exactly 1:43:20, they are face to face and very very close in height. Patrick says on 28/Jan/10
brunobrowne, i agree with you 100ù; very well and accurately posted indeed! Patrick says on 28/Jan/10
You know that some very clever scientist ivented centuries ago a device you, Aleks, would be or rather "should be", interested in wearing: spectacles!
If you really see them in the Searchers or any other movie Pat and his father palyed together, "eye to eye"...you really need glasses.
It's all the more since obvious that anyone can judge for himself juct in...watching them on DVD! Aleks says on 26/Jan/10
His son Patrick was very tall himself, at 16 in The Searchers he was eye-to-eye with his dad. brunobrowne says on 25/Jan/10
In The Quiet Man Wayne's character is asked what height he is by Barry Fitzgerald. He says 6'4.5''.
If this was not true I'm sure John Ford would have pulled Wayne up on this, because he was a real put down merchant especially to Wayne. brunobrowne says on 24/Jan/10
In the sons of Katie Elder, George Kennedy's character states about Wayne's character 'He is a big guy about 6'4'' and over 200lbs' adam2 says on 24/Jan/10
Then Victor Mature is 6-3 or so which is not the case. brunobrowne says on 21/Jan/10
No I'd say Widmark was a solid 5'10'' adam2 says on 21/Jan/10
In ALAMO Wayne is about 5-6 inches taller than 5-9 Richard Widmark. Watch KISS OF DEATH. 6-1 Victor Mature towers over Widmark. So Dick Widmark was 5-9 max. Carl says on 17/Jan/10
John Wayne was 6ft 4ins tall, there is too much factual evidence to suppoer this statistic, its the plain simple truth! Thankyou! Carl says on 17/Jan/10
John Wayne was 6ft 4ins tall, there is too much factual evidence to suppoer this statistic, its the plain simple truth! Thankyou! Shaun says on 16/Jan/10
Watched Rio Bravo yesterday. Wayne looked at least a foot taller than 5'3" Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez. Had to be close to 6'4". Paul P. says on 12/Jan/10
I'd bet Wayne was 6ft2 or 6ft3 and Arness 6ft6 tops if he stood as tall as possible. Aleks says on 11/Jan/10
He looks all of 6'4" next to Gable who was at least 6 feet. adam2 says on 8/Jan/10
As my good PALLY Gonzalo would say, that pic doesnt prove a thing. We cant see their feet. But in one biography there is stated that Wayne was 6-3 in reality. Patrick says on 8/Jan/10
Poor Lynn... Anonymous says on 7/Jan/10
lots of movie stars wore lifts back he those days, Kirk Douglas famously. There wasas a picture of Wayne next to Cooper who was around 6'3" and Wayne looks at least two inches shorter. Some say that he was 6'4" but still wore and additional 3 inch lifts lynn says on 5/Jan/10
I met John Wayne at Ft. Benning, Georgia, while he was filming "Green Berets". I stood next to him and shook his hand. I am 5'10" and he was a a bit taller than I was, maybe 6'. I KNOW he was not 6'4" as reported. Also, he did not have extremely large hands as a man of 6'4"would. brunobrowne says on 1/Jan/10
Wayne furthest away in picture, but still appears the tallest, also pic taken in late 1960s, Wayne not at his peak. adam2 says on 1/Jan/10
Happy new year Gonzalo, patrick and mike c. Hope you fellows keep posting. adam2 says on 31/Dec/09
Click Here
Wayne doesnt look 6-4 for sure. Or if he is, then all the other fellows are clearly above 6-2. brunobrowne says on 26/Dec/09
No but I will, the last one I read was The man behind the myth. It was ok but not brilliant. adam2 says on 25/Dec/09
Well, yes. All true. Cant argue.
Bruno, have you read John Wayne: American. I have now. A superb piece of info. brunobrowne says on 22/Dec/09
Cannot comment on the 2 fims you mention, however in Bad Day at Black Rock, the most Ryan has on Marvin is 2'', i'd say closer to 1.5.
Van Cleef was no taller than Marvin and was I'd say 6'2'' definitly.
In an advert he did with George Kennedy and they stand face to face he looks about 2'' shorter. Some people reckon Kennedy was over 6'4''. adam2 says on 22/Dec/09
I havent seen BEND OF THE RIVER but some fellow said that Rock had about 2-3 inches on Stewart. Anyway, Stewart was 6-3 for sure.
In DIRTY DOZEN Marvin is about 2,5-3 inches shorter than aged Robert Ryan. In THE PROFESSIONALS the difference is similar. Marvin was also shorter than 6-1 Robert Mitchum.
Lee Van Cleef was very close to being 6-2.
In THE SEARCHERS Wayne looks 2-2½ inches taller than Ward Bond. In JOHNNY GUITAR (which was made around the same time) Bond looks 5-6 inches shorter than Sterling Hayden who stood 6-5. I`ve mentioned this before.
But in fairness to Duke he did look 6-4 in so many films. brunobrowne says on 21/Dec/09
Well I have to say, in Liberty Valance they do appear pretty similar in height, I'll grant you Adam. However Wayne does appear the same height as Woody Strode who was 6'4'' as does Stewart.
Wayne looks at least 2'' taller in any scene with Marvin. Marvin is listed as 6'2'' and this is true because Van Cleef(6'2'') stands at the same height in the film.
On reflection I'd say Wayne was 6'4'' peak and Stewart just over 6'3''.
Don't forget Hudson looks very little taller than Stewart in Bend of the River. adam2 says on 21/Dec/09
In THE MAN WHO SHORT LIBERTY VALANCE Wayne is wearing bigger footwear than Jimmy Stewart. In most shots they are the same height, in some shots Wayne does look taller. In some shots Jimmy Stewart is taller! I believe that they were the same height. adam2 says on 20/Dec/09
I wonder if Gonzalo is still here with us... he might have found some brand new pics! Aleks says on 20/Dec/09
In The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Wayne is clearly taller than 6'3" James Stewart. adam2 says on 20/Dec/09
I believe that Wayne was 6-3 prime. In some book there it is clearly stated that by the time when he was 18 years old he reached 6-3 mark. And after that he didnt grow anymore. That could have been true for sure.
Wayne looked taller because of his proportions. He was a big man. Broad shoulders with a huge neck. That made him look taller.
In LONGEST DAY he doesnt tower over people like a six-foot four fellow would have done.
Oh and about Frank2. His first post here was that "Wayne was 6-3 since he was a lot shorter than 6-7 James Arness". Thats cool. Then later on he remembers that "I met Wayne and he was definitely 6-4!". A bit suspicious, ha?
And Patrick, just call me adam, my boy. No numbers needed, sir. adam2 says on 20/Dec/09
I have the film. Walter is about 6-2 and Wayne really doesnt look two inches taller. In fact, they look to be just about the same height. I wish some fellow would put it to youtube.
And just a note for all Duke fans: In youtube there is a rare Wayne film in its entirety. THE IDOL OF THE CROWDS, a hockey film. You can watch is there. In that film Wayne does look at least 6-3. Patrick says on 18/Dec/09
Just nonsense adam2. One always can say any thing but that's just simply false! Where did you dig up such a "vision" of them being "equal" in Drak Command! adam2 says on 18/Dec/09
Oh and in THE GREEN BERETS Wayne doesnt really tower over the masses. adam2 says on 17/Dec/09
Alright, man.
In DARK COMMAND Wayne and Walter Pidgeon are just about the same height. Pidgeon was about 6-2. adam2 says on 17/Dec/09
Rob, let me post comments. Let the conversation start again.
[Editor Rob: stick with adam2 then and please try to cut out the crazy estimates or any political stuff.] Aleks says on 8/Dec/09
I don't buy 6'2" for Wayne. He just HAD to be 6'4" at least. He was huge. Henry says on 27/Nov/09
Wayne was 6'2" at his peak, as mentioned in a 1930 interview. Patrick says on 5/Nov/09
Bob H. i invite you to refer again to my 29/Oct/09 comment: have you sand in your eyes or do you "want" to shorten, reduce, lower the Duke? Frankly, the heads sizes prove this picture cannot serve as refrence. Period. Bob H. says on 3/Nov/09
The pictue below with the Baer's appears to be taken when Wayne was filming 'The Horse Soldiers'. That was a John Ford film. I don't believe Wayne would have worn his lifts while doing a Ford picture. Ford would have made a point of humiliating Wayne for it. Ford was a known prick. Wayne would have been early 50's at time of picture. Likely no longer 6'4"... if ever. brunobrowne says on 29/Oct/09
Just looked at How the West was won, JW appears a head taller than Harry
Morgan (full body shot) and morgan was 5' 6''. This puts Wayne at 6'4''. In the only scene where Widwark and peppard stand close to one another Widmark looks 1' taller yet RW is 5'10'' and GP is 6'0''. However you cannot see their feet.
Karl Malden and Jimmy Stewart look similar height yet we all know that JS is 2'' taller (not a full body shot).
Peppard looks slightly taller than Fonda although he was at least 1'' shorter and again not a full body shot.
What I am saying is you can select pictures that can mislead you. When you look at Wayne in a full picture beside other actors and when he is standing straight he always looks really tall and thats a fact. Patrick says on 29/Oct/09
Once more Gonzalo my friend, you seem to be the only one being able to see and comment real facts! Nothing to add to what is so well posted! Have the others any idea of what posture and perspective mean? The fact they “seem” to be close to each other is just deceptive. The Duke adopts his famous very casual posture, swaying his up body while keeping legs flexed.
For those who would need any kind of proof, it is just enough to compare their respective head sizes. John Wayne had a decently big head but here, M. Baer’s and his son’s ones are about one fifth bigger than the Duke’s.
That don’t even need any ruler so much visible it is!
I just have watched Hell fighters and in turn 6’5 Jim Hutton looks a bit taller and shorter than Wayne. Jim always, always stands upright while the Duke is constantly swaying down and aside. When “He” stops doing it, as in any other movie he was in, he gains about one to two inches. Never John Wayne stood upright outside some of his cavalry feature films while reviewing troops. If he had be so interested in looking “taller” than he really was (!) he never would have adopt such an attitude. The same with all real tall guys as Sterling Hayden.
I a book I am reading about the Duke, all the testimonies mention “how bigger and taller than anyone else” he was; all of them including big and tall other actors!
You want a proof? Just watch his movies and keep you eyes from your possible negative and restrictive opinion towards him! Harry Lime says on 28/Oct/09
Pete, a great pic. Wayne is wearing cowboy boots and both Baers are slouching as well. Wayne would be shorter than Max Jr. Gonzalo says on 27/Oct/09
Good pic, Pete. But both Baers are closer to the camera so the pic is not 100% reliable. And Wayne is not standing straight, look at his legs. He looks shorter than Max Jr. but we really can not tell. Pete says on 25/Oct/09
Just went to a web site on Max Baer, Sr. Has a photo of Max Sr., John Wayne, and Max Baer Jr side-by-side. Max Sr was 6'2.5" and Max Jr is 6'4". John Wayne looks shorter than both. Check photo in this link: Click Here Shaun says on 23/Oct/09
No I agree that he looks about 1.5-2 inches taller. What I mean though is that Hudon claimed 6'4" and was "markedly" taller than Wayne who also claimed 6'4", so one of them is lying. I would agree with you Hudson looks 6'5.5" at peak. Outlaw says on 23/Oct/09
Shaun, when you say Rock looked considerably taller than Hudson, that sounds a little strange, especially when you say Wayne was 6'4" and Hudson 6'5". Considerably describes something like 3-4 inches shorter, at least that would be considered "considerably" shorter. He never looked anything below 1.5" shorter than Hudson from my view. Which, at the time, would put Wayne at 6'3.5" and Hudson at 6'5" or Wayne at 6'4" and Hudson at 6'5.5," which I suspect he was.
As for Ward Bond, guyfrommars, he is usually listed around 6'2.5"-6'3". And in Fort Apache, I'd say he stands around 6'2," as he looked around 2 inches shorter than Wayne, just barely taller than Fonda (6'1.5"), and about an inch under McLaglen (who was 6'3").
But I do agree with you, the 3-4 inch lifts INSIDE shoes and boots is beyond ridiculous. Unless he was hunched over as far as he could 100% of the time while wearing them. Sources DO claim he did wear lifts in his shoes/boots after '64 or '69 because he was no longer in peak condition, with slow failing health. Still, I do not buy that myself, unless he only wore them in public and not in his films. If he did wear them in his films, he'd be standing 6'6" and maybe more in regular shoes with normal lifts. However, he always remained looking the same height his whole career. As you stated, he was seen numerous times on screen barefoot and certainly appeared 6'4".
Anyway, that is just my opinion.
Take care and may the Lord be with y'all. guyfrommars says on 22/Oct/09
Rock Hudson was taller than Wayne, he was a big 6ft5 guy. Fonda was 6ft1 - 6ft1.5 in his prime (even in his older days, he towers over 5ft8 Charles Bronson in Once Upon a Time in the West), and yes, Wayne is nearly 3 inches taller than him. In the same movie (Fort Apache) Wayne appears to be taller than 6ft3 Ward Bond (some sources give 6ft2 as Bond's height, but anyways). Shaun says on 21/Oct/09
Also remember Wayne had a good 3 inches on Henry Fonda. If Wayne was only 6'2" Fonda was 5'11" which is again BS. Fonda was around 6'1" maybe even 6'1.5" in his prime. The 6'4" adds up to most. He did however look considerably shorter than Rock Hudson who also claimed 6'4", Hudson to me looked easily 6'5"... Shaun says on 21/Oct/09
The people who claim Wayne wore 4 inch lifts though I don't think believe he was a legit 6'4" barefoot. I've heard many people claim he was only 6'2" in his prime barefooted or even 6'1" by his death and that ongoing medical problems and height loss meant that he felt forced to wear big lifts and a toupe in the 70s to maintain his image. So he wore lifts which maybe gave him 2 inches to try to maintain the 6'4". I do however think that the evidence of him barefoot in some of his films, towering above 5'9 or 5'10" guys (wearing boots/generous footwear) while he was clearly barefoot is sufficient enough to confirm that he was a legit 190 er. PLus he was 2-3 inches taller than Lee Marvin in flat canvas shoes. I believe Marvin was close to 6'2" probably 6'1.5" so it adds up that Wayne was around 6'4" legit. If Wayne was only 6'2", Marvin was struggling with a flat 6' most likely 5'11.5" which is abolsute BS. So Wayne had to be in the 6'4" range. guyfrommars says on 17/Oct/09
Agreed with Shaun. He was barefoot in some of his films and looked huge. Wayne wearing lifts is a joke and a bad accusation from those who envied him.
On that certain four-letter movie site a trivia entry states that Wayne wore 3 or 4 inch lifts in his older days. That is total nonsense.
1. No one wears 3 or 4-inch lifts. That is impossible. Even in boots, those would be impossible to wear or walk with. 2-inch lifts are the maximum. The clever wearer combines lifts with the shoes' heels. Like a 1.5-inch heeled shoe plus 1.5-inch lifts are 3 inches of gained height.
2. In 3 or 4-inch lifts Wayne would be 6ft7 or 6ft8. He was tall, but THAT tall. In that case he would've looked like a giant surrounded by midgets, which was not the case.
Wayne wore cowboy boots in his western movies, which had nearly 2-inch heels, but all the others did too, so he looked a legit 6ft4 in his films. Shaun says on 13/Oct/09
What Fan, the fact that many of his co-stars claimed he wore 4 inch lifts and a toupe so people are very suspicious about his listed Hollywood height? Well I've seen barefoot in some of his films and I think we can safely say he was in the 6'3"- 6'4" range for real. Cowboy boots though do give two inches and you combine that with Wayne's weight and bulky frame as he got older and he looked a mountain of man. He is still referred to today as the quintessential masculine guy, even thirty years after his death... Arness was 6'7" or pretty close 6'6.5" at peak so Wayne being 6'4" naturally looked 3 inches shorter. Fan says on 10/Oct/09
Considering Wayne did not have a stomach for the last 6 months he lived that is highly unlikely. I often think people disputing John Wayne's height is more about his politics than his height. Its amazing how much emotive responses there are about the man thirty years after he died. Somehow or other it seems to me that if you are one of the ones who feels very strongly anti John Wayne, if you can prove he lied about his height well it diminishes the legend, makes him pardon the pun, less than he was, proves his politics ( which by the way I don't share) were wrong and by default those who are anti John Wayne right. jeffrey adam says on 10/Oct/09
John Wayne just for the record had 30lbs of red meat in his colon when he died! His lifestyle sure wasnt healthy: He smoked 5-6 packs of cigarettes and drank about a quart of whisky/tequila a day!
Oh and Wayne does look about 6-4 in every film except THE LONGEST DAY and a few others. jeffrey says on 26/Sep/09
Wayne was only two inches taller than Anthony Quinn. Quinn was 6-1. Brunobrowne says on 24/Sep/09
Just watched a film 'flying tigers', Wayne's first war movie. In it his co-star is a guy named John Carroll. Looked up this guy's height and it is claimed to be 6' 5''.
In any scene which has both actors standing near to one another Wayne is either the same height or 1'' taller. The film was made in 1941 released in 1942, so no lifts I would say and Carroll's claimed height puts Wayne at 6'5''. What do you think Adam. Patrick says on 23/Sep/09
Very well posted Fan and absolutely enlightening. The Duke ad obviously high arches; it’s quite visible in the scene with Ron Howard.
I hence agree with you at 100%.
The same with the “slouching aspect” developed by both Fan and Frank2.
I repeat that for a man willing to look taller than he was, he had a curious way to show it since he was always, always either slouching or worse, standing over one leg, the other being bent, with hands put on his hips, a very iconic and relaxed attitude, kinda trademark.
That’s also the best way to get shorter! Frank2 says on 23/Sep/09
Well said, Fan. Wayne was huge. I was shocked the first time I saw him in person. And yes, he did slouch a lot as if to bring himself down closer to most people who he towered over. The lift notion is downright silly.
I wonder what happened to Adam. He was going around spreading that rumor as if it was fact. Fan says on 22/Sep/09
I think the John Wayne wore lifts thing started because he wore custom made boots. In his book about the Ford Stock company which gives some wonderful portraits of Ben Johnson, Wayne and Ford, Harry Carey Jr describes Wayne getting pretty angry when Ford was asked (made) him try non-custom made boots for a film as his character was not someone who would wear custom made boots. Wayne could not get his feet into them and he tossed the boots into a wall. Apparently he had high arches and insteps and could not get his feet into a normal western boot. Which explains why people interpreted custom made boot as lifts. May also explain why most non western footwear you see in pictures of Wayne are slip on shoes
One of the things you notice when you read reports of people who met Wayne, friend or foe, is that they remember with shock how tall and big he was. Much bigger than he appears in movies. Which rather suggests Wayne deliberately slouched or stood down hill in group scenes.
In some of the DVD extras of Ford/Wayne films there are some home movies that were taken by John Ford. Wayne goofing off on a fishing trip is standing beside 6'1" Henry Fonda. Wayne towers over him.
In another one Wayne, wearing very flat boots and no hat is walking in the desert beside Ward Bond who is wearing cowboy boots and a western hat. Bareheaded Wayne is taller than Bond in a hat. Tony G. says on 18/Sep/09
Will: John Wayne wore size 11 shoes/boots.
Adam: How was he racist? Remember, his wives were hispanic/latino. Patrick says on 11/Sep/09
Thanks Frank2. I appreciate! I knew about How the West was Won and I am happy that Newman did it because Tiomkin was more an intimist western composer what was not the Alamo case but remember how romantic was the music; more than epic!
I wrote that comment very quickly and forgot Max Steiner and many others. Miklos Rosza was fabulous as Films Noirs composer as well as Epic ones. Danny Elfmann did a very good job on Batman (1989). What lacks today is a "theme".
Try to remember a movie theme today!
But for John Williams, a « theme » composer by excellence, you cannot have it in mind, even for films which would need it as Spiderman while even the cartoon theme was unforgettable!
The same for TV shows except the best as Law & Order.
As for John Wayne, he allegedly was eleven (what I read in the most serious sources) and frankly, it’s what I think just in watching movies: the quiet man for instance where his feet are clearly visible and his (alas!) last one where you can see his bare feet.
They do not look that small without seeming particularly long; just “normal” and very strong and thick as it is appropriate for such a big man.
I dedicate this comment to the memory of the September eleventh. Frank2 says on 11/Sep/09
Chaco, the series of photos of Arness taken when he did THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD came form Life's archive hosted by Google. Go here and then type in THE THING. A bunch of shots will pop up:
Click Here
If that link doesn't work, try this one:
Click Here
Life has lots of great photos. Type in "back lot Fox" and you'll see tons of photos showing the dismantling of the huge 20th Century Fox studio backlot of outdoor sets that occurred back in 1961 after the studio lost a fortune on CLEOPATRA. Of all the studio backlots, Fox had the best as well as the largest. It took up most of what is today Century City in West LA. All that's left of the physical studio is about 40 acres where the sound stages, offices and support buildings remain. The Fox network has their headquarters on the lot.
Life also has loads of celebrity photos. Just pick a name and type it into the search bar.
Patrick, well said. I agree with you. By the way, Dimitri Tiomkins who composed the music for HIGH NOON, Hawks' RIO BRAVO and Wayne's THE ALAMO was originally supposed to compose the music for HOW THE WEST WAS WON. But Ccataracts stopped him so Newman got the job. It's one of Newman's finest. Will says on 11/Sep/09
Mr. John Wayne was a really tall man. He stood 6 feet 5 inches tall. You mess with John Wayne, he will beat you up. His authoritative, no-nonsense and rather demeanor look will make all troublesome bullies go away and shoo for their lives. It was controversially reported that he only wore a size 7 US men's shoe. Patrick says on 10/Sep/09
The Duke was great in many of his films and in Rio Bravo, he is fantastic in the way almost "minimalist" that will neo actors be fond of at this difference that John Wayne remains himself, incomparable.
As for James Arness, even the great and so tall Clint Walker always said James was the only leading actor (at least on TV) to be exactly "one icnh taller than him at 6'7. The excellent pics with the 6'2 Dennis Weaver speak for themselves.
My favourite film composers depend on the genre: Alfred Newman probably composed the most beautiful and thrilling music score ever in How the West was Won. He did too the fox fanfare. Apart from that, those you names were or still are fabulous and don't forget the great Jerry Goldsmith and Elmer Bernstein either.
As for Morricone, after some among the most beutiful musical sentences, even though not what i prefer, became very banal and "commercial". He needed a great director to lead him but he was often caricatural. Good bad and ugly, even though thrilling too is almost just at the limit. Listen to the score going along with the first mute scenes of Rio Bravo: outstanding!
One of the biggest melody is the Superman theme but Hermmann did what can be called masterpieces after masterpieces!
Thanks for reading so many interesting film lovers comments guys! Tim P says on 7/Sep/09
John Wayne looked 3 inches shorter than 6'6 James Arness. Wayne was 6'3 in his socks. Chaco says on 29/Aug/09
Frank2...Where are you guys finding those great movie stills from various movies...i.e. James Arness rehearsing electicution scene, etc... RisingForce says on 29/Aug/09
The Searchers was probably Wayne's best performance. Everyone knows the Oscar he got for True Grit was more or less a lifetime achievement award. guyfrommars says on 27/Aug/09
Wayne is seen barefoot in both The Quiet Man and Red River. He was a legit 6ft4. In both The Quiet Man and Fort Apache he did look taller than 6ft3 Ward Bond, and in the latter movie Wayne was clearly a lot taller than 6ft1ish Henry Fonda. Brad says on 26/Aug/09
Johnny Williams' music for E.T. was one of the best soundtracks ever. Frank2 says on 25/Aug/09
RisingForce, THE SEARCHERS is also my favorite Wayne film. I've seen it so many times I lose count. A true masterpiece and one of the ten best westerns ever made. Wayne's Ethan Edwards is a very complex character and Wayne shows depth to his acting. That was the performance he deserves the Oscar for, not TRUE GRIT. Gonzalo says on 25/Aug/09
Herrman was great. His scores are unique. My favourites are Morricone and Maurice Jarre. Tiomkin was great, and Miklos Rozsa. Mancini is another great composer.
Well, Adam, don´t forget Rio Bravo and Stagecoach. And Shane. I used to be a great fan of The good, the bad and the ugly. I didn´t like it that much the last time I saw it Brunobrowne says on 24/Aug/09
I'm afraid Dirty harry Wayne was 6'4'', look at the photo Frank2 posted, he dwarfs 6' gable. RisingForce says on 24/Aug/09
The Searchers is probably my favorite John Wayne movie. adam says on 24/Aug/09
And about film scores. My favourite ones besides LAWRENCE:
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-I love it! The film is (of course!) a true masterpiece also.
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-Herrman again! A genius! I cant say that Im an expert with film scores but I sure know Herrman -and I love his works. VERTIGO, one of the greatest films of all time and the theme is just... magical! Chilling, cool, touching. I love it.
Click Here
-The greatest of em all!!! Has to be. The film is (along with THE SEARCHERS) the best western in my opinion. And the theme is the best film score I`ve heard.
So Morricone and Herrman are my favourite ones, Frank.
Also dont forget THE THIRD MAN. dirty harry says on 24/Aug/09
Wayne was 6'3" tall bare foot. Even the Great Robert Mitchum stated this. He should know he was a lanky rangy 6'1" himself. Mithum said: " 'He(Wayne) was 6'3",and with his 2" cow boy boots and Tall hat look 6'6"." ' so John Wayne would have stood 6ft 4in normal shoes. He always looked this height - his stature, was incredibly imposing. adam says on 24/Aug/09
Im amazed to see how small Clark looks next to Wayne. And I mean in broadness! I`ve always thought that Gable had broad shoulders. Seems bull! Or then Wayne had ENORMOUS shoulders. Or the angle. Wayne was quite broad across the shoulders but compare him to Victor McLaglen in THE QUITE MAN. He doesnt look that broad anymore!
Yes yes... I believe now that Wayne was close to 6-4.
HONDO? I think it was quite boring a film. The score is great though. Gonzalo says on 24/Aug/09
Great pic, Frank2! The only thing that surprises me is how short Ford looks next to Gable. I thought they would be around the same height. Wayne looks very tall but the angle favours him. Great pic. Frank2 says on 23/Aug/09
Adam, this is for you:
Click Here
Terrific score by Hugo Friedhofer. Pretty good film too. And was in 3-D when originally released. adam says on 23/Aug/09
Yes, my last and FINAL opinion about Wayne`s height is.... that he was six-feet-FOUR! 6-4. Yes!
Gonzalo! I love ya. Mike c, I apologize and I love ya! Patrick, I love ya! Frank, I respect ya. You can be rude but Im sure that you can be a nice fellow also. adam says on 23/Aug/09
Frank! Im drunk and I belive you! Arness was DEFINITELY 6-7. A huge man. And Wayne was 6-4 or very close to it! I have nothing against Wayne -or you!
Gonzalo, I love you! Rob, this is a great page!!!! Bless ya! Frank2 says on 23/Aug/09
Check this out:
Click Here
Left to right we see Thomas Mitchell who was about 5'8" with John Ford leaning on him (Ford was reportedly 6' peak), 6' Clark Gable and 5'11" Robert Montgomery. And guess who's on the end? Don't ever tell me the Duke wasn't 6'4"! Mark says on 22/Aug/09
The photo of Wayne with Marvin, Eastwood, Borgnine and others, is also in Eastwood's Life in PIctures book, but from a better, front on angle. However you slice it, Marvin, Eastwood Hudson and Wayne were big guys. Frank2 says on 22/Aug/09
Just look how Arness towered over Dennis Weaver who was a legit 6'2":
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Arness owns this guy:
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Arness sans makeup shown here in the alien costume worn in THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD:
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Arness seen here while RKO technicians test the smoking apparatus used when the creature gets electrocuted:
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All the scenes inside the polar research station were filmed in a converted ice house located in downtown LA. The same converted stage was used in the original LOST HORIZON. It allowed the breaths of actors to show up on film.
When I spoke with Arness he told me he hated the role since he felt extremely self-conscious. When in full makeup, he ate alone and wouldn't venture out even among the cast and crew except for when he was needed for a take.
Hawks wanted to shoot the film as the short sci-fi story WHO GOES THERE by John Wood Campbell, Jr. depicted the creature where the creature could become anyone or any living thing, but limited special effects of that time precluded it. So Hawks opted to make Arness a sort of 'Frankenstein' creature filmed in partial darkness. It worked. The film is far better than John Carpenter's remake which shows the creature as it was conceived by Campbell.
Arness in full makeup:
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The veins seen on Arness's temples would pulsate. This was accomplished by compressing a rubber bulb. But since Arness was never shown in bright lights except for the brief shot where they open the door to the greenhouse, no one ever noticed it. Arness told me a technician off camera squeezed and released the rubber bulb sending air to the veins. The hands with their giant thorns were rubber gloves worn by Arness. adam says on 22/Aug/09
No, it wasnt me. Rob can confirm that. Frank2 says on 22/Aug/09
Arness was 6'7" I know since I met him, asked him how tall he was. Plus Arness mentions his height in an interview.
I think 'Anonymous' is Adam thinking he's fooling people. adam says on 22/Aug/09
Anonymous, I believe that Arness was closer to 6-7. And I also believe now that the Duke was closer to 6-4. Anonymous says on 21/Aug/09
6'3 all day, James Arness who was only 6'6 towered over him. In 2.5 inch heel cowboy boots and a cowboy hat he was probably 6'7+ adam says on 21/Aug/09
The Duke was a great actor! He was a racist but so what? - So am I! Drink whisky and smoke dope. Hail! I love ya all. God bless you people. adam says on 20/Aug/09
With 5-11 Ricky Nelson
Click Here
No idea who that other guy is but Wayne does look very tall:
Click Here
I´d love to see the film. And also I saw some pics from the the film CONFLICT where Wayne looks clearly taller than Ward Bond.
So you think now that he was a full 6-4, Gonzalo? adam says on 20/Aug/09
Thanks, Gonzalo! Never knew that site before. I`ll take a good look at it. Gonzalo says on 20/Aug/09
Adam, just check Click Here
There are dozens of good pictures there.
Frank, Howard Hawks was a tall man, over 1`80. And one of the best directors ever. In the excellent book Hawks on Hawks by joseph McBride there are good pics of Mr. Hawks. I remember one in whcih he looked taller than Monty Clift and very similar to John Ireland. Fran, Ireland was around six feet, wasn´t he?
Hawks looking much taller than gorgeous Angie Dickinson
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Hawks in the première of Scarface. He looks tall
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Wayne towering over Robert Mitchum
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Wayne towering over Arthur Hunnicut, who Frank2 said he was 1`83.
Click Here Frank2 says on 19/Aug/09
Calhoun with 5'10.5" Gilbert Roland:
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Howard Hawks was not exactly short:
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Howard Hawks with Norma Shearer and William Wyler:
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Wyler was about 5'5".
Hawks and Lauren Bacall:
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If I had to venture a guess, I'd say Hawks was at least 6'. More likely he was 6'1". Mark says on 19/Aug/09
Gonzalo...That pic of Wayne cutting the cake was a hoot! Man..those were the days of stars. Too bad it wasn't a front on shot, alot of height differences among heavy hitters would be settled. adam says on 19/Aug/09
And about Wayne`s filmography...
No doubt that in his latter years (from the mid 60s->) his films were more or less similar. His best films were done in the 50s. THE QUIET MAN is a great film! THE SEARCHERS is an undisputed masterpiece. And RIO BRAVO is awesome as well. Those are my favourite films from The Duke.
I just watched SAND OF IWO JIMA for the first time. I didnt really like the film that much. But he looked to be at least 6-3. adam says on 19/Aug/09
Good that you are not a complete Wayne buttkisser who just swallos everything that`s given. You are correct -THE GREEN BERETS is probably the worst film I`ve ever seen. And I`ve seen CALIGOLA.
From what I`ve read, Wayne did treat gay people badly. He didnt get along with Montgomery Clift who was known to be a real gentleman. And according to Frank, Wayne and Hudson didnt get along that well. Also I`ve read from the big page (four letters, you know it) that Wayne did fire some relatively unknown fellow after he found out that the guy was gay.
Those are just the things I`ve read! Not opinions, not BS. So everyone can make their own calculations about the fellow.
Wayne did look at least two inches taller than Lee Marvin and at least six inches taller than Dean Martin. Wayne was 6-4.
And Bruce Cabot was indeed at least 6-1. Frank, just an offtopic question that I asked before: Did you ever meet Curt Jurgens? Just wondered how tall was he.. Frank2 says on 19/Aug/09
According to Fox publicity, Rory Calhoun was 6'4". He does look very tall in the photo I posted of him next to Gilbert Roland who was near 5'11". Roland appears to be as tall as Robert Wagner in BENEATH THE 12 MILE REEF.
Gonzolo, Andy Devine was 6' tall. Look how Wayne dwarfs him.
By the way, last night I suffered through THE GREEN BERETS, surely the worst film Wayne made during the latter stages of his career. (what I do for this forum!!) Anyway, he was huge and no lifts. He wore combat boots in most scenes and I saw no signs of lifts. He towered over 6' David Janssen. 6'1" Aldo Ray. 6'1" Raymond St. Jacques. Made 6'1" Bruce Cabot look short. Wayne was taller than 6'3" Edward Faulkner who I've met.
And while I'm on this turkey, George Takei had a major role. Takei is as gay an an Ungaro spring frock! So much for the stupid unfounded rumor that Wayne made sure gays didn't work on his films. I'm not going to mention who was gay who worked on Wayne films behind the scenes. But I do know several were. adam says on 19/Aug/09
Gonzalo, where do you get so good pics??
You´re making a good point, Frank. Gonzalo says on 19/Aug/09
Well, Adam, the pics and the clip are really disappointing. The pic with Russell is very bad. Anyway, I don´t need it, Russell was taller than Wayne. I have no trouble admitting that. The Clip of Jim McLaine isn´t good either. It is impossible for me to say how much tall Arness is (if that first guy is Arness, cause it is hard for me to tell), the scene is so fast! And the other pic is also strange. We have no idea of who that other guy is and how tall he was. Anyway, that guy has ground advantage. Look at his waist
Not the best picture to judge but I think Wayne looks very similar to actor Rory Calhoun, listed 1`93 in several places. He sure looked that tall.
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He definitely looks tall in this one
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And in this one
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Another shot of Wayne cutting the cake with famous friends. Wayne is leaning towars the table with the cake
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Wayne towering over Robert Wagner, who was 1`80 according to Frank2 and this site
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Wayne and Sophia Loren
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Wayne looking very very tall
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Wayne towering over these people. No idea about their heights but Wayne looks very tall
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Wayne with Andy Devine. I think Devine was a six footer
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Lifts here?
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Wayne and Frances Dee. Dee was Joel McCrea´s wife
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Wayne dwarfing this guy :)
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Well, that was it. Frank2 says on 19/Aug/09
During filming of RIO BRAVO, Wayne wore loafers during scenes with Angie Dickenson so he wouldn't look like a giant next to her:
Click Here
Maybe if Adam stares hard enough and concentrates, he can see lifts in those loafers. Outlaw says on 18/Aug/09
Adam, you're right -- you'd never see lifts if he was wearing them in cowboy boots, but we've seen him in plenty of other movies and shot, both barefoot and in normal shoes (which most certainly don't appear to have lifts in them).
I think the rumor about him wearing lifts was just that -- a rumor. Why? Because one person started it and others who wanted to take credibility away from Wayne obviously said such things to get him thrown out of the spotlight and them in it.
Gonzalo is right -- in Donovan's Reef, Wayne still looks massive and you get a good look at his shoes often. He looks 2 inches taller than Marvin through out.
And regardless of the lifts rumor, we undeniably see a very tall man, barefoot, in The Shootist and with Desi Arnaz, yet towering both and Desi was known to wear lifts himself. Now he certainly couldn't be wearing invisible lifts, could he?
In Rio Bravo, he looks at least the same height as John Russell, and possibly even 0.5" taller. I just figured Russell was around 6'3.5" or 6'4". Even in Pale Rider with Clint Eastwood, he still looked 6'3," and he was certainly no young man in the movie.
Either way, you can ask him yourself once your in Heaven... Assuming he got there himself. Which I most certainly do hope he did.
Take care and may the Lord be with y'all. Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
An example of what I'm talking about regarding using bogus info from a certain entertainment website:
"The evening before a shoot he was trying to get some sleep in a Las Vegas hotel. The suite directly below his was that of Frank Sinatra (never a good friend of Wayne), who was having a party. The noise kept Wayne awake, and each time he made a complaining phone call it quieted temporarily but each time eventually grew louder. Wayne at last appeared at Sinatra's door and told Frank to stop the noise. A Sinatra bodyguard of Wayne's size approached saying, "Nobody talks to Mr. Sinatra that way." Wayne looked at the man, turned as though to leave, then backhanded the bodyguard, who fell to the floor, where Wayne knocked him out by crashing a chair on top of him. The party noise stopped."
This story is utter crap. Totally made up. The truth was Sinatra and Wayne were on friendly terms. Wayne was good friends with Sammy Davis Jr. who was as just about everyone knows a member of Sinatra's clan called the Rat Pack (inherited from Bogart's days as its leader). When Wayne was ill with cancer and was dying, Frank Sinatra sent him a good well card along with a note encouraging him to get better.
Wayne and Sinatra:
Click Here
Click Here Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
"adam says on 18/Aug/09 -
And I just really cant believe that all those fellows lied."
Besides the fact you can't accept that people do lie (very naive), you rather cavalierly say "all those fellows" yet the only two people who I've actually seen quoted are Mitchum and Hudson. FYI Capucine wasn't a fellow. She tried to act like one if you catch my drift. And I've never read any negative comments she made about Wayne. And if she did, they must be examined as being highly suspect. She was a manic depressive who ended her miserable life by leaping out a window at age of 59.
Now as for Hudson, why would he say on one hand nice things about Wayne and then personally attack him? Mitchum I can understand. He was a kidder. Plus a dope smoker and a lefty. Wayne was a conservative. Much of the criticism leveled against Wayne was because of his conservative politics as if it's a crime to be a conservative. The least tolerant people I've known have been those on the far left. God knows I knew many working in Hollywood. The same clowns who screamed Bush was stripping away their freedoms are now the very same people who want to hush anyone or group that disagrees with the current administration. Frigging hypocrites!
Now as for lifts being hidden inside cowboy boots....you must be kidding. Stallone wore custom cowboy boots with lifts inside. They're rather easy to spot. Burt Reynolds wore huge custom boots with lifts inside making it difficult for him to walk.
Here's a pair of cowboy boots that can boost someone by about four inches:
Click Here
Of course it helps if you're a woman. Otherwise someone might accuse you of being a gay caballero.
These would do a nice job of boosting. Just ask Elton John:
Click Here
Please explain how Wayne can be that much taller than 6'1" Henry Fonda:
Click Here
Are you insinuating Wayne wore lifts in the 1940s? adam says on 18/Aug/09
Psychopathic idiot. Ok. Having watched too many films there, grampa?
If you saw him and he was 6-4, then why did you claim that he was 6-3 three years ago. You didnt remember that you met him? Gonzalo stated that the very first comment you made about Wayne`s height was that he stood 6-3. Now you miraculously remembered that you met the guy and he was solidly 6-4.
And first I insult and then you just shoot it all back? Ok, nice.
I think people are getting pissed, bored or amused by this little war of nerves so let`s just stop right here. Just purely about height. I dont ask you about God or drinking habits anymore so I dont come off as a maniac.
Frank2, did you ever meet Curt Jurgens? How tall was he? Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
Adam, you come off like some psychopathic idiot. You spout non sequiturs. Ask dumb, irrelevant questions such as why did so and so drink so much. You keep insisting Wayne wore lifts as if you were there on the set and saw it first hand. Well, I was on his sets and never saw lifts. I saw him in street shoes and no lifts. You read crap and then push it as if it was the holy grail of truth. Then you insult me and then act incredulous when I come back at you. That makes you come off as silly, irrelevant as well supercilious.
As for the shot with Wayne and Russell, are you kidding?
And that clip? My God! You are a fool. adam says on 18/Aug/09
So that`s an absurd question to you? ok.
Vegas and RisingForse are making great points: If he wore lifts in his boots, you wouldnt spot them. And I just really cant believe that all those fellows lied. Why would Rock lie about that? He said that he liked working with Wayne and then he said that quote. He mentioned lifts, small feet, corset and a toupee. The latter three things are correct. Why the hell would he lie about lifts? Why would he just badmouth him?
You seem to be a little of a dictator, Frank. If someone dont agree with you, you`ll curse that person to the deepest level of hell. A gentleman wouldnt do that?
And this page is full of reasonable people, by the way! I found most of the people here (especially in Wayne`s page) very mature and smart. Perharps I havent given as good a picture of myself as many others but you sir havent really done that either.
So if that little offtopic thing really worried you that much, I`ll drop it. So now we are friends again, yes?
And now some pics:
The Duke with 6-3 John Russell
Click Here
Truly 6-4 in this?
Click Here
From Frank`s favourite film BIG JIM MCCLAINE. In the film Wayne looks good four inches shorter than 6-7 James Arness + watch this clip:
Click Here
Notice how short his legs are in the fight scene.
I`ve got some more stuff coming! Good stuff. Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
Outlaw, you actually think Adam going around on a height forum posting asinine non sequiturs such as "Do you believe in God?" is a reasonable question? Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
Gonzolo, Wayne never, ever wore lifts. If saying he did is considered to be a point of view then I might as well say Wayne appeared as a Munchkin in THE WIZARD OD OZ! Vegas says on 18/Aug/09
no offense frank2, i have no idea how tall rock or wayne were (i have stood beside waynes wax work in madame tussauds is huge at least 6'4), but everyone in westerns wore cowboy boots with big heels so you cannot say one guy is wearing lifts when they all were adam says on 18/Aug/09
Yeah, Frank`s thoughts are obviously very interesting but you are right, Gonzalo -the fellow is a rude narcist.
Yep, the Cooper pic isnt really that good. And I agree with you that Wayne definitely wore lifts from 60s till the end.
I`ve seen good pics where Wayne necceccarily doesnt give a 6-4 impression. I`ll put them here soon.
Mike C is a smart man. I hope he`ll return. And I hope that more people will join to this page. Everyone seems to agree that Wayne was 6-4 so there isnt naturally any conversation anymore. But I dont give up quite yet! adam says on 18/Aug/09
Outlaw, thank you for those words of wisdom. RisingForce says on 18/Aug/09
Frank, I believe that Wayne was 6'4" throughout his life, but just because he wore normal cowboy boots doesn't mean he couldn't have had lifts in there. For example, Mel Gibson wore normal looking black cowboy boots in the Lethal Weapon films, but yet he looked 5'11" in many scenes next to 6'3" Danny Glover. Now there's reason to suspect he had lifts in those boots because Gibson is not 5'11". Outlaw says on 18/Aug/09
Well... adam and Frank2, you've really done a number in this thread.
As usual, adam, your obsession with trying to find out that Wayne was shorter than claimed, wore lifts, etc. is and has been getting very old. You continue to change your mind, over & over again. From what you've gathered up and have written on here and what you've seen. Just stick to one height. It's not that hard. In all of Wayne's films, he looks equally tall -- towering over almost always everybody. RARELY did he not look his stated height, especially when compared to the actors he was working along side of, even Rock Hudson. In The Undefeated, there is a maximum of 1.5" between Wayne and Hudson.
And Frank2, you've just gotten offensive. After adam asking you a reasonable question: "do you believe in God?". You start doing something you haven't done in all the other posts I've seen you in... Start using God's name in vain and I think it's just to be spiteful and offensive. Sheesh... There's no need for that. You're an older man, but you still are acting like an adolescent.
There's really no reason to argue. Everyone will have their opinion, no matter. Just post any worth while pictures and discuss it that way.
Anywho... Take care and may the Lord be with y'all. And stop the madness. adam says on 18/Aug/09
You are one rude sob. But I love ya! adam says on 18/Aug/09
That`s it!!! You`ve got some brain, I`ll say that... Alright, man. Let`s be friends again.
Wayne was at least 6-3 in his prime. That is my current definitive opinion. Alright? adam says on 18/Aug/09
It worked! Thanks, Rob. Im starting to put some pics here. Hope I find the one where Wayne looks 2-3 inches shorter than Sterl Hayden. Frank2 says on 18/Aug/09
Check out the lifts on Coop!:
Click Here
Gee. Could those be lifts on Rock?
Click Here
Click Here
Rock doesn't look any taller than Heston:
Click Here
Maybe Rock stood on a box.
Looks like Rory Calhoun wore lifts:
Click Here
I wonder if he believed in God.
The Easter Bunny wears lifts!
Click Here
I wonder if he believes in God.
Adam has stated that Wayne was 6'2" and wore four inch lifts. Then he later said he was probably 6'4" but shrunk by an inch. Now he says he was at least 6'3" in his prime and shrunk later on.
By the way, I found a picture of Adam:
Click Here adam says on 17/Aug/09
Alright. Well I might be a fool but hopefully not an idiot who cant understand simple piece of joke! You dont seem to be a real quick biter, sir...
Arent we touchy here?
I`ve seen your posts insulting these celebs, other forum users and everything possible. You give insults but you cant take any. An obvious narcist.
Wayne was probably at least 6-3 in his prime and shrunk later on.
Easter Bunny, Frank! A strange fellow indeed. Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
Adam, you've said a lot of asinine stuff on this forum which anyone can find. One minute you say Wayne was 6'2" then the next you admit he was 6'4". You said he kept gay people off his films. You've questioned his politics repeatedly.
Watch THE UNDEFEATED. Wayne and Hudson are the same height in the film. By the way, this was the first time I sat through this turkey in its entirety.
As for the Easter Bunny, Adam, you're not exactly adept at kidding. You sound so off the wall most of the time that perhaps I should treat much of what you say as a goof.
Anyway, that's it for this stupid thread. Say what you like. I've got better things to occupy my time than to argue with a fool. adam says on 17/Aug/09
And Frank is a mercurial man. Check these out:
Christopher Walken.
Frank2 says on 3/Apr/06
Jack was closer to 6'1" and was about an inch shorter than Sean Connery in Dr. No.
By the way, Chris Walken is well-over 6'. I'd say at least 6'1". At least that's how tall he looked when I saw him. He was a good two inches taller than me. And he's a very skinny 6'1". I doubt he weighs more than 160 lbs. soaking wet.
And then:
Frank2 says on 24/Jun/06
Chris is exactly 6' tall. He's one of the best actors in the business.
Rock Hudson.
(I found THIS extremelly interesting!)
Frank2 says on 12/Aug/06
I met both over the years and Hudson was enormous, probably at least 6'5" possibly 6'6". He was at least two inches taller than John Wayne. Only Clint Walker was a little taller.
Then on the other occasion he stated that Rock was an even 6-4.
My point is that Frank`s estimates and opinions are like weather -they change always when you least expect it. I think that Frank is a nice man, probably... but he has some strange and rude manners!
And I agree with you on one thing: Rock Hudson was at least two inches taller than Wayne! And Hudson was a horrible actor, Wayne was clearly better. adam says on 17/Aug/09
HAH!
Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
adam says on 17/Aug/09 -
"And there is no such thing as Easter Bunny! What nonsense."
"That was a joke, son. Now I know you're a kid. And not a very good kidder either."
I GOT YOU! That was humour, Frank! Im sure an average fellow would have got that black piece of humour!!!! But you didnt!!! Im very surprised. Indeed! Geez...
And badmouthing Wayne? Badmouthing. If Im saying that he was shorter than 6-4, is that badmouthing? Like I`ve stated on many occasions: I love some of his films and he was probably a nice man.
And Marvin said that Wayne wore lifts. That isnt badmouthing!!
And what else....
"You think kidding around is somehow cool. Maybe you're just a kid. That might explain it. If you're an adult an act this way, I feel sorry for you."
Well alright, I admit that I do enjoy some goofing once in a while. So pranks and jokes are cool to me! Living in a world without laughs and pranks, that would be your paradise?
My age? Im quite young fellow yet I feel like a 20-year old! The problem is, there`s never one when I need `em!
Im very very surprised about that Bunny thing, Frank! Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
adam says on 17/Aug/09 -
And there is no such thing as Easter Bunny! What nonsense."
That was a joke, son. Now I know you're a kid. And not a very good kidder either.
Oh, you admit we never see Wayne's lifts in any of his films. That's true. But we do see lifts on many famous movie stars. Watching his films, I clearly see lifts on Bogart. I see lifts on Alan Ladd. I see gigantic lifts on Brian Donlevy in BEAU GESTE. That's the only film where an actor was shown wearing socks with huge lifts inside them! Lifts are clearly seen with such actors as George Raft, Kirk Douglas, Dean Martin and Desi Arnez. But somehow Wayne's can never be seen. Now why is that? We see lifts on some of the newer crop of stars such as Stallone. But still none on the Duke.
Gonzalo is correct when he says this thread has become poor. Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
"adam says on 17/Aug/09 -
For crying out loud: Hudson, Mitchum, Capucine, Flynn, Marvin"
That's five people out of dozens of actors who worked with Wayne. Plus, I never read either Errol Flynn nor Lee Marvin ever badmouth John Wayne. There's a great interview with Marvin available on youtube where he mentions working with Wayne. He never badmouths him. Just the contrary. He had a great time working with him.
Hudson said a lot of things. He accused both Julie Andrews and her husband Blake Edwards of being closet homos. He claimed Lee Majors slept with him to get in the biz. I could could go on and on.
And as I've repeatedly stated, Robert Mitchum was a kidder. I heard Mitchum say stuff that I knew was false, but he did it with a twinkle in his eye. Plus he smoked enough dope during his life to provide almost everyone in LA with a joint!
Capucine was a very unhappy woman. She ultimately committed suicide by leaping out of her apartment building.
If I was an attorney in a court of law and you came in with this hogwash as evidence I'd rip it to shreds.
Adam, you read crap on that website we're not allowed to mention here where anyone registered can post just about anything. In their trivia section, I've read a lot of false stories and made up crap. So accepting that as a reliable source is a joke.
You also seem to forget that I met Wayne. I saw how tall he was.
Plus you go around all over this website badmouthing him. That tells me you have an agenda.
You think kidding around is somehow cool. Maybe you're just a kid. That might explain it. If you're an adult an act this way, I feel sorry for you. Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
I said Hudson treated people he worked with well, especially the crew. He acted like a gentleman compared to the twits we have today. But he was not a happy guy. I got that from many who knew him. And he made quite a few career blunders. Plus he wasn't exactly a great actor. You're the one who posted Hudson wasn't bright.
Adam, you're on a vendetta against Wayne. That's quite obvious. And it's all based on your perception of the man's politics and that means diddly squat when it come to how tall he was.
It's a fact Wayne wore lifts? Your proof? You sound like an insufferable childish fool. And it means nothing he wore a toupee. So did dozens of famous people. And small feet? Are you insane? Wayne's boots are on display at the Western Heritage Museum and they're not small. And what the hell does wearing a corset have to do with a man's height?
You keep asking why would anyone lie? Are you really that that goddamn naive?
You make outrageous comments as though they're facts written in stone.
And Gonzalo, Wayne was shorter than Jim Arness because Arness was 6'7"! adam says on 17/Aug/09
And the thing about Seagal and Wayne... I take it back!
Im glad mike c is still with us. Bless you, sir. Gonzalo says on 17/Aug/09
The debate about John Wayne´s height has become very poor. We see no pics, no new interesting information. And Adam response is always the same: Wayne wore lifts. But we don´t see any evidence, just the comments of some people, not very reliable in many cases. Adam, you talk about pictures of Wayne with Sterling Hayden or Christopher Lee but you never post them, nor you say where you saw the pics, in which book or magazine. You show no proofs. The debate is becoming very very boring. And you mix it with your personal dislike for Wayne: his political views, you criticize Wayne´s acting ability (you have even compare him with Steven Seagal, my God!). And finally you made up that stupid story about Mike C´s death. That was a very big mistake. And absurd.
Adam, it might be interesting for you to know that Frank2 said that John Wayne was 6`3 when he started posting in this page, back in 2006 or late 2005. I distinctly remember how he said that Wayne was a lot shorter than James Arness in Big Jim McLain.
Take care, both Frank and Adam adam says on 17/Aug/09
Funny. In other page you said that "Hudson was a gentleman, a nice man and a BRIGHT man". Now you say the complete opposite.
And I didnt say anything about "Being fat means that you dont have talent" like you understood. All Im saying is that if you weigh around 300lbs, you have to have a big chest! Logic. Wayne did not have a v-physique like say Errol Flynn had.
In THE UNDEFEATED Wayne wore lifts. That is a fact. "I cant see lifts". Of course you cant, why would they show them? They wanted to give the illusion that Wayne was the tallest fellow which (in that picture) he wasnt.
Gonzalo, I know the quote. You know that other quote as well where Hudson says that Wayne had small feet, wore lifts, a corset and a toupee. One more time: WHY IN THE HELL WOULD HE LIE?
Wayne DID wear a toupee. AND a corset. And had small feet. So mr. Hudson just threw in the lifts stuff just for fun? No. Come on now, Frank. You are the biggest Wayne fan in the world, I can see that. He was your hero. You would defend him till the end. That`s sweet. But...
But just like you tell people in Jacko Wacko`s page to "keep your emotions out of facts", you should try that yourself. Wayne wore lifts. Period.
And I dont have an agenda with the fellow.
For crying out loud: Hudson, Mitchum, Capucine, Flynn, Marvin.... They all claimed that Wayne wore lifts! These fellows were not related and didnt probably all like each other. That wasnt just some inside joke. They were telling the truth!!!!
And there is no such thing as Easter Bunny! What nonsense. Gonzalo says on 17/Aug/09
Once again I will post this quote of Rock Hudson about John Wayne:
"John Wayne was then the Hollywood legend, and I was on screen with him. The guy is an angel. He saved my life back then when no other film maker wanted to know me."
Well, Wayne didn´t fire Hudson. He even hired him for that movie. And he knew Hudson was gay Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
"adam says on 17/Aug/09-
Wayne doesnt look that tall"
Oh really? Still believe in the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy?
Adam, you obviously have an agenda with Wayne and it's clouding your judgment. You never met him. You never worked with him yet you sound like a goddamn authority and quite frankly it's starting to wear thin, sound old and tired and is making you come off as a complete and utter fool. Frank2 says on 17/Aug/09
A fact? Prove it! I mean shows us his lifts. If you're just going by what a handful of people said, it's bunk. They're weren't many. You say stuff that simply cannot be backed up. Many means dozens, not a few.
I watched that film closely and Wayne wore regular cowboy boots. He and Hudson were roughly the same height. A clue as to how tall both men were can be seen when a justifiably tall actor like Ben Johnson (6'1") stood next to them and looked short. Ditto that for 6'1" Bruce Cabot.
Lifts my ass! This is just about the stupidest bunch of hogwash imaginable. Look. I saw the Duke in the flesh several times. On one occasion he wore regular loafers and he was huge! He towered over me. Tell me Adam, you ever see the man in person? Did you see lifts?
Stop believing what a handful of crackpot celebs say. Mitchum said a lot of stuff that was utter crap. He liked to say ridiculous things so he'd put people on. He was a jokester. I know since I met him and he loved to pull pranks. He also smoked a ton of dope and could easily drink most guys under the table including Wayne.
Hudson said lots of stuff that was false. Like you said. He wasn't that bright. He wanted to publish in his autobiography the names of all the male actors he slept with! His agent talked him out of it. Hudson was a bitter man. Not a happy camper. And after he contracted AIDS, he didn't tell people he was sleeping with nor did he let the women he was kissing in films know he was seriously ill.
Yes, Wayne wore a rug. But so did Gary Cooper. James Stewart. Henry Fonda. Humphrey Bogart. George Raft. José Ferrer. Fred Astaire. Bing Crosby. Frank Sinatra. Brian Ahern. Ray Milland. Van Heflin. Brian Donlevy. Preston Foster. Stephen McNally. Alec Guinness. Peter Cushing. Christopher Lee. Sean Connery. Tony Curtis. George Burns. William Shatner. Charleton Heston. Burt Reynolds. Jack Klugman. Tony Randall. Pernell Roberts. Lorn Green. Torin Thatcher. Marlon Brando. Charles Grodin. Ted Danson. John Travolta. Samuel L. Jackson. And from what I gather, Ben Affleck.
I could go on and on. So lacking hair detracted from their ability to perform?
And Orson Welles outweighed John Wayne by at least 100 lbs. Are you implying being fat automatically zeros out talent? If so then Burl Ives was a lousy actor. Oh, he also wore a toupee.
Finally, I do agree with you that THE UNDEFEATED is a lousy movie. adam says on 17/Aug/09
If you watch Wayne`s early films and compare them to Hudson`s early films (so when the two were about the same age) you`ll notice that Rock is clearly a lot bigger, taller and more imposing-looking.
So Frank, as sad as it may sound: THE DUKE (oh..) wore lifts. Hudson looks legitimately very very tall yet Wayne doesnt look that tall. His body doesnt look that long yet when he stands he is just about the tallest man in the film.
And Wayne supposedly was known to fire people from the set if he knew that there were gay people. A good man wouldnt do those things. adam says on 17/Aug/09
Except that that wasnt the case. Wayne did wear lifts for a fact. Rock was one of the many people who stated that. Wayne also wore a corset and a hair piece. And even with his lifts, Rock is still about an inch taller.
Sure Wayne was bigger since he was also quite fat at the time. If you weighed near 300lbs, sure some of it would come to your upper body also. Rock was probably just about 220lbs while Wayne was easily over 60lbs more.
And a horrible film! Frank2 says on 16/Aug/09
I'm watching THE UNDEFEATED and I see Wayne about the same height at Rock Hudson. And I don't see any signs of lifts on the Duke. Wayne's also bigger through the shoulders. Hudson was not small in that regard which makes me wonder just how large Wayne's chest was. Anonymous says on 15/Aug/09
I think Wayne was down to 6'3" in his later years.
With Henry and Peter Fonda
Click Here adam says on 14/Aug/09
Drink whiskey, my friends! THE DUKE made great films. And he loved to drink. He was a heavy drinker, Frank. Tell me, my boy, how much did he drink? Tell me anything about drinking! Gonzalo says on 14/Aug/09
In The flying leackerness it is hard to say who looks taller. Sometimes Wayne looks taller and sometimes Ryan has the edge. In shots on even ground Wayne looks slightly taller. And there is a scene towards the end of the movie, when Ryan and Wayne meet at the headquarters in order to prepare the last mission in which Wayne seems to have 4-5 cms on Ryan. Another scene for debate. Height is a mystery.
Gary Cooper was two inches taller than Ralph Bellamy in The wedding night. adam says on 13/Aug/09
In a rare Wayne film called THE FOUR HORSEMEN the dodger does look taller than Lon Chaney Jr. The difference is about two inches. But in THE WOLFMAN Chaney was about the same height as 6-1 Ralph Bellamy. hmmmm....
I havent seen THE FLYING LEATHERNECKS. Are Wayne and Ryan the same height? adam says on 13/Aug/09
This Frank guy can be a real pain in the backside sometimes. I wonder if HE is the real jokester here! Patrick says on 12/Aug/09
MANY HAPPY RETURNS MIKE C!
adam, please, be careful.
John Wayne is dead and it's well enough to me! That said, the more I watch his movies, the less I doubt about his legit 6'4 height! Frank2 says on 11/Aug/09
Or did you mean John Hughes the director who recently died? I met him back when he did HOME ALONE. Seemed like a nice guy. He sort of retired early and became a sort of recluse. Kind of sad. adam says on 11/Aug/09
Yes, Frank. I meant John "THE BREAKFAST CLUB" Hughes. |
