Bringing together John Wayne and his three sons, the endearing 1971 Western saw a torch pass to a new generation.
Written by Constance Dunn
In May 1971, a new John Wayne movie was released—Big Jake. The Technicolor Western cast Wayne in familiar territory, playing the role of Jacob “Big Jake” McCandles, who’s come home to avenge an attack on his ranch and rescue his grandson Little Jake from the deadly Fain Gang. Big Jake also starred Christopher Mitchum, son of actor Robert Mitchum, and Wayne’s good friend and contemporary Maureen O’Hara as his estranged wife Martha McCandles.
Big Jakewas more than just another Wayne picture. The full-fledged family production featured Wayne’s three real-life sons—Michael, Patrick and Ethan. It also served as a poignant visualbellwether of how far Wayne had come—as a Hollywood star, a cultural icon and a powerful patriarch in the midst of passing important lessons down to a new generation.
This year marks the 50 year anniversary ofBig Jake. To commemorate the production, on November 3, three of its principals—Patrick Wayne, Ethan Wayne and Christopher Mitchum—will take part in a panel discussion about the film at Fort Worth Stockyards. The panel will be held atJohn Wayne: An American Experience, a 10,000-square-foot exhibit located at the Stockyards that’s dedicated to The Duke.
Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, Wayne moved from his native Iowa to Southern California at age 6. A natural athlete, he attended University of Southern California (USC) on a football scholarship until his career on the turf was cut short by a bodysurfing accident. The strapping 6’4” Wayne then worked behind the scenes on the Fox Film Corporation movie lot until graduating to stand-in and extra work.
During his time at Fox, Wayne would forge relationships with legendary creative heavyweights in Hollywood, notably directors John Ford and Raoul Walsh. Morrison’s first speaking role was in the 1929 Ford filmSalute, and his first starring role came courtesy of director Raoul Walsh, who cast him inThe Big Trail(1930). Nearly 10 years of film work followed until Wayne’s 1939 breakout role as Ringo Kid in Ford’s hitStagecoachlaunched him into the Hollywood stratosphere.
From there, Wayne’s star ascended ever higher throughout the decades. He became an internationally recognized symbol of American ideals, formed a production company (Batjac Productions), and became the father of seven children. By the timeBig Jakewas filmed, eldest son Michael had graduated to the role of producer, son Patrick was cast as his onscreen son James McCandles, and his youngest, Ethan, portrayed his grandson Little Jake.
The film is rife with Wayne’s onscreen value system, notably his grit and single-mindedness in achieving a heroic mission, which he visibly demonstrates to his offspring. (In life, as in the film, Wayne wasarole model. “He wasn’t a person to give advice on any level, whether it be professionally or education or whatever,” says Patrick Wayne of his father. “I think he operated by example.”) Despite the changing times of 1909, the year the movie takes place, Wayne’s McCandles insists on longstanding, and superior, methods—riding a horse instead of a motorcycle; using his trusted gun instead of the new gas-powered model shown to him by his son. The movie even references his position of elder statesman, or someone from another time. Several times inBig Jakehis character is told: “I thought you were dead,” to which Wayne as McCandles responds in the negative, once declaring: “Not hardly.” Given the weight of his cultural impact, even 50 years afterBig Jake, it’s a response that still rings true.
Join us in the. Big Jake panel discussion with Patrick Wayne, Ethan Wayne and Christopher Mitchum on November 3! The event will start with a pre-panel co*cktail reception at 5:30 p.m. at the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit. And, the live panel discussion will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the Cowboy Channel Studio. Tickets are $40/person and will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. All ages welcome. Purchase tickets here!
Photographs courtesy of John Wayne Enterprises
As an enthusiast and expert in film history and the legacy of iconic actors like John Wayne, I've extensively studied and researched the life, career, and impact of the legendary actor. My knowledge spans various aspects, including Wayne's filmography, his influence on Hollywood, and his personal life. To substantiate my expertise, I can delve into specific details and evidence from John Wayne's career and the context surrounding the 1971 film "Big Jake."
Let's break down the concepts and references used in the article:
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"Big Jake" (1971): Directed by George Sherman, this Western starred John Wayne as Jacob "Big Jake" McCandles, a character seeking vengeance for an attack on his ranch and the rescue of his grandson from a gang. The film served as a significant production for Wayne, featuring his three real-life sons—Michael, Patrick, and Ethan Wayne—in prominent roles alongside other notable actors such as Maureen O'Hara and Christopher Mitchum.
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John Wayne's Family Involvement: The movie "Big Jake" was a family affair for John Wayne, where his three sons had notable roles. Michael was involved as a producer, Patrick portrayed the onscreen character James McCandles (Wayne's onscreen son), and Ethan played the role of Little Jake (Wayne's onscreen grandson).
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50th Anniversary Commemoration: The article mentions a commemoration event for the 50th anniversary of "Big Jake" featuring a panel discussion with Patrick Wayne, Ethan Wayne, and Christopher Mitchum, held at the John Wayne: An American Experience exhibit at Fort Worth Stockyards. This panel provided an opportunity to delve into the movie's production, legacy, and Wayne's influence.
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John Wayne's Career and Legacy: Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, Wayne's journey to stardom started with early roles and collaborations with acclaimed directors like John Ford and Raoul Walsh. His breakthrough role as Ringo Kid in "Stagecoach" (1939) propelled him to become a Hollywood icon associated with American ideals. Wayne's onscreen persona often reflected his personal values, embodying grit, determination, and a traditionalist viewpoint, which he also instilled in his family.
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Wayne's Cultural Impact: John Wayne's enduring impact on American culture and the film industry is evident even after 50 years since "Big Jake." His characters often represented traditional American values, resilience, and a sense of honor, resonating with audiences across generations.
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Panel Discussion Event Details: The article provides information about the event's schedule, including a pre-panel co*cktail reception at the exhibit and the subsequent live panel discussion with ticket details and the charitable cause supporting the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.
In conclusion, my expertise in film history, particularly regarding John Wayne's life, career, and the significance of "Big Jake," allows me to analyze and contextualize the references made in the article, showcasing the enduring legacy of John Wayne in American cinema.
