John Wayne's Film Regrets: Why 'The Conqueror' Is Not in His Hall of Fame

John Wayne, the iconic American film star, was not only a prodigious actor but also a producer and director, creating a vast catalog of films that have stood the test of time. However, even the greatest actors faced projects that they were unhappy with or even ashamed of. One of these controversial films is 'The Conqueror,' which stands out as one of Wayne's most regrettable works.

Disastrous 'The Conqueror'

The casting of John Wayne as Genghis Khan in 'The Conqueror' remains one of the most controversial aspects of the film. Wayne's vision for Genghis Khan was overly romanticized, leading to a film that did not resonate with audiences or critics. The project was filmed near a nuclear test site, which is interesting in light of recent discoveries that many of the crew members developed cancer later in life. This added a layer of controversy to the film's legacy, further cementing its status as a regrettable entry in Wayne's filmography.

Dark Side of Hollywood Stardom

It is common for Hollywood stars, even those as famous and respected as John Wayne, to have films they regret or are unhappy with. This has led some to argue that he should have been more ashamed of his work. However, it's important to understand the context in which those films were made. The entertainment industry was vastly different in the 1950s, and many actors and actresses took on projects that are now considered insensitive or poor quality. 'B' movies, 'C' movies, and even films like 'McQ' and 'Braddon' from the 1970s were part of the landscape of the period, and they are now viewed in a different light.

Personal Film Disasters

Wayne himself acknowledged that he made several film missteps during his career. In his memoirs, he recalled enduring a lot of bad scripts and directors. One of the films that particularly troubled him was 'The Barbarian and the Geisha.' Filmed with John Huston and shot on location in Japan, Wayne expressed deep frustration in the film's production:

'I’ve endured a lot of bad scripts and bad directors,' Wayne wrote. '[But] the time comes when you gotta speak up. For a while, I couldn’t make up my mind whether to flat quit and go home and let them sue me or stay and give this thing a whirl. Guess I’m in so deep now I can’t back out … but the Old Dukes not happy.'

Despite these frustrations, 'The Barbarian and the Geisha' did not reach the depths of controversy that 'The Conqueror' did. Wayne's portrayal of Genghis Khan in 'The Conqueror' remains his most memorable regret. By the end of his career, Wayne had delved into a number of visually excessive films that now look dated but were once simply considered as bad films of the era.

Context and Legacy

John Wayne's film career was not without its low points. 'Big Jim McClain,' 'The Barbarian and the Geisha,' and 'The Conqueror' are all notable for their less favorable reception. However, it is crucial to understand that these films were a product of their time. When evaluating these works, it's important to consider the cultural and social context in which they were produced. Wayne's regret in some of these films is more a reflection of his commitment to improving as an actor and film producer rather than a sign of moral failure.

Ultimately, 'The Conqueror' remains a fitting reminder of the trials and tribulations of a legendary actor's career. It serves as a testament to Wayne's enduring legacy and his dedication to his craft, even when the results were not always positive.

Keywords: John Wayne, The Conqueror, Unfortunate Films