Orson Welles once remarked that one great film should be enough for any actor. Movie critics say John Wayne made at least ten great films from “The Big Trail” in 1930 to “The Shootist” in 1976. The Arizona Museum of Natural History Guild is presenting a free lecture “John Wayne, American Icon” Monday, March 9th, at 4 pm at the Arizona Museum of Natural History Theater, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa. Entrance will be through the doors on the north side of the museum.
Dr. John Ziegler, a retired college philosophy and film teacher from Tombstone, will present the lecture and discuss biographical details of Wayne’s life, including his childhood poverty, three marriages and relationship with Wyatt Earp as well as his film achievements. Authors Randy Roberts and James Olson say that John Wayne personified individual liberty in their book "John Wayne: American." Film clips that they use in the book to support their idea from "Stagecoach," Fort Apache" and "Red River" will be included in the lecture.
The lecture is sponsored by the Arizona Museum of Natural History and the Arizona Humanities Council. Refreshments will be served.