Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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John Wayne’s Bold Move and Unlikely Partnership in True Grit’s Surprising Sequel
It’s rare that an iconic Western such as True Grit would find itself with a sequel. Most classics in the genre didn’t get a traditional sequel, least of all with John Wayne reprising his role from the original. But that’s exactly what 1975’s Rooster Cogburn did, with Wayne back in the saddle as the titular…
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John Wayne’s Last Movie, The Shootist, Unveiled Through Co-Star Rick Lenz’s Candid Memories
John Wayne’s The Shootist co-star Rick Lenz has shared incredible memories of working with Duke on his final movie, confessing what surprised him about the Western legend and shutting down an old rumour about his anger on set. John Wayne’s final movie The Shootist (which is on ITV4 today) hit cinemas in 1976, just three…
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John Wayne’s Second Chance: The Untold Story Behind ‘McQ’ and the Hollywood Set’s Close Call Crisis
Having regretted passing on 1971’s Dirty Harry, John Wayne took a turn in a gritty cop thriller a couple of years later as McQ. Intended for Steve McQueen, hence the title, the film’s script was heavily rewritten for the 65-year-old Duke. Originally set in Seattle like Dirty Harry, the location was changed to San Francisco…
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A Weekend of Shadows: The Striking Pause on The Andy Griffith Show Set Amidst President Kennedy’s Tragic Assassination
While our favorite television series don’t always cover the more serious issues that afflict our society, that doesn’t mean that they don’t live through those moments just as we did as viewers. For example, a show like The Andy Griffith Show wouldn’t try to cover something as serious as a presidential assassination for a multitude…
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How a 2006 Tribute to Don Knotts Turned Into a Public Relations Nightmare Over Barney Fife
Five months after he passed, Don Knotts was still in the news in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Unfortunately for fans, it wasn’t because of any posthumous awards or long-lost-but-recently-unearthed performance. Instead, there were headlines regarding a tribute in the town that inspired Mayberry. The details were recorded for posterity in an article written by reporter…
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Burt Reynolds’ Hollywood Odyssey: Navigating the Influence of Clint Eastwood and the ‘Wrong Sergio’
These days, Burt Reynolds is remembered as a Hollywood star, having appeared in successful movies ranging from Deliverance to Smokey and the Bandit and Boogie Nights. However, the actor actually began his career in the 1950s, starring in several television shows. However, Reynolds was quick to vocalise his dissatisfaction with his part in Riverboat, quitting…
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Behind the Keys: Val Kilmer’s Piano Performance in Tombstone – Fact or Fiction?
Val Kilmer’s Doc Holliday never ceases to amaze those around him in Tombstone, and the same can be said for the actor’s performance playing the piano during the 1993 Western. The actor has given dozens of notable performances throughout his 40-year career, but his portrayal as Doc Holliday might be one of his absolute best.…
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Tombstone’s Enigma: The Unanswered Questions Surrounding Lester Moore’s Resting Place in Tombstone
In Tombstone, a grave for a man named Lester Moore makes a momentary appearance and serves as an important bit of symbolism in the film. Tombstone, the classic 1993 Western, tells the story of the legendary Earp brothers and their friend Doc Holliday as they work to bring order and justice to the lawless frontier.…
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A Cinematic Tribute: John Wayne Estate Reflects on True Grit’s Oscar Win 10 Years After the Duke’s Passing
John Wayne was a titan of the Golden Age of Hollywood who has become an icon for many Americans and film fans around the world. After years of poor health, Duke finally succumbed to cancer on June 11, 1979. This was exactly 10 years to the day after True Grit was released in US movie…
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Masters of Reinvention: How The Coen Brothers Redefined True Grit, Surpassing John Wayne’s Legacy
It’s incredibly rare that a remake manages to outdo its classic predecessor, but the Coen brothers’ True Grit is superior to the John Wayne-starring original. Remakes are usually a pointless endeavor, because if a movie is beloved enough for a remake to be financially viable, then it’s probably a timeless gem that can’t be improved…
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