I watched one of the very early John Wayne movies from 1930 the other night and was blown away at the digital transfer. I didn't know that something that old could look that crisp and sharp. Sorry I can't think of the name. I got a kick out of the old fashioned Hollywood use of hand and arm movements (with talk) between the settlers and the local Indians.
No Donovan's Reef, but the first night was a hoot! They have an expert who just released a new bio on The Duke & fills in why and how the films were made. The book got a rave review in this weekend's LA Times.
Remember Wayne's African American sidekick? His name in the credits was Blue Washington. On a hunch, I Googled him... http://sabr.org/bioproj/person/b347deac quiet a character and had a career.
The Big Trail was his first real part in a big movie, 2 million bucks at the time. First 70mm and it flopped in the theaters because they were not set up for 70mm, Of course they blamed JW. 9 more years until a 2nd chance and it was stagecoach. Interesting, in The Big Trail, one of the actors was Tyrone Power Sr.
It was a very nice print, not much use. Enjoyed this film as well, and Duke was light on his feet. sean
I love the really old John Wayne oaters even though they are bargain-bin staples….glad I dvr'd these
