I grew up watching Gunsmoke. That show was part of my life for 20 years. He also scared the crap out of me as a young boy as the Thing.James say hello to Duke for us.
Posts from BILL OF PA in thread „James Arness“
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Well, Ya know what they say about opinions. Anyway, back to Arness, I think he would have been great as Houston (or Bowie).
Remember Arness did play Bowie years later in a bad tv version of the of the Alamo. This was also filmed at Alamo Village.
Ethan Wayne had a small part playing one of the defenders.
He wore the same type coonskin hat as his father. -
I saw the Alamo when it was first released (long version) as a young lad of thirteen. This film so imspired me to learn about the true history of the Alamo, that and the history of our great country to the point at times my friends and family tell me i,am a walking history leason.
I now own every film I know made about the Alamo (three silent versions) etc. and many books about the real Alamo.
Of all the films Dukes is the most enjoyable.
I think Duke made this film not as a history lesson but as an inspiration to all people about the price of freedom.
if thats bad film making I say I only wished he made more. -
Apparently John Wayne wanted Arness to appear in The Alamo but Arness, realizing the movie would be bad, didn't even bother to turn up, which made Wayne very angry. It would be interesting to hear an explanation from Arness but I doubt he will give more interviews now due to his age and infirmity.
Where did you get this information? How would Arness know in advance before one bit of film was even shot that The Alamo (nomiated for eight oscars best picture etc.) would be a bad film. he did not show up because he was not signed. He could not get time off from Gunsmoke. Scheduling problems. If I am wrong let me know.
