James Edward Grant,
who was one of Duke's life-long friends,
and collaboraters,for many years, until his death in 1966.
He was an American film writer and director.
He wrote more than 50 films between 1935 and 1967
as well as directing the 1947 film Angel and the Badman,
which starred John Wayne.
He was nominated for an Academy Award
for Writing Original Screenplay for The Sheepman.
He was also the writer of many of Duke's screenplays,
much to the annoyance of a few of the Directors,
who complained of him being constantly drunk and disappearing!
They were suprised, to how much say, he had on what Duke thought and did.
QuoteWhen John Wayne insisted that Grant be brought in to rewrite the script to Circus World (1964), director Frank Capra, who wanted to use his own script, quit the film.
James kowtowed to Duke,and tended to tell Duke,
what Duke wanted to hear.
One friend noted.
QuoteJames played Chess with Duke for over twenty years,
and never one a single game!
However the screenwriter understood the kind of roles,
that Duke played best, and tailored his scripts
to the actor's strengths, giving him dialogue, that was simple and direct.
Adele Mara maintained:-
QuoteGrant never wrote strong parts for women...his stories were for men.
Grant was an alcholic,and his judgement was not always the best,
Chata hated him, but that was not enough to stop the friendship.
James Edward Grant went on to make with 12 movies with Duke,
as Director, Writer or Producer:-
Circus World (1964) (screenplay)
McLintock! (1963) (original screenplay)
Donovan's Reef (1963) (writer)
The Comancheros (1961) (screenplay)
The Alamo (1960) (Assoc.Producer/ original screenplay)
The Barbarian and the Geisha (1958) (uncredited)
Hondo (1953) (screenplay)
Trouble Along the Way (1953) (uncredited)
Big Jim McLain (1952) (screenplay)
Flying Leathernecks (1951) (screenplay)
Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) (screenplay)
Angel and the Badman (1947) (Director/ Writer)
He was also involved in various capacites,
on the Batjac productions, not starring Duke
Russell Birdwell said:-
QuoteIf there had not been John Ford and a James Edward Grant,
we would not today, be enjoying the image known as John Wayne