John Wayne, an iconic figure of the Golden Age of Hollywood, explored new territory in his 1963 film, McLintock!. Known primarily for his roles in Westerns and war dramas, Wayne made his mark in classic films throughout the twentieth century. Noteworthy entries in his filmography include The Quiet Man (1952), The Searchers (1956), and True Grit (1969)—the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1970.
Over a prolific 53-year career, John Wayne starred in more than 80 Western films. Despite this success, Wayne often grappled with being pigeonholed as the rugged outlaw. In 1968, he expressed concerns that he was stagnating in his career, highlighting that his performance in True Grit represented his finest work in two decades. Nevertheless, he seized the opportunity to demonstrate his range in comedy and romance, as showcased by his role in this Shakespearean-inspired comedy of 1963.
John Wayne’s Unique Interpretation of Shakespeare in McLintock!
McLintock!: A Modern Take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew
In McLintock!, Wayne stars as G.W. McLintock, a cattle baron and ranger revered by his town while despised by local politicians. The plot thickens when his estranged wife, Katherine, portrayed by Maureen O’Hara, returns, planning to take their daughter away. This unexpected reunion stirs dormant emotions, reminiscent of Shakespeare’s themes in The Taming of the Shrew.
Notably, McLintock! cleverly adapts the essence of Shakespeare’s work. It portrays the dynamic between Wayne’s character and his estranged wife in a comical light. A particularly infamous scene involves McLintock administering a playful reprimand with a shovel, which O’Hara later remarked left her backside “black and blue for weeks”(source: Slashfilm). Remarkably, this film is Wayne’s second Shakespeare-inspired production, following The Quiet Man, which shares similar thematic elements.
John Wayne: Beyond the Western Hero
A Role That Unleashed His Romantic and Comedic Talents
While McLintock! may not be listed among John Wayne’s most critically acclaimed Westerns, it enjoys enduring popularity among fans, evidenced by an impressive audience score of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics acknowledged its successful amalgamation of humor and action, epitomized in the famous “mudhole scene,”signifying Wayne’s ability to weave comic elements into his performances.
This film also provided a platform for Wayne to shine as a romantic lead, showcasing his undeniable chemistry with O’Hara. Their collaboration across five films allowed them to explore a more comedic and dramatic interaction in this project. Although not his finest work, McLintock! unequivocally proved Wayne’s versatility beyond the archetype of the Western hero.
Source: Slashfilm