John Wayne’s Underrated Roles Beyond the Western Genre
John Wayne is widely recognized as a legend of the Western genre, and rightfully so. His performances in films like Stagecoach and The Searchers have cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. However, this association with Westerns has led many to overlook or undervalue some of his other roles that spanned different genres. From war dramas to romantic comedies, Wayne showcased a range of talents that deserve more recognition.
War Films That Deserve More Attention
War movies were an important part of Wayne’s career, and while many of them are well-known, several remain underappreciated. One such film is Back to Bataan (1945), set during World War II’s Pacific Theater. This black-and-white film follows an Army officer played by Wayne who tries to rally Filipino citizens against Japan. Despite receiving a high Rotten Tomatoes rating, it remains largely forgotten by fans of the Duke.
Another lesser-known war film is They Were Expendable (1945), based on a real-life event involving a U.S. Navy ship defending the Philippines. Wayne plays Lt. J.G. “Rusty” Ryan, a military man eager to see combat. The film was a critical success and earned two Academy Award nominations, yet it often gets overshadowed by other war films like Sands of Iwo Jima.
Sports Movies and Romantic Dramas
Wayne also ventured into sports and romantic dramas, showcasing his versatility. Trouble Along the Way (1953) is a sports film where he plays a disgraced football coach trying to save a small Catholic school. Directed by Michael Curtiz, who also made Casablanca, this film is a rare example of Wayne in a non-Western role that deserves more attention.
In Seven Sinners (1940), Wayne starred opposite Marlene Dietrich in a romantic drama. This was his first major romantic role, and the chemistry between him and Dietrich was exceptional. The film offered a different side of Wayne, highlighting his ability to perform in emotional and complex roles.
Early Career and Supporting Roles
Before his breakout in Stagecoach, Wayne appeared in several films where he wasn’t the lead. One of these is The Life of Jimmy Dolan (1933), where he played a boxer named Smith. While it was a small role, it gave a glimpse into the actor he would become.
Similarly, Wake of the Red Witch (1948) saw Wayne take on a villainous role, which was unusual for him. He plays Captain Ralls, a ruthless ship captain involved in a gold heist. This film showcases a different side of Wayne, offering a rare look at him in a morally ambiguous character.
Disaster Films and Comedies
In 1954, Wayne starred in The High and the Mighty, a disaster film where he plays a co-pilot tasked with landing a plane after an engine failure. This was a rare example of Wayne in a disaster movie, and his performance was outstanding.
Another underrated film is Without Reservations (1946), a romantic comedy where Wayne plays a Marine soldier infatuated with a best-selling author. This was one of his funniest roles, and his chemistry with Claudette Colbert added to the film’s charm. The movie also featured cameos from Jack Benny, Raymond Burr, and Cary Grant.
Irish Romance and Masterpieces
While The Quiet Man (1952) might not be considered entirely underrated, it is often overlooked compared to other Western classics. Directed by John Ford, this charming Irish romantic comedy features Wayne and Maureen O’Hara in their best pairing. It is a masterful film that blends humor, romance, and cultural richness, yet it doesn’t receive the same level of acclaim as The Searchers or Stagecoach.
