Allan Arkush on

Red River

Released 1948
Distributor United Artists

Howard Hawks’ first western was a huge hit and marked what John Wayne had feared might turn out to be his swan song, at the age of 41. He later said John Ford “never respected me as an actor until I made Red River.” During the shoot Wayne came to appreciate the talents of debuting co-star Montgomery Clift after initial skepticism. Despite its popularity, Clift disliked his own performance. John Ireland’s part was reduced in editing due to his interest in co-star and Hawks protege Joanne Dru, who he later married. Oddly, Hawks had sought Cary Grant (!) for the same role. Final film appearance of veteran western star Harry Carey.

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About Allan Arkush

A record collector and film buff from birth, Allan Arkush brought his two loves together in directing the cult classic Rock ‘n’ Roll High School. Back in the day Allan was directing and executive producing television series like Heroes, and Crossing Jordan.  He has also directed episodes of Ally McBeal, Moonlighting, St. Elsewhere, Fame, A Series of Unfortunate Events and TV Movies like Elvis Meets Nixon and Shake Rattle & Rock as well as the mini-series, The Temptations, for which he won an Emmy. He used to have a lost film, Get Crazy, but Kino/Lorber found it in time for Christmas 2021. His day job is teaching Film production & history at the AFI.

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