The Duke Rides Again
John Wayne Film Festival moseys on over to Dallas from West Texas
John Wayne has been dead for almost 35 years, but his legacy continues to live on through the annual John Wayne Film Festival, which makes its Dallas debut April 24-27 at LOOK Cinemas. The festival previously was held in the small town of Snyder, Texas, which lies about halfway between Lubbock and Abilene.
The festival's organizer, writer/actor/director Barry Tubb, is moving the festival with the help of local chairs Anne and Steve Stodghill and David Hale Smith. They intend to grow the festival and raise more money for its beneficiary, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Wayne died of stomach cancer at age 72 in 1979.
There is no word yet on what movies will be shown at the festival, but reports indicate there will be at least a dozen films total. Wayne was a leading man from 1930 through 1976, so there is no shortage of material from which to choose.
The festival is also sure to include celebrities and special guests. Past participants have included author Larry McMurtry; Dean Smith, Wayne's co-star in Rio Lobo; and Marisa Wayne, the legendary actor's youngest daughter.
The addition of the John Wayne Film Festival means April is once again jam-packed with movies. The Dallas International Film Festival takes place at the beginning of the month, and the USA Film Festival is scheduled for the exact same weekend as the JWFF.