Ultimate Wisdom of the Duke

In honor of John Wayne’s 100th birthday today, I’m putting up a collection of quotes from John Wayne movies. Then I’m going to range to shoot all my revolvers; and I’ll finally close the evening with whiskey.

You can call me Dad, you can call me Father, you can call me Jacob and you can call me Jake. You can call me a dirty old son-of-a-bitch, but if you EVER call me Daddy again, I’ll finish this fight. – From Big Jake

I can honestly say that I don’t think I ever called my father “daddy”. It just wasn’t something that you use to refer to your father unless you’re a 12 year old girl. My dad was always “Dad”, “Father”, “Pop”, or occasionally “sir”.

Well, a gun that’s unloaded and cocked ain’t good for nothin’. – From True Grit

I might have used that one before, but it stands to use again. A liberal friend once asked me why I kept a loaded gun in my house; to which I was proud to reply with my best twang that “Well, a gun that’s unloaded ain’t good for nothin’.” I then proceed to giggle in a most un-manful fashion.

know I’m gonna use good judgement. I haven’t lost my temper in 40 years, but pilgrim you caused a lot of trouble this monring, might have got somebody killed… and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won’t, I won’t. The hell I won’t. [punches man in the mouth] – From McClintock!

Some people just need a good punching, that’s all there is to it. There are times when all the nice words and patience will get you nowhere. Some people only respond to a closed fist, and as unfortunate as that is, we are fortunate that there are people ready to deliver that closed fist. (Happy Memorial Day).

Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling. Republic is one of those words that makes me tight in the throat – the same tightness a man gets when his baby takes his first step or his first baby shaves and makes his first sound as a man. Some words can give you a feeling that makes your heart warm. Republic is one of those words. – From The Alamo

I oft wonder if people even realize that we don’t live in a democracy, but rather in a representative republic. Of course, if folks realized the idealized version of what the Duke is talking about above, most of bloggers would be out of business.

I don’t believe in surrenders. Nope, I’ve still got my saber, Reverend. Didn’t beat it into no plowshare, neither. – From The Searchers

Considered one of his all time great movies; this is my favorite line from The Searchers. If I were to apply exegesis to that quote it would serve to reinforce my strongly held belief that it is much preferable to die on one’s feet than to live on your knees. While it is perfectly acceptable for some folks to beat their swords into plowshares when the fighting is done, there must always be men and women who keep their swords in the even they are needed again.

Not me, Mister. From now on, I’m a farmer. – From Angel & the Badman

Ah, movies about redemption. I do believe that there’s a quote that goes something like “the love of a good woman” and its relatively life changing effects on a man. I can personally attest to to that. It’s always enhanced my enjoyment of this movie.

“God, how I hate solemn funerals. When I die, take me into a room and burn me. Then my family and a few good friends should get together, have a few good belts, and talk about the crazy old time we all had together.” – John Wayne on his funeral wishes

Well, I’ll certainly commemorate this day according to his wishes. Which leads me to my final quote, from The Sands of Iwo Jima.

SADDLE UP!