Saturday, May 26, 2007

Just One Footprint

The area in front of Mann's Chinese Theater is where you'll find the "footprints" of the stars.  I've been there before and taken pictures of many of them.  But on this visit, I only took the picture of one set of famous footprints; those of my hero, John Wayne.

Those of you who have been reading my journal for a long time, already know that I not only met John Wayne but had lunch with him in March of 1955.  My uncle worked as a still photographer for the movie studios .  We were in southern California (one of the very few family vacations we had when I was growing up)  and he took me to work with him one day.  John Wayne and Lauren Bacall were filming the movie "Blood Alley" (a very good movie I might add) and my uncle made sure I had  8 x 10 glossy pictures of that special day.  Lauren Bacall sat for the picture & got up and walked away but John Wayne was different.  He chatted with this timid 13 year old, asking about school, etc.  Then he asked me if I was hungry and said "let's have some lunch."     Soon box lunches appeared and he along with my uncle, myself and some other movie people were soon seated at a big round table near the set, eating sandwiches, etc.  I remember sitting next to him, but I has in such a fog, that's about all I remember. 

So you can see why, even after all these years, I have a special place in my heart for this man.  He was so genuine and friendly, I will never forget him.   It was an honor to once again visit his special spot in front of Mann's Chinese Theater.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ido remember the story ,Linda but was lovely to be reminded and to see your lovely picture with John ,your lovely smile you havent changed abit ,the footprint looks as though he had on square toe boots with heels ,...love Jan xx

Anonymous said...

Linda, that is so cool.  That is a great picture and what a nice signature.  I believe he really was a nice person.  What great memories. Joni

Anonymous said...

Just a reminder.... Cruise time is getting closer!!!  Hugs Lanny

Anonymous said...

I don`t remember this Linda so I must have missed the entry. What nice gracious man John Wayne was, so like his screen persona too. I really liked to watch his films as he seemed to fill the screen with his huge personality. :o)

Love Sandra xxxx

Anonymous said...

I remember your entry on John Wayne, very amazing and not only could you visit his footprints but say I knew him, lol....
I'll be getting caught up with the rest of you trip soon.
Have a wonderful Memorial weekend!
Linda :)

Anonymous said...

My Todd loves John Wayne, but then he's not alone.  He was the much loved hero of many, including myself.  Lucky you to have gotten to meet him at such an impressionable age!  How wonderful!
Marie
http://journals.aol.co.uk/mariealicejoan/MariesMuses/

Anonymous said...

It would do a lot of stars some good if they tried to be more like John Wayne and never forgot that it's the public who give them the star status, without us they'd be nothing. It must be nice to have fond memories of this man and it's good to hear that he was so friendly and kind and took the time to make a big impression on a young girl. Have a good Memorial weekend! Jeannette xx  http://journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/  

Anonymous said...

That's a very special memory.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/acoward15/andy-the-bastard

Anonymous said...

I do remember this photograph Linda ~ It is a lovely one ~ and nice to see again ~ He was a great Actor and a Great man with a big heart ~ I still enjoy watching his films ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

John Wayne was quite a guy.  My dad used to go fishing out of Balboa harbor where Mr. Wayne owned a beautiful ocean front home.  One time, dad's boat ran out of gas coming in and he had to dock it at Mr. Wayne's dock - no knowing it belonged to the great actor.  His security guy came rushing down to see who my dad was and what was going on.  Not long afterwards, Mr. Wayne himself came down to check things out.  He met my dad, shook his hand, they visited for about ten minutes while the security guy when into the garage and got some boat fuel out of Mr. Wayne's own supply to get Dad back to his trailer.  My dad never forgot his kindness.
Hugs,  Kathy

Anonymous said...

Cool entry, Linda!  I liked JOhn Wayne too..he seemed like a great person as well as a great actor.   Is that you with him?  Very cool... looks like photography runs in your family....  Maria  

Anonymous said...

Did you know it was his birthday just  the other day...
Linda :)