Kirk Douglas : I don’t want to get involved in a conversation about John Wayne i’ve made quite a few pictures with John Wayne and, by the way, I’ve always called him John

John Wayne expressed strong disapproval of Kirk Douglas’ film “Spartacus” due to its association with a blacklisted communist screenwriter, Dalton Trumbo.

The movie’s controversial nature, coupled with Trumbo’s involvement, led Wayne and other conservatives to denounce it as “Marxist propaganda.” However, the tide turned when President John F. Kennedy praised the film, signaling a shift in its reception.

Despite their political differences, Wayne and Douglas collaborated on several projects, including “The War Wagon.” During the filming, tensions arose when Douglas arrived late on set after shooting a commercial endorsing a Democratic candidate for Governor of California.

Wayne, a staunch conservative, was displeased, especially as he himself had filmed an ad endorsing the Republican candidate, Ronald Reagan.

Despite these conflicts, Wayne and Douglas ultimately developed a friendship and maintained mutual respect for each other. In an interview with Dick Cavett, Douglas declined to engage in a discussion about Wayne’s controversial views, emphasizing their professional relationship and Wayne’s acting prowess.

While they may not have seen eye-to-eye on many issues, Douglas acknowledged Wayne’s professionalism and skill as an actor.