I think you have to be a bit careful to separate the actor from the role. Wayne, or Marion Morrison was a deeply unpleasant man who had few, if any virtues. Ford himself remarked, I believe, that he did have the advantage that he was one of the few actors who looked good on a horse and Wayne also managed to ensure he didn't serve in the armed forces during the war, so he was available, both in and out of bed.
But if you start holding the Hollywood "greats"up to a strong light you won't see much to feel good about.
Ford used whatever talent he could find and IMV one of his talents was that he managed to make a passable purse out of a sow's ear.
|