The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum has been included among the Bonus Features for the French Blu-ray release of John Wayne’s “The Alamo.” With appreciation to producers Roger Riley of WHO-13 in Iowa and Jean-Christophe Jeauffre of Jules Verne Adventures in France.
Copyright: ESC Productions / ESC Editions 2021 EDV 2588, all rights reserved.
The John Wayne Birthplace Museum is very excited to announce the acquisition of an incredibly rare artifact. This top of the line 70 millimeter Mitchell camera was one of 8 purchased by the Fox Film Corporation in 1929 for work on director Raoul Walsh’s “The Big Trail.” The motion picture epic starred 23 year-old John Wayne in his first leading role. Filmed in 70mm Grandeur, “The Big Trail” is today considered a movie classic but in 1930 the wide-screen format required expensive upgrades in projection equipment which, during the Great Depression, were simply too costly, resulting in limited distribution.
The museum wishes to thank Tracy Baker of Ottumwa, Iowa for this generous gift. Mr. Baker and his wife Joan are long-time museum supporters with contributions exceeding $100,000.
