True Grit (Paramount Pictures, 1969)
True Grit (1969) is a legendary American Western film that tells a gripping tale of justice and perseverance. Premiering in Little Rock, Arkansas, and quickly becoming a box office success, the film earned an estimated $11.5 million in its first year. John Wayne’s unforgettable portrayal of U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn won him both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Actor, solidifying the film’s status as a classic.
The story follows 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) as she seeks vengeance for her father’s murder at the hands of the outlaw Tom Chaney (Jeff Corey). She hires the fearless, gruff Cogburn, whose reputation for having “true grit” makes him the perfect tracker. Along with Texas Ranger La Boeuf (Glen Campbell), they embark on a dangerous pursuit into Indian Territory. With a stellar cast including Robert Duvall and Dennis Hopper, a memorable score by Elmer Bernstein, and an Academy Award-nominated title song, True Grit remains one of the most celebrated Westerns of all time.
John Wayne "Rooster Cogburn" Eyepatch
In his Academy Award winning role as the raucous one-eyed Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, John Wayne (1907-1979), born Marion Robert Morrison and known as Duke, was required to wear an eye patch. The eye patch would become an iconic symbol of the legendary actor. Wayne’s costumer, Luster Bayless (1937-2022), designed the patch so that he could see through it without losing depth perception and balance—both important when performing dangerous horse work and other physical movement required in this type of action film. The patch had a slit in the stiffener covered with a screen and gauze that Wayne could see through but still photograph solid. Cinematographer, Lucian Ballard, approved the design, and Western Costume Company in Hollywood made each one by hand. In order to avoid eye irritation or infection, Wayne wore a fresh patch each day of photography. When filming finished, he got all of the leftover patches, and his family still owns most of them. This particular patch is from the collection of Wayne’s late son, Michael Wayne, former president of Batjac Productions and was used in both True Grit and Rooster Cogburn.
John Wayne's Burgundy Neckerchief
The burgundy neckerchief was once the property of John Wayne’s Batjac Productions and was worn by Wayne (1907–1979) in various films, including his roles as Rooster Cogburn in True Grit and Rooster Cogburn. Wayne was known for wearing multiple neckerchiefs in each of his Western films which were part of his trademark wardrobe. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for True Grit. This particular neckerchief was acquired from John Wayne’s costumer, Luster Bayless.
Glen Campbell's "La Boeuf" Shirt
The role of La Boeuf was originally intended for Elvis Presley, but Colonel Tom Parker wanted Presley to have top billing. The producers denied Parker’s request. The role ultimately went to Glen Campbell (1936-2017) thanks to John Wayne’s daughter who was a big fan. Wayne and his daughter showed up one night at one of Campbell’s performances. That night, Wayne asked Campbell a question that changed his life.
“Well, you must be pretty good or my daughter wouldn’t have wanted to meet you. You want to do a movie?” Campbell was awestruck meeting the legendary actor—and receiving his praise. His response was that he’d never acted before, but Wayne assured him he would successfully drag him through it. Campbell later claimed John Wayne was the nicest man he ever met.
Drag him through it Wayne did, earning Campbell a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer. He also sang the film’s title song, which was nominated for both an Academy Award for Best Song and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
Western Costume Company in Hollywood made the shirt. Luster Bayless (1937-2022) served as costumer for the film.
