Behind the Scenes of “They Were Not Essential”
The filming of the war movie They Were Not Essential in 1945 was marked by an intense episode that nearly derailed the production. During one fateful day on set, John Wayne stormed off after a heated confrontation with John Ford, the film’s director and Wayne’s close friend. This clash stemmed from a correction that Wayne considered humiliating.
Over a career spanning five decades, John Wayne starred in 153 feature films, of which he led 142. Among his most iconic titles are Desert Centaurs, The Man Who Killed Liberty Valence, Rio Bravo, The Diligence, and The Valor of Law. However, his filmography is not limited to blockbusters; it also encompasses lesser-known works, including They Were Not Essential, in which he co-starred with Robert Montgomery under John Ford’s direction.
The partnership between Wayne and Ford extended beyond professional boundaries; they collaborated on 14 films and shared a mentor-mentee relationship, albeit one punctuated by their strong personalities, which occasionally led to conflicts.
The Plot of “They Were Not Essential”
Set during the Pacific War following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the film captures the counteroffensive launched by U.S. forces in the Philippines. It focuses on the story of Lieutenant John Brickley, portrayed by Robert Montgomery, and Rusty Ryan, played by John Wayne. Their characters embody the struggles and camaraderie of soldiers during a tumultuous period in history.
Authenticity was paramount for John Ford. His military experience as the head of the photographic unit for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II instilled in him a commitment to realism in his films. Many cast members and technical crew had firsthand experience of the conflict, which further fueled his demand for genuine portrayals.
In contrast, John Wayne lacked military experience, having been rejected for enlistment due to his age and being the primary breadwinner for his family.
A Tense Confrontation
The remarkable incident occurred during a scene requiring Wayne to execute a military salute. Ford, known for his uncompromising standards, made a comment that deeply affected Wayne: “Duke, can’t you greet that at least seem like you have been in the Army?” This remark left Wayne feeling embarrassed and humiliated, compelling him to leave the set.
Robert Montgomery, who also starred in the film, was quick to respond to the situation. Having served in war, he confronted Ford regarding his treatment of Wayne. Montgomery recalled, “It was outrageous, of course. I approached Ford, put both hands on the arms of his chair and said: ‘Don’t talk to anyone like that again.’”
Ford’s reaction was a mix of anger and subsequent remorse. Initially, he vehemently stated, “I’m not going to apologize to that son of a bitch!” But moments later, when confronted with his error, he attempted to downplay the situation, saying, “What did I say? I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” Ultimately, Ford succumbed to his emotions and ended up crying.
Following Ford’s apology, Wayne returned to the set the next day, and filming of They Were Not Essential resumed without further incident. This episode remains a significant moment in the history of Hollywood, reflecting the complexities of relationships between directors and actors in the high-stress environment of filmmaking.