How a Script Swap Sparked John Wayne’s On-Set Fury

Few figures in cinema have embodied the archetype of the tough guy quite like John Wayne. With his unmistakable voice, imposing presence, and a jawline that could have been chiselled from granite, he became the very image of rugged American masculinity. Yet, this formidable persona sometimes spilled over into his off-screen dealings, occasionally landing him in rather awkward situations.

In 1966, Wayne took a supporting role in the historical drama Cast a Giant Shadow. The film, led by Kirk Douglas as David ‘Mickey’ Marcus, told the story of an American officer’s involvement in the formation of the Israeli Defence Forces. The cast boasted names such as Frank Sinatra, Angie Dickinson, and Yul Brynner, with Wayne appearing as a US Army General. Melville Shavelson, who both directed and co-wrote the script, was at the helm of the production.

Creative Differences and a Cunning Workaround

Wayne, never shy about voicing his opinions, was less than impressed with the script as it stood. He insisted that his trusted collaborator, James Grant, should revise it. This left Shavelson in a difficult position, as he was reluctant to abandon his own version. In a rather inventive move, he decided to operate with two scripts: one tailored for Wayne’s scenes, reflecting Grant’s input, and another—the original—for the rest of the cast.

For a time, this arrangement seemed to work. Wayne performed his scenes under the impression that the entire production had been reworked to his liking, while his fellow actors continued with the initial script. The subterfuge, however, was not destined to last.

The Confrontation Unfolds

The ruse unravelled when Wayne arrived on set unexpectedly and caught sight of the original script in use. Shavelson later recalled,

“One day he turned up when he wasn’t supposed to and found we were using the original script. He was furious and grabbed me, and to be grabbed by a guy who stands over six feet and is running the goddamn picture was pretty terrifying. After that we used Grant’s script. But for a long time after that Wayne and I never spoke.”

Wayne’s reaction was as forceful as his screen persona, and the incident marked a turning point. From that moment, the production switched entirely to Grant’s version, but the working relationship between Wayne and Shavelson was irreparably damaged.

Wayne’s Reputation for On-Set Rows

This was hardly the only occasion when Wayne’s temperament led to friction with colleagues. Even John Ford, the director who had given him his start and whom Wayne affectionately called ‘Pappy’, was not immune to his outbursts. Several of Wayne’s most notable co-stars also found him difficult to work with. His outspoken conservatism, in an industry known for its liberal leanings, and his disregard for social niceties, did little to endear him to many.

Despite these frequent rows, both Wayne and Shavelson continued their careers without further collaboration. In the end, perhaps the most fortunate outcome was that their professional split did not escalate beyond a single, memorable confrontation.