"John Wayne was my mentor!" A WORD ON WAYNE with 6-time co-star Ed Faulkner

John Wayne had a stock company of actors he liked working with. So did directors like John Ford and Andrew V. McLaglen. The personnel often overlapped. Such was the case with Kentucky (and Leap Year, 1932) born actor Ed Faulkner. Mentored by both Wayne and McLaglen, Ed joined the circle of regular performers that included Ben Johnson, Harry Carey, Jr, George Kennedy, Lane Chandler, Paul Fix and others. In this interview, Ed shares memories of his first meeting with Duke and what high regard he held for the man. In 1969's "True Grit," Wayne had even wanted Ed to play the Texas Ranger who joins in the hunt for Ned Pepper, a role that went to singer, and non-actor, Glen Campbell. Ed Faulkner was with Wayne in 6 films (McLINTOCK!, HELLFIGHTERS, THE GREEN BERETS, THE UNDEFEATED, CHISUM and RIO LOBO) and in dozens of TV westerns and several features directed by the prolific McLaglen. This special edition of AWOW was compiled from three of our earlier, shorter, shows (recorded in the Autry Museum Cafe, May 20, 2015) to deliver this, now longer, episode. Thanks, Ed.
#johnwayne #interview #westernmovies #character #characteractor #truegrit #greenberet

[@Texas1836]

How I miss that man. May Duke rest in peace.

[@62forged]

I grew up on John Wayne movies. Still love them today.

[@YaYaLee]

There will never be another actor like Mr John Wayne. He was THE BEST

[@johnwesley8327]

Ed Faulkner could not have had a better mentor than John Wayne. He was one of the best, sadly there will never be another.

[@allencoles7661]

Rob....thank you so much for these programs. I've enjoyed seeing each and every one. John Wayne has always been my favorite but to this day I still have trouble watching The Shootist. It's like watching my grandpa die.

[@tombankwel4822]

Green beret i saw it when it had premiere in 1968 holy cow us fans of John Wayne Was figthing these iam 69 years old hippies that would stop us from seeing this movie a very big fight but we won and saw the movie thanks Ward for this video i enjoy every moment

[@elizabethconnolly8958]

That's so beautiful thank you for sharing it The Duke John Wayne great man he was Rip Amen xxx

[@tracer0017]

Always love watching a John Wayne movie. Sadly they don't make movies like these anymore.

[@retiredyeti5555]

Always wondered who he was when I would see him in the films with John Wayne, and on other TV shows. He was a fortunate to have been part of the stock acting group that Wayne favored. What a career!

[@jamesdunn9714]

The Duke was loyal to his friends and provided work and opportunity for them. His movies were ensembles of familiar actors and fans appreciated and enjoyed seeing them return time and again in John Wayne movies. Thanks for the video! I recall Ed well.

[@dukecraig2402]

Dennis Hopper credited John Wayne with saving his career, he had been a bit of a problem child with one of the big influential directors on a movie and got blackballed by him, after something like 7 years of not having any work John Wayne put him in some movies and his career got rolling again, funny to think that without John Wayne there wouldn't be an Easy Rider movie.

[@richb313]

@@dukecraig2402 I can't recall ever hearing Mr. Hopper ever speak ill of John Wayne.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@richb313 Hopper was the God child of someone who Wayne was good friends with, some woman in Hollywood I can't remember her name, I guess that's why he helped him out, put him in Sons of Katie Elder and True Grit. Check out Hopper's Wikipedia page, it tells the story.

[@dukecraig2402]

@@richb313 December of 1994 interview with Charlie Rose is where Hopper tells the story.

[@fw1421]

James Dunn Very much like Clint Eastwood. He has a close knit crew and in his films of the 60’s and 70’s he used a lot of the same actors all the time. The Outlaw Josef Whales,Every with Way But Loose and the sequel,and Bronco Billy just to name a few.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

Ed's face is very expressive.

[@johnprovince5304]

Just saw Ed on a HGWT this afternoon! I recognised him immediately.

[@michaelcooper3425]

Seen him so many times, but oddly enough, I never knew his name until now.

[@Michaelbos]

Great stories. The bricks that make a movie behind the scenes.

[@ThornAndel]

"... I'll be damned if we have served together somewhere." ROFL! 😂🤣😜

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Thorn. Great story!

[@paulstan9828]

Thanks Rob. Really look forward to Sunday’s and new Word on Westerns.

[@larry3064]

Growing up, I had three heroes. My father, John Wayne and Richard Petty

[@Flapperdame16]

Love the story about the Col. Jones "serving" with Col. Kirby! That's marvelous!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Hysterical! Thanks, Emily

[@TheStuport]

I absolutely LOVE these "Get Together's" between Actors who have ALL been on the same Hollywood and TV Trail together at one time or another in their respective careers. My dad had a house in Balboa across the harbor from John Wayne;'s house....and once in awhile we'd see him out on his deck and me and my siblings would all shout "Hi Mr. Duke" and he'd stop whatever he was doing and Wave Back to us and boy did that make our days. As youngsters we had no idea how HUGE The Duke was then...but years late I hold those memories to my Soul very closely! Cheers From Ohio

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

GO BUCKS!!! Ohio guy here too!

[@TheStuport]

@@Nunofurdambiznez Salute Bruddah From The Home Of The Horseshoe

[@AWordonWesterns]

What a great story. Lucky you. Thanks for sharing.

[@Madmanmarque]

Got a real chuckle out of Colonel Jones!

[@patrickfennell6372]

Ed could entertain us for days and we would never get bored.

[@doughesson]

Pretty much anyone who Mr Word interviews could do the same. Like you said,it would never be boring.

[@robertbishop5357]

All the movies mentioned are A+classics that will never grow old. All fantastic movies. God bless The Duke and all who brought us such great classics. Thank you.

[@williamaustin1]

Dang! This could'a gone on an on! I wasn't ready for it to end .Great stories from a mighty fine actor.

[@dalecomer5951]

This one is just too good. Sure remember Ed from so many great movies and TV shows. I'm a huge Leo Gordon fan. Not only one of the best heavies ever but also a talented writer.

[@chuckfinley6156]

talked to Ed a few times back in the late 90s when we both worked for the Cabazon Nation in Indio. real nice guy.

[@willadventure4adventures226]

America misses you Duke. Thanks ed your a great actor.

[@backcreekcabin4994]

Always look forward to these videos each week. John Wayne was the best and a great American!!!

[@davidhauge5706]

The war hero who skipped the war.

[@DavidJones-ke6kt]

@@davidhauge5706 He got a medical deferment.The military didn't want him although he very much wanted to enlist.

[@davidhauge5706]

He got a 3A deferment not a medical deferment. I have always felt that his later politics were over compensation for his ww2 cowardice.

[@DavidJones-ke6kt]

@@davidhauge5706 I reread the account given by wikipedia.I stand corrected.However,I still don't see any thing that would indicate any wrongdoing on Wayne's part,much less cowardice.He never attempted to prevent his reclassification to 1A and was threatened with a lawsuit from republic pictures if he walked away from his contract.It's also stated that republic intervened in the selective service process by requesting that his deferment be continued.Millions of men were not accepted during that time and the practice continues today.You're certainly entitled to your opinion but there's no reason to shit on a man's grave just because you don't agree with his political views.I happen to agree with everything he said in playboy and think he was a fine American patriot.Peace to you and yours sir.

[@davidhauge5706]

Jimmy Stewart was a patriot and a worthwhile human.

[@jozatexan1964]

Wonderful to see Ed and hear his tales of making movies with my #1 favorite, John Wayne. You still need to get Earl Holliman in to discuss "Trooper Hook" with Joel McCrae and Barbara Stanwyck.

[@slomo1562]

Oh man! Ed Faulkner! He was one of the faces I looked for in every Duke film. To me it seemed he took on the apprentice role to Duke where Ward Bond had seemed the role model for Duke. It was great to find this clip. Thanks Rob!

[@jerryknorr679]

John wayne was one of my favorite actors of all time great interview thanks

[@romansroad2007]

Great old story’s loved to hear them all

[@CasonovaCorkClub]

*(R) JOHN WAYNE!!!*

[@richelliott9320]

These are always worth.watching. Thanks again.

[@billsmith7255]

Thank you for the memories. You do excellent work Mr. word

[@odellgrimes1375]

Another of the great actors of The Golden Era of Hollywood I wish I was part of that era these men and women were all true Patriots. And would put their careers on hold to go fight in World War II can come back resume their careers these people truly were the greatest generation

[@RomeKG471]

Great to see you Ed! I sure liked when Ed and John both operated the bulldozers in Hellfighters, I have the same size and vintage dozers they operated and it made me feel like I was right there working with them. You just dont find true real actors like that anymore! Great work men!

[@philipnordin1661]

I remember Ed in many movies and tv shows. Seems like a great guy. Fun interview for my Sunday morning.

[@jeffcox9393]

Have watched the "col. Jones" story countless times & lol every time!

[@deborahrauth7629]

Love the Duke love all his movies and the people who stared with him. I have children and grandchildren who love him also thanks for sharing

[@JMVideos7676]

Wow, another great interview with Ed Faulkner that brought back so many memories while sharing so many new stories about the movies and TV shows I grew up with.

[@jowalnut8822]

great ed faulkner and great anecdotes !!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Jo. Glad he shared those stories with us.

[@jowalnut8822]

@@AWordonWesternsThanks for your comment and I am amazed and impressed by your limitless knowledge on westerns (movies and tv).

[@andymckane7271]

Another interesting and well done episode. Thank you so much for everyone of your fine presentations! (I suspect I've seen Ed Faulkner in every movie he's been in with Duke Wayne. All of his performances have been solid, and Mr. Faulkner has always added a nice touch to each of the movies and television shows I've seen him in). Thanks again!

[@BillyLapTop]

Wonderful video. Videos like these with Ed Faulkner and the other greats from Hollywood's past always leaves me wistful. Thank you for making them possible. Now I am on my way over to Amazon to snag McClintock.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Enjoy! It's such fun. Love that film.

[@garymckee8857]

Excellent interview I had watch this for a second time.

[@jeffmill999]

More please

[@murphtahoe1]

What a nice guy and a great actor.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Right you are, Kev

[@henrywardell4635]

Bravo . Pilgrims ; We Salute Duke - The Best In The West .

[@claxton1959]

So glad I found this channel...thank you for posting such great content...

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Curt. We are glad you found us, too. Enjoy it!

[@randolphlearning5255]

This brings back a lot of memories to me. I remember your guest in hellcats. Thanks Rob another fine show.

[@HMASJervisBay]

The Ford stock company was the benchmark for the Duke I'd say. Time and time again these fantastic men and women graced the screen for Duke, who never stole the moment from their performances. How have we in these recent times lost that ethos. Thanks once more, mate. I watched the Sons of Katie Elder last night. Just flicked over by chance and didn't move.

[@JD-gj2rj]

Loved John Wayne movies! If he would of been born 5 or 10 years later he would of been president. He was an American!

[@nicholassteel5529]

Wow! Another super episode✌️👍

[@jimshelton1]

Fortunately, Ed's home (and much of his movie memorabilia) was spared from the disastrous Lilac Fire in December of 2017.

[@jimshelton1]

Another interview with Ed... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmPVZ4V_nrZ8fNUsi=6dGQBLxg6b6VRzhk

[@tomhickman1006]

The colonel Jones story is right on the money. I had a similar experience at a airport I ran into one of the Hager twins, he looked exactly like a guy I worked with for close to a decade. I approached him asked him how he was doing etc. About 5 minutes into the conversation he tells me he's not who I think he is. About this time his twin brother show up. We had a laugh. They asked me for directions for their destination we said good bye.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

This guy is a fantastic story teller!! Excellent video, yet again, Rob. Thanks a million for all your hard work on these gems!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank YOU.

[@dallisb1047]

The Duke sure had a lot of fine actors by his side. That is why his work was so entertaining. He will always be one of my favorite actors. Nice Word with Ed on Westerns.

[@GLarryB]

Great interview, as usual... Ed is one super nice person. We've had him at Williamsburg at least 3 (maybe 4) times and always a favorite. I've always told him I was still jealous on two leading ladies, Stephanie Powers and Joycelyn Lane from the Elvis film "Tickle Me".

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Larry. Glad you enjoyed it! See you in Williamsburg in the Fall!

[@garymckee8857]

I just watched Ed in several Have Gun Will Travel episodes. Thanks Rob.

[@johnblair2939]

what a great video.

[@jameshughes455]

Great stories from a great actor about the GREATEST actor EVER!! Love this video!!

[@rebeccapardue8438]

John Ford said Leo Gordon was the meanest man he had ever seen. Really good interview here. I could have listened to Ed's stories for hours. We still watch McClintock and the Green Berets among so many others, Hatari, The Shootist, El Dorado, Rio Lobo, Chisum, Rest in Peace Duke, Bruce Cabot. So many others. Mike Pardue ✌🐴

[@blinko656]

Ed Faulner and a true gentlemen....Mike Retired FF.

[@Baskerville22]

The young Ed Faulkner reminds me of Jeff Hunter

[@dustykatz2744]

I always enjoy seeing Ed and Rob at the Lone Pine Film Festival. Great interviews.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks. I always enjoy seeing Ed...anywhere! Lone Pine's looking pretty good already for 2020. Burton Giliiam is on board!!

[@thomasmcnab5068]

Hi Rob....tks for having Ed Faulkner on the video.... Been a big Ed Faulkner fan for yrs..please bring him back if possible!

[@AWordonWesterns]

I just spoke with him on the phone to wish him a happy birthday and would love to have him come back for our May taping...which is always a celebration of Duke!

[@thomasmcnab5068]

@@AWordonWesterns outstanding ....can't wait!...thank you sir!

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

@@AWordonWesterns That would be awesome!!

[@jackiehart5999]

He was the best

[@cessnaace]

George Takei (Mr. Sulu on Star Trek) mentioned in his autobiography how insistent John Wayne was on him doing The Green Berets. Takei kept turning the part down saying that not only did he not agree with Wayne in general politically, but also didn't agree with Wayne over the war. Wayne finally wore him down, telling him that he'd only talk about political matters if Takei brought it up. Anywho, he wrote that Wayne treated him with total respect and that he heard from one of the crew members that if anyone on the crew or in the cast gave him a hard time in regards to anything, they'd have to answer to Wayne for it. No one gave him a hard time.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing.

[@joebloggs8636]

I just saw him on Half gun will travel this morning and thought "What happened to him"?.. I figured A word on Westerns is where to look and here we are!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, joe. Wasn't Ed terrific?

[@joebloggs8636]

@@AWordonWesterns Yep,I'm pretty knowledgeable with old Hollywood and Westerns along with the Stars and supporting casts,but sometimes it's nice to have a place you can go to on KZbin to " fill in the gaps"...

[@JayRuperRoe]

I haven't laughed that hard in along time. The Colonel on the Golf Course Story.

[@dorothycoker8830]

Ben Johnson was also in many of movies with John Wayne.

[@AmericasChoice]

John Ford used him in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, saying, "It is easier to turn a cowboy into an actor than it is to turn an actor into a cowboy."

[@jackiehart5999]

Your right, Ben Johnson and John Wayne was a perfect pair in all there movies.

[@mhazel4777]

the duke there will never be another and thank you so much again for these videos it's like being able to relive goodness

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you like them!

[@mikevonkleist6767]

John Wayne is legend. I've seen all of his movies. I don't believe he made a bad movie. Because he was in it. Him and John Ford had a brilliant movie making relationship. But he was that good at who he was and what he did. He was, John Wayne.

[@AmericasChoice]

Andrew McLaglen is an enigma as a film director. He had moments of brilliance, then there are times when his direction is simply perplexing. I have moments of, "How can you do that!' Ironically, I think McClintock, his first major film, is his best and most consistent. I believe Maureen O'Hara gave one of the best female comedic performances ever in it, and truly helped make that film a classic. Thanks Rob!

[@edstevens4439]

Maureen said in an interview.......no other woman could have played that role....She could hold her own in any scene with John Wayne....

[@seamusha1]

Another great show Thanks Rob

[@THE-HammerMan]

A true gentleman and superb actor. Modest too. I'd love to hear some of the stories he has that modesty won't allow him to say on camera!

[@jimjohnston3188]

One hell of an American!

[@felixblaksley]

LOVE IT!

[@southernshop8424]

Green Berets was a great movie and Ed played a great part.

[@Pushyhog]

didnt get off track, that was a great one.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

The guy is as sharp as a tack, or at the very least, sure seems to appear that way.

[@tonycrocisi9242]

Keep em coming.👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

More to come!

[@charlesrodgers505]

Amen, Lee.

[@johnholman8865]

Thanks

[@douglasolsen1208]

Funny story about the golfer. Sometimes you see someone and feel sure you know them. Just can’t figure out from where for sure.

[@davidtaylor6613]

Love the John Wayne content.

[@roostercogburn809]

I like Ed, but I agree with Glen Campbell playing La Boeuf in True Grit... I actually saw the movie debut of True Grit at the Gemini Drive In in Dallas, TX. We also got John Wayne and Glen Campbell's autograph. During the intermission, they both got on top of the concession building, and spoke to the crowd, answered questions... Fun night... Last of the great breed. Great vid, thanks

[@AWordonWesterns]

WOW! What a night that must have been. You lucky dog. No wonder your handle is Rooster Cogburn!!

[@glockensig]

Fantastic!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks!

[@kathrynmolesa1641]

The Duke used Mexican paper money as toilet tissue when he was on location. Told to me by the prop manager.🤣

[@swimasfastasyoucan]

That was great ..thank you very much

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bobbyb.6644]

It’s Captain Anderson!🙂

[@bettinahansen7630]

Yes😊 "don't press me, captain!"

[@Smithsgold]

Great show

[@timebandit3478]

There are so many of us that grew up on westerns and enjoy them to this day. Sometime ya have to wonder why there isn't a western movie channel? There has got to be more then enough movies and TV series to easily put one together??

[@AWordonWesterns]

Several channels play huge selections of movies and western TV series. getTV, Heroes & Icons, INSP, GRIT, and, of course, Starz/Encore's WESTERNS Channel that is still 24 hours a day of westerns and has been on the air over 20 years. I was a program consultant for it, and their other genre channels, years ago. We had hosts for the various Encore channels introducing the movies. Burt Reynolds for Action!, Stacy Keach for Mystery, Dennis Weaver for Westerns! etc. Lots of fun!!

[@timebandit3478]

@@AWordonWesterns , I had no idea, I only have basic Cable, they have some. You could broke with all the options. Well thanks for the info, Dutch

[@loborobertson7212]

Awesome,I really enjoyed this!!:-)

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks a lot!

[@stevem-h5e]

John Wayne was the best cardboard cutout ever to perform as an actor.

[@hellsapoppin2048]

Really liked this video. Thanks

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jimm.2118]

Like to see if you had stories about Ben Johnson who appeared in many of John Wayne's movies. Also another video about a good western Charro with Elvis. It is my fav Elvis movie. Heard Elvis's manager wanted Elvis as the main headliner for True Grit over John Wayne. How dumb, I think that woukd have been great if Elvis had got Glenn Campbells role. Also read Elvis was lokked at to be in Rio Bravo instead of Ricky Nelson. Sad that didnt happen.

[@WildBill-kf2pc]

That was Great

[@12ernie]

Great show!

[@angloaust1575]

He was a giant on and off the screen.larger than life as some Portrayed him Cancer claimed him in the end The 100 a day upto 1964 Was too much for a lung to cope with surprised he didn't Do anti smoking commercials After having a lung removed!

[@mikentx57]

I hope there is more with Ed Faulkner. I would think that he has enough stories for 4-5 videos.

[@AWordonWesterns]

He was a terrific guest and I've invited him to come back for another, longer conversation. As mentioned in the notes for this interview, it was done 5 years ago when we'd have much shorter conversations and episodes that were shot standing up in the Autry's coffee shop. Since then, we've moved into the theater and are able to spend more time and have also been making the episodes longer, all at least 10 minutes. In fact, this conversation with Ed was actually 3 episodes edited together. We hope he's able to come back for many more stories. Thanks for watching.

[@dingo416]

Great Story