Ultimate John Wayne Fan: Jennifer Klein

Hometown: Gainesville, FL

Age: 21

Profession: Upcoming senior at the University of Florida, majoring in Criminology

For Jennifer Klein, the ideal lazy day -- and she admits she's cut class a few times to have them -- consists of a bowl of popcorn and a John Wayne marathon: "The Shootist, True Grit, North to Alaska," she says. "I like Red River because it was the one time when John Wayne was the villain, and I can't stop watching Without Reservations -- it's such a nice change of pace to just watch him have some fun and have a little romance without having to save the frontier." If nothing else, says the ultimate fan, The Duke and his films can teach us all a lesson in perseverance: "Wayne was headstrong and tough and didn't back down, which proves that anyone can get what they want if they show those qualities too -- minus the gun."

Ultimate John Wayne Fan Quiz Answers:

1. What was John Wayne's birth name?

Marion Michael Morrison

2. Comedic impressions frequently riff on Wayne calling some tenderfoot "Pilgrim," even though he only used the insult repeatedly in one movie. What movie was it?

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Continue reading "Ultimate Fan Quiz - John Wayne Results" »

Overlooked during its initial release, Striking Distance is notable for three reasons: It's a "boat cop" movie with some solid chase scenes; it's another "macho-tastic" entry in the filmography of director Rowdy "Roadhouse" Herrington; and finally, it's set in Pittsburgh, a vital, but underrated film locale. The cat-and-mouse game between Det. Tom Hardy (Bruce Willis) and the Polish Hill serial murderer is set on the city's "Three Rivers," which was, in fact, the film's original, Pittsburgh-specific title. And though it isn't anywhere near New York City or Los Angeles in terms of film production, Pittsburgh has been the backdrop for a number of distinctive movies.

Continue reading "Hollywood's Infatuation With Gritty Pittsburgh - From Flashdance to Striking Distance" »