AboutMel Priddle Expertise Movies have always been my great love and John Wayne films in particular gave me more pleasure than most. I have studied his body of work for years and would be more than happy to answer any questions relating anything he appeared in, directed or produced.
Expert: Mel Priddle Date: 1/7/2008 Subject: John Wayne quote
Question I went to John Wayne's 100 year birthday celebration in Winterset, IA last May. I bought a coffe mug that had a John Wayne quote: "A man's got to do what a man's got to do". What movie is this from or was it something he once said in public? The only quote I can think of that comes close was in Hondo, "A man ought to know what's right." or something like that. Please help it's driving me crazy. Thanks.
Answer Hello John,
I'm not sure that John Wayne ever actually said those words in one of his films. He made similar remarks, like "A man ought to do what he thinks is right" (in "Hondo"), and "There are some things a man just can't walk away from" (in "Stagecoach").
He may possibly have said it at a public meeting, but I can find no evidence to support that possibility.
If you ever come across any proof in reference to this quote, please let me know.
