But few people know about the contributions that John made to the movie industry overall.  He was very active in the development and creation of some specialized "rigging" used in horse, stagecoach and wagon stunts as well as the safety and basic techniques used in "stunt fights" and the use of guns.  He used his own horses in many of his films and was the principal trainer of the animals and his technique in that area is still used to this day.
Two of his most favorites were his appaloosa "Cochise" and "Old Dolla". 
He had a vast array of six shooters and rifles, leather belts and holsters, hats, shirts, vests and boots all of which were at the wardrobe mans request, at virtually no cost to the production.

Together with his stunt double, of many years,   Enos "Yakima" Canutt and stuntmen Johnny Mac Brown and David Sharpe, they developed the basic fundamentals and safety techniques for stunt work that are the foundation of all stunts done in films, even to this day.  The basic fundamentals and technique are the same as used then..only the technology for presenting the stunts has changed and evolved.  They did not have CGI or blue screen process to help create the action sequences, in those days.   What these men did...they did live as the camera rolled.  Thanks to John Ford and Howard Hawks who allowed the latitude to experiment some of the greatest action sequences ever photographed are in their films.  They are the stuff  legends are made of.  Even when he formed his own film company "Batjac
Productions" John Wayne always remained true to his craft and always relied heavily upon talent rather than technology, to get the job done.

I was very fortunate to work with John on several films in his later years and, my friend and mentor, Dick Shane worked with him on many films.  He was kind and gentle and there was not an arrogant bone in the mans body.  He was loved by everyone who worked with him or knew him and we all mourn his passing.  He never forgot his friends and surrounded himself with those he trusted and those that trusted him.  He never wronged anyone and was not a man who could be wronged by others.

We are proud to present our show in memory and honor of John Wayne and the stuntmen that created the position of "stunt double" in the movie industry and we put to use all of the techniques they developed.