Some Old and Interesting John Wayne Headlines

As I was perusing some old newspapers recently, I came across some articles about John Wayne films that you may not have heard of before, and I thought I would share them here. Enjoy.

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

John Wayne Will Star in 'Cheyenne' for Wanger -- Five New Films to Arrive Here This Week

By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL, Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES

July 21, 1941

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., July 20 -- "Cheyenne," a story of the vicissitudes of a rodeo champion's life, by William Rankin and Winston Miller, will be John Wayne's next picture for Walter Wanger, it was learned today. Wanger is expected to close a deal tomorrow for screen rights to the story, now owned by Howard Hawks, a director.

I wonder if this was an early incarnation of “Lady Takes A Chance” (1943)

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

John Wayne to Appear With Jean Arthur in 'Cheyenne' -- Frank Ross to Direct

By Telephone to THE NEW YORK TIMES

September 22, 1942

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Sept. 21 -- RKO has signed John Wayne to play opposite Jean Arthur in "Cheyenne," which Frank Ross, Miss Arthur's husband, will produce as the first of two pictures he has engaged to make for the studio, it was learned today.

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

Gold Runs the River' Bought by Republic as a Starring Vehicle for John Wayne AMONG THE LIVING' OPENS Paramount Melodrama at the Rialto -- Victor Mature Will Replace Ameche in Film

By Telephone to THE NEW YORK TIMES

December 13, 1941

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Dec. 12 -- Republic today purchased "Gold Runs the River," a screen story by J. Robert Bren and Gladys Atwater, as a vehicle for John Wayne. The action of the yarn is laid in the California gold rush period. Billy Gilbert joined "Sleepy Time Gal," and Kane Richmond and Jimmy Dale were named for leading roles in "Spy Smasher," a serial which will go before the cameras Tuesday. 

I have no idea what this could have been, and it may never have been actually filmed.

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

Jean Arthur and John Wayne to Appear in 'Free for All' -- 'Fallen Sparrow' Bought 'HERE WE GO AGAIN' IS DUE Opens at Palace Today With 'Escape From Crime' -- To Revive 'Citizen Kane'

By Telephone to THE NEW YORK TIMES

October 10, 1942

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 9 -- Frank Ross, RKO producer, announced today that "Free for All," a comedy by Robert Ardrey, will replace "Cheyenne" on his schedule and will go before the cameras on Nov. 21. Jean Arthur and John Wayne, who had been announced for the leads in "Cheyenne," will appear in "Free for All," according to the producer.

This too could have been an early incarnation of “Lady Takes A Chance”

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

Irene Dunne to Appear With John Wayne at RKO Studio in 'Pennsylvania Uprising' SIX NEW FILMS THIS WEEK 'Escape From Yesterday,' With Annabella, Opens Tomorrow --Jolson Picture on Friday Coast Scripts Of Local Origin

By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES

May 01, 1939

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., April 30.-- Irene Dunne's remaining commitment to RKO for one picture will be fulfilled by "Pennsylvania Uprising," in which she will play the feminine lead opposite John Wayne, the studio announced. Edward Ellis also has been assigned to the film.

This is obviously “Allegheny Uprising” (1939), but Irene Dunne was replaced with Claire Trevor.

SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD

RKO to Borrow John Wayne for the Lead in 'True to Form'-- Gene Tierney Gets Role 'FANTASIA' OPENS TONIGHT Stokowski and Philadelphia Orchestra to Be Heard In Walt Disney Feature

By DOUGLAS W. CHURCHILL Special to THE NEW YORK TIMES

November 13, 1940

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 13-- Negotiations between RKO and Republic for the former studio to borrow John Wayne for the lead in "True to Form," formerly "Blood Will Tell," reached final stages today. Dick Powell had been considered for the role, but Wayne is expected to sign this week.

Another mystery film! “True to Form”? “Blood Will Tell”? Who knows!

We do know that John Wayne had been slated to appear in dozens of films that were either never made, or were made with someone else. It’s hard to tell at this late date where some of these films shown above were among those.