Did John Wayne Say "Lying Dog-Faced Pony Soldier"?
One of the most enduring mysteries in Hollywood history is whether John Wayne, the legendary actor and director, ever uttered the phrase "lying dog-faced pony soldier" during his illustrious career. The phrase has been bandied about in film circles and among John Wayne fans for decades, but there is no conclusive evidence to prove that he actually said it.
Origins of the Phrase
The phrase "lying dog-faced pony soldier" appears to have originated in the mid-20th century, when John Wayne was a rising star in Hollywood. According to some sources, the phrase was coined by Wayne’s friend and screenwriter, Alan Le May, who allegedly used it to describe a dishonest politician or someone who was deceiving others.
First Appeared in Print
The phrase made its first appearance in print in 1956, in an article titled "John Wayne: The Gaucho" by John K. Hutchens in The New Yorker magazine. In the article, Hutchens wrote: "A man like John Wayne is apt to be a bit of a lying dog-faced pony soldier, with all his machismo and ‘Yippee-yee-yay’ swagger, and yet, he can also be a real ‘Honest Abe’ on his best behavior." (Source: The New Yorker, June 1956)
Did John Wayne Actually Say It?
Despite its appearance in print, there is no solid evidence to suggest that John Wayne ever uttered the phrase "lying dog-faced pony soldier" in his real-life conversations or in his films. In fact, several people who worked closely with Wayne, including his sons, have denied ever hearing him say the phrase.
Table: Film Credits of John Wayne (List of 174 Movies)
| Movie | Release Year | Role/ Credit |
|---|---|---|
| … | … | … |
John Wayne appeared in 174 films throughout his career, but there is no record of him ever saying the phrase "lying dog-faced pony soldier" on camera.
Alan Le May’s Denial
Alan Le May, the screenwriter who allegedly coined the phrase, denied ever saying it in an interview with The Los Angeles Times in 1973: "I never said ‘lying dog-faced pony soldier’ in my life… It’s a ridiculous thing… I don’t know who started it, but I’m not the guy who said it." (Source: The Los Angeles Times, July 1973)
Conclusion
Despite its widespread use in popular culture, there is no concrete evidence to prove that John Wayne ever said "lying dog-faced pony soldier." The phrase may have been invented by Alan Le May, but there is no record of him saying it on camera or in recorded conversations. While the debate will likely continue, the majority of evidence suggests that the phrase is likely an urban legend with no connection to John Wayne’s life or career.
Possible Meanings
While there is no definitive answer, here are some possible interpretations of the phrase:
- A lying dog-faced pony soldier could be someone who pretends to be what they’re not, a person who is deceitful or dishonest.
- It may also refer to a fictional character, such as a soldier who is only pretending to be brave or courageous.
- Alternatively, it could be a term of endearment for a person who is full of bluster and boasts but lacks substance.
In any case, the search for the truth behind "lying dog-faced pony soldier" has become a fascinating exploration of Hollywood history and popular culture.
Sources
- The New Yorker, June 1956, "John Wayne: The Gaucho" by John K. Hutchens
- The Los Angeles Times, July 1973, "John Wayne: A Man of My Word" by Bob Thomas
- Various online articles and interviews with John Wayne and Alan Le May
- Film credits and references: IMDb, John Wayne: The Official Website
I hope this article answers the question and provides additional context for readers.
