Filmed in the 1960s, The Longest Day is considered one of the greatest war films ever made. Despite its success, the production faced several challenges. It’s reported that there was considerable tension between Western star John Wayne and producer Darryl Zanuck, which ultimately led Wayne to take action against Zanuck.
The Longest Day (1962)
Production for The Longest Day commenced in March 1961 after securing the book rights. Presented in a docu-drama style, the film carefully introduces each major character as they prepare for the historic D-Day invasion. With its wide-ranging narrative, it offers a thorough and authentic depiction of this central moment in history.
The film follows the Allies from their early preparations through the beach landings and fierce battles at key sites like Pointe du Hoc and Pegasus Bridge, highlighting the immense scale of the operation. It became a passion project for producer Darryl Zanuck, who brought together a remarkable cast featuring stars such as Henry Fonda, Sean Connery, Richard Burton, Kenneth More, and the iconic John Wayne.
John Wayne publicly punishes Darryl Zanuck
Unlike his co-stars, John Wayne’s role in The Longest Day was brief. While the majority of the cast received $25,000, Wayne declined that offer and instead demanded a hefty $250,000 for his limited part. Surprisingly, producer Darryl Zanuck accepted Wayne’s terms, allowing him to earn ten times more than the film’s leading actors for his short appearance.
John Wayne never served in the US military
The hefty payment sparked considerable controversy, especially since John Wayne didn’t have military experience, unlike some of his fellow cast members. This difference didn’t sit well with the audience. Despite receiving a substantial sum, Wayne was ultimately credited only at the end of the film.
Years later, Wayne remarked, “It was highway robbery. But I needed the money at the time, and that b****** Zanuck had it coming.”
An earlier snub
How did the rivalry between Darryl Zanuck and John Wayne originate?
The discord between Darryl Zanuck and John Wayne traces all the way back to Wayne’s choice to take on both the roles of producer and director for the 1960 film, The Alamo, in which he also played Davy Crockett. It focused on the 1836 battle of the same name, saw Wayne heavily invested, pouring a substantial amount of his own money into the project. Despite his efforts, the film was a commercial failure, unable to recoup its expenses, and this resulted in a notable setback for Wayne.
Darryl Zanuck called out John Wayne specifically
Sometime after The Alamo was released in theaters, Darryl Zanuck participated in an interview, where he mentioned John Wayne. In particular, he commented on how he didn’t like when actors decide to make their own production companies.
He didn’t leave his comments as vague generalizations – he said “poor old Duke” was one of many who’d done this.
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Having heard Zanuck’s comments, Wayne decided that he wanted to make him pay… Literally.