Annual Event to Raise Awareness of Preservation and Restoration
of Classic Films
JERICHO, NEW YORK, April 19, 2001 – John Wayne is the number one favorite movie star of all time, according to a March 2001 Gallop Poll. AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSICS will honor the work of this American screen idol, as part of the network’s ninth annual film preservation festival, Thursday, July 12 to Sunday, July 15, 2001. The three-day festival will feature 35 Wayne films, a live, televised Internet-enabled memorabilia auction and an original documentary biography on “The Duke.”
Wayne’s directness, playful irreverence and trademark drawl, have defined the image of the American cowboy, soldier and frontiersman. As part of the festival, AMC will air such tremendously influential films as THE BIG TRAIL, Wayne’s first starring role; STAGECOACH, his first collaboration with director John Ford; and TRUE GRIT, his Academy