According to the John Wayne estate, “One gruelling day on set in Mexico, the sun was relentless and dust from the horses coated everything. Even the younger actors were worn out. But Duke took it in stride. During a particularly brutal scene, the director suggested a stunt double. Duke waved it off. ‘Hell, if I can’t take a fall, I’ve got no business making westerns.’ He took the hit, hit the dirt, stood up, dusted off, and kept going. The crew applauded. Duke’s toughness was matched by his humour. When his son Patrick Wayne struggled with a scene, Duke walked over, placed a hand on his shoulder.”
Duke told Patrick: “Son, I’ve been carrying you since you were born, but I ain’t carrying you through this scene.”
The estate’s description continued: “Everyone laughed—and Patrick nailed the take. Big Jake remains one of Duke’s most beloved films—a late-career reminder that he didn’t just play tough guys. He was one.”
Big Jake is streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.