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Christopher McKittrick

@chrismckit.bsky.social
43 followers 31 following 164 posts

I write books about classic film and rock & roll including “VERA MILES: The HITCHCOCK Blonde Who Got Away” www.chrismckit.com

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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
The Hollywood Reporter @thr.com · 07/10/2026
Eva Marie Saint, the ethereal beauty who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in her first motion picture, On the Waterfront, then dazzled audiences as a double agent in North by Northwest, died Tuesday. She was 102.
bit.ly
Eva Marie Saint, Graceful Star of the Silver Screen, Dies at 102
Eva Marie Saint, the ethereal beauty who won the best supporting actress Oscar for her work in her first motion picture, On the Waterfront, then dazzled audiences as a double agent in North by Northwest, died Tuesday. She was 102.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Like many authors, I've been getting SPAM emails full of praise, hoping to sell me on a "publicity package" scam. This one made me laugh, though: They think I’m @chrisyogerst.com. I'm flattered to be confused with the author of THE WARNER BROTHERS, but they’ve got the wrong Chris. Writers, beware!
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
This is a very exciting release! The second-ever 3-D Western feature and the movie that gave the name to cinema’s favorite sound effect, the Wilhelm Scream. Of course, it also stars Vera Miles in her first Western, years before THE SEARCHERS or THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Even the tagline changed to focus more on Aniston's character. Original: “Your luck just ran out.” Later: “Her luck just ran out.”
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The classic horror movie LEPRECHAUN was released in Jan. 1993. The hit show FRIENDS debuted in Sept. 1994. Jennifer Aniston, who appeared in both, became a star. The trajectory of her career can be tracked by increasing prominence of her name & image on the marketing materials
Leprechaun 1993 movie marketing materials
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
University Press of Kentucky @kentuckypress.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
THE SECRET HITCHCOCK: HOW HOLLYWOOD'S LEGENDARY DIRECTOR LIVED THROUGH CARY GRANT AND JAMES STEWART by Nat Segaloff arrives October 27! Preorder and learn more about the one-and-only "Master of Suspense" and the iconic partnerships that helped define his distinct body of work: buff.ly/XtbR0ag
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Congratulations to Nat Segaloff on his publication of “THE SECRET HITCHCOCK: How Hollywood’s Legendary Director Lived Through Cary Grant & James Stewart” And thank you to @kentuckypress.bsky.social for including a quote from me on the back cover. A wonderful read for #AlfredHitchcock fans
Nat Segaloff’s book The Secret HitchcockNat Segaloff’s book The Secret Hitchcock
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On this day 67 years ago, THE FBI STORY, starring James Stewart & Vera Miles (a year after they ALMOST started together in Alfred Hitchcock’s VERTIGO), premiered in New York City. During production, Miles met with FBI Director J Edgar Hoover (photo from the National Archives) #ClassicFilm #VeraMiles
Vera Miles meeting J Edgar Hoover
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A HUGE thanks to @matthewchernov.bsky.social for giving me the opportunity to talk about Vera Miles’ westerns on this BONUS episode of the great HOW THE WEST WAS ‘CAST podcast: westernpodcast.buzzsprout.com #ClassicFilm
westernpodcast.buzzsprout.com
How the West Was 'Cast
Whether you grew up watching the movies of John Wayne, cut your teeth on Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” trilogy, or consider Kevin Costner to be the screen’s quintessential cowboy star, HOW THE W...
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
All classic film fans are familiar with Vera Miles’ roles in John Ford’s THE SEARCHERS and THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, but two of her other westerns, 1953’s THE CHARGE AT FEATHER RIVER (in 3D!) and 1955’s WICHITA, both have their merits as well. #Western
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Check out the great HOW THE WEST WAS ‘CAST podcast here: westernpodcast.buzzsprout.com/%EF%BF%BC
westernpodcast.buzzsprout.com
How the West Was 'Cast
Whether you grew up watching the movies of John Wayne, cut your teeth on Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” trilogy, or consider Kevin Costner to be the screen’s quintessential cowboy star, HOW THE W...
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Cheers to HOW THE WEST WAS ‘CAST podcast for featuring me on this BONUS episode to talk about the five film westerns made by Vera Miles, including WICHITA, THE SEARCHERS, and THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE #classicfilm #westerns #classichollywood
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I wrote about the background of “Michael Scott” in PSYCHO here: The Mystery of “Michael Scott” in Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO medium.com/@ChrisMcKit/...
medium.com
The Mystery of “Michael Scott” in Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO
Did Alfred Hitchcock play a ghoulish prank on Psycho star Vera Miles by listing “Michael Scott” of “San Francisco” as the last guest of the…
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Curiously, the name “Michael Scott” likely wasn’t chosen at random for the Bates Motel ledger. It is the real name of PSYCHO actress Vera Miles’ oldest son — the pregnancy which had prevented Miles from starring in Alfred Hitchcock’s VERTIGO
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Robert Bellissimo At The Movies @robertbellissimo.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Happy Birthday #VeraMiles. Here's a look back at my interview with @chrismckit about his biography on this legendary #actress youtu.be/pzD3zWg6ODY #Books
youtu.be
Christopher McKittrick On His Book, VERA MILES: The HITCHCOCK Blonde Who Got Away
YouTube video by Robert Bellissimo At The Movies
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Do You Expect Us To Talk? @expectustotalk.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Happy birthday to legendary actress, Vera Miles! B. 23/8/30 🍾🥂🎉 with many memorable screen roles, for Hitchcock she appeared in AHP as well as THE WRONG MAN & PSYCHO, reprising her role as Lila 23 years later for director Richard Franklin in Psycho 2.
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Classic Movie Hub @classicmoviehub.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Happy 96th Birthday Vera Miles! Born Aug 23, 1930. Over 160 roles including The Wrong Man, The FBI Story, A Touch of Larceny, The Searchers, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Follow Me Boys, lots of TV - & of course Lila Crane in Psycho! #botd www.classicmoviehub.com/bio/vera-mi…
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
You’ll likely see some people say Vera Miles was is turning 97 this year (born in 1929), but that year is inaccurate. I delved into her birth year documentation in a guest post for @classicmoviehub.bsky.social: www.classicmoviehub.com/blog/trackin... #AlfredHitchcock #Hitchcock #JohnFord
classicmoviehub.com
Tracking Vera Miles – Exclusive Guest Post by Christopher McKittrick, author of Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away
I’m very happy to share this exclusive guest post by Christopher McKittrick, author of Very Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away. A Big Thank You to Christopher for this article! &#…
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Very happy 96th birthday to actress Vera Miles, subject of my book “The HITCHCOCK Blonde Who Got Away” (from @kentuckypress.bsky.social). Miles is best known for her films directed by Alfred Hitchcock & John Ford. Walt Disney referred to her as “my favorite actress” amzn.to/4j4l3hE #VeraMiles
amzn.to
Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away (Screen Classics): McKittrick, Christopher: 9781985902190: Amazon.com: Books
Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away (Screen Classics) [McKittrick, Christopher] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Vera Miles: The Hitchcock Blonde Who Got Away (Screen Cla...
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I am grateful to United Stations Radio Networks for the opportunity to celebrate the late, great Frank Beard of ZZ Top with several radio interviews this week, including with my friends at @ultclassicrock.bsky.social who also quoted our interview in an article ultimateclassicrock.com/zz-top-first...
ultimateclassicrock.com
Watch ZZ Top's First Appearance on Late Night Television
Here's the story of why it took them so long to make their small screen debut.
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Ultimate Classic Rock @ultclassicrock.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard dies at 77 ...
ultimateclassicrock.com
Frank Beard, Drummer For ZZ Top, Dies at 77
Frank Beard, the drummer who helped hold ZZ Top together for over 50 years, died at 77 at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, with family by his side.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
“The gods want their entertainment” Cheers to @frnclassics.bsky.social podcast for having me on to discuss the all-time classic film JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS and why Ray Harryhausen’s incredible stop motion effects will always matter podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e... #RayHarryhausen
podcasts.apple.com
Ep. 486- Jason and the Argonauts
Podcast Episode · Front Row Classics: A Hollywood Golden Age Podcast · August 12 · 1 sec
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
This is awful news. THE COMMITMENTS and ONCE alone demonstrated Hansard’s undeniable talent, but they only scratched the surface of his musicianship.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
The Cinerama Dome Lives! Iconic Hollywood Theater to Reopen Alongside New 14-Screen Alamo Drafthouse Cinema variety.com/2026/film/ne...
variety.com
The Cinerama Dome Lives! Iconic Hollywood Theater to Reopen Alongside New 14-Screen Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Viva la Cinerama Dome! Sony is officially reviving one of Hollywood's most beloved movie theaters, which has been shuttered since 2020.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
A Three Stooges joke about Adolf Hitler was cut from this MGM classic by the censors, but rediscovered decades later Why This Scene From DANCING LADY (1933) Was Censored | Untold Hollywood | TCM youtu.be/0Mzn6Kl5M0c?... #ThreeStooges
youtu.be
Why This Scene From DANCING LADY (1933) Was Censored | Untold Hollywood | TCM
YouTube video by Turner Classic Movies
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Happy 87th birthday to Patrick Wayne, son of John Wayne, who was an helpful resource for my book on Vera Miles. Seen here in THE SEARCHERS, Patrick, Miles, and Lana Wood are the surviving cast members of John Ford’s 1956 masterpiece #VeraMiles #JohnWayne #JohnFord
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Silent Movie GIFs @silentmoviegifs.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The look on Buster Keaton's face after he completed this incredibly dangerous stunt for Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
While I would be beyond honored if esteemed novelist Robert Harris (@robertharrishome.bsky.social) read my book on ZZ Top and found it worthy of praise, I know a literary scam in the works when I see one. Authors: While it is flattering to receive an email praising your work, be smart!
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Thank you to everyone at @mahoningdit.bsky.social who made the Father's Day screening of THE SEARCHERS unforgettable, including Mark, Rob, Kevin, and Virgil. I have done book signings in five states, but this was the pinnacle. Long live the Mahoning and 35mm exhibition of classic films!
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Reposted by Christopher McKittrick
Silent Movie GIFs @silentmoviegifs.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The Vanishing American (1925) was one of the first Hollywood movies to be filmed in Monument Valley, more than a decade before John Ford first filmed there
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
John Wayne would later tell biographer Michael Munn, “When we had to cut [Vera Miles'] scenes from THE GREEN BERETS, I told her I’d make up for it by giving her the role of my ex-wife in HELLFIGHTERS. Since the film was such a bomb, maybe I didn’t do her any favors.” #VeraMiles
Poster for HELLFIGHTERS (1968)
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Late in the production, a scene for THE GREEN BERETS was written and shot with Vera Miles portraying the wife of Wayne’s character. However, the studio (Warner Bros.) deemed the scene unnecessary and cut it to shorten the film. Wayne gave Miles a role in his next film, HELLFIGHTERS
Screenplay for The Green Berets (1968)
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
On this day 58 years ago, John Wayne’s THE GREEN BERETS premiered in New York City. Though initially critically panned and protested for its pro-Vietnam War themes, it was one of the biggest box office hits of Wayne’s late career. #JohnWayne #TheGreenBerets
Poster for The Green Berets (1968)
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
“That’ll be the day” I am excited to join @mahoningdit.bsky.social this Sunday for a 70th anniversary screening of THE SEARCHERS in 35mm, the way John Ford intended! youtu.be/ws31YRUKWFc?...
youtu.be
This Week At The Mahoning Drive-In Theater: June 18-21, 2026
YouTube video by The Mahoning Drive-in Theater
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
PSYCHO features Vera Miles as Lila Crane. Though she does not appear until halfway through the film, Miles’ performance — and her reaction in the movie’s unforgettable climax — instantly solidified her as one of cinema’s all-time greatest “scream queens” #VeraMiles
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
The low-budget film became the most financially successful film in Alfred Hitchcock’s filmography and also arguably his most influential, particularly for the groundbreaking editing of the shower sequence and Bernard Herrmann’s emotive score #AlfredHitchcock
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
On this day 66 years ago, Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO premiered in just two theaters in New York City. An instant sensation, the film was promoted by a “no late admissions” policy with Hitchcock himself featured prominently in the advertising #Psycho #Hitchcock
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
I am also excited to celebrate the 70th anniversary of John Ford's masterpiece THE SEARCHERS at @MahoningDIT on June 21! I cannot wait to see this film in 35mm. I'll be introducing the film on what is sure to be a stunning summer night. For tickets & info: events.ticketleap.com/events/mahon...
events.ticketleap.com
Mahoning Drive-in Theater Events Home
Discover upcoming events from Mahoning Drive-in Theater and buy tickets online! Powered by TicketLeap
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
open.spotify.com/episode/0yZcG0RKGlLjYDOhD601C6?nd=1&dlsi=15ab31a3880c483c Thanks to Mark and Virgil for having me on to talk about my book VERA MILES: The HITCHCOCK Blonde Who Got Away
open.spotify.com
168 - Christopher McKittrick on Vera Miles and THE SEARCHERS
Mahoning Drive-In Radio · Episode
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
It was a pleasure joining Virgil & Mark at @mahoningdit.bsky.social for Mahoning Drive-In Radio to discuss Vera Miles, THE SEARCHERS, what we love about drive-ins, the Wilhelm Scream, and even the size of Jennifer Aniston on the LEPRECHAUN DVD artwork. Trust me, it all connects.
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Classic Movie Hub @classicmoviehub.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Happy National Drive In Movie Day :) Though there were drive-ins as early as the 1910s, the first patented drive-in, "Park-in Theaters," was opened 93 years ago today, on June 6, 1933, by Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey. The first film shown was Wives Beware starring Adolphe Menjou. #otd
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
While the “legacy sequel” is now commonplace with decades-spanning franchises, PSYCHO II was at the time a unique approach to bringing one of cinema’s greatest thrills back to theaters and honoring the enduring influence of Alfred Hitchcock’s original film #VeraMiles #Hitchcock
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Though Alfred Hitchcock died in 1980, the behind-the-scenes crew of PSYCHO II featured many individuals who had worked with Hitchcock. “It was the last gathering of people who worked with Alfred Hitchcock, so as a fan, it was fascinating to me,” screenwriter Tom Holland told me.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
During production, Vera Miles was impressed with the recreated sets from the original PSYCHO, telling @nytimes.com, “When I walked on the set it was eerie - and miraculous. It looked like they had found 100 percent of the props from the original movie, even the pictures on the walls”
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
PSYCHO II was released on this day 43 years ago. Reuniting Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles, this once-thought impossible sequel has continued to grow in acclaim in the decades since it brought Norman Bates and Lila Crane back to the screen. #PsychoII #AnthonyPerkins #NormanBates
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Hammer Films to release 4K restoration of 1958 horror ‘Dracula’ with addition of long-lost footage @screendaily.bsky.social www.screendaily.com/news/hammer-...
screendaily.com
Hammer Films to release 4K restoration of 1958 horror ‘Dracula’ with addition of long-lost footage
EXCLUSIVE: Theatrical and home entertainment release in time for Halloween will incorporate footage only ever seen by audiences attending the film's original Japanese theatrical launch in 1958.
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
On this day 50 years ago, the students of Lee High School somewhere in Texas learned on the last day of school that they just gotta keep on livin' man, L-I-V-I-N. Celebrating Richard Linklater’s 1993 film DAZED AND CONFUSED, an instant classic #DazedAndConfused
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Sonny Rollins is a jazz legend, but he was likely best known to Rolling Stones fans for playing saxophone on “Slave,” “Neighbours,” and “Waiting on a Friend” on the 1981 Rolling Stones album TATTOO YOU ultimateclassicrock.com/sonny-rollin...
ultimateclassicrock.com
Sonny Rollins, Saxophone Legend Who Worked With the Rolling Stones, Dead at 95
Acclaimed saxophonist played on three 'Tattoo You' songs, including "Waiting on a Friend."
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
John Wayne and Vera Miles also appear together in John Ford’s “Rookie of the Year,” a 1955 episode of TV’s Screen Directors Playhouse directed by John Ford. It gave Miles the rare opportunity to pull a gun on Wayne! #JohnWayne #JohnFord #VeraMiles
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Christopher McKittrick @chrismckit.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Though by the mid-1960s John Wayne had said he was too old to have love interests in his films, he admitted to making an exception for Vera Miles in HELLFIGHTERS, telling the @apnews.com, “If I turned down a love scene with Vera I’d not only have to be old, but stupid besides” #JohnWayne
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