Ron Howard Recalls Lessons From John Wayne and Don Siegel on The Shootist

Ron Howard says working on The Shootist taught him valuable lessons about filmmaking and handling conflict on set.

Speaking on Ben Mankiewicz’s Talking Pictures podcast, Howard remembered that director Don Siegel and star John Wayne often disagreed during the making of the 1976 film. Although the two were frequently at odds, Howard got along well with both.

Howard said Wayne appreciated his professionalism, and the two often rehearsed scenes together between takes. He also learned by watching Wayne shape his performances.

At the same time, Howard heard Wayne complain about Siegel’s directing, while Siegel explained that directors sometimes have to work through disagreements with major stars to finish a film.

The experience influenced Howard’s own directing style. He said he learned that creative disagreements should be discussed openly before they grow into personal conflicts.

Despite the tensions during production, Howard believes The Shootist remains a strong film. The movie, which also starred Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, Richard Boone, John Carradine and Scatman Crothers, marked one of John Wayne’s final screen performances before his death in 1979 at age 72.