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John Wayne's Genghis Khan Role: Hollywood's Worst Casting?
8 Oct
Summary
- John Wayne's portrayal of Genghis Khan was a racist caricature.
- Producer bought back copies due to the film's poor quality.
- Filming site led to over 40% of cast/crew developing cancer.
John Wayne's 1956 casting as Mongolian conqueror Genghis Khan in 'The Conqueror' is cited as one of Hollywood's worst decisions. Wayne's portrayal was criticized for being a racist caricature, further compounded by his association with American Westerns rather than historical epics.
Such was the film's perceived failure that producer Howard Hughes allegedly spent $12 million to buy back copies, keeping it out of circulation. The production itself carried a grim legacy.
'The Conqueror' was filmed downwind of a nuclear test site, resulting in over 40% of its cast and crew developing cancer. Wayne himself reportedly learned a valuable lesson about not taking unsuitable roles.
