The original True Grit was filmed near our ranch and hometown. I was an extra in the hanging scene--one of the munchkins running around.
In the background of the shoot out scene is Chimney Rock and Courthouse Rock. My dad killed his first elk just below Courthouse Rock in 1955.
Although Glen Campbell was a god in the culture I grew up with, it didn't take long for people to realize he was a mean drunk who rarely came out of his motel room.
Kim Darby was one weird chick.
John Wayne was a hoot. He used to have dinner at the Red Barn restaurant and bar. He and his entourage would take a table in the middle of the bar and hold court for hours several times a week.
Long story, but Strother Martin spent the night in our spare bedroom when he arrived early and there were no motel rooms available within 50 miles.
Nobody knew who Robert Duvall was back then.
