A rare behind-the-scenes look at John Wayne: the legend, hero, and Hollywood icon of numerous epic Western films, including an Academy Award-winning performance in True Grit.

No legend ever walked taller than The Duke. Now, author Michael Munns startling new biography of John Wayne sets the record straight on why Wayne didnt serve in World War II, on director John Fords contribution to Waynes career, and the mega-stars highs and lows: three failed marriages, and two desperate battles with cancer.

Munn also discloses publicly, for the first time, Soviet dictator Josef Stalins plot to assassinate Wayne because of his outspoken, potentially influential anti-Communist views. Drawing on time spent with Wayne on the set of Branniganand almost 100 interviews with those who knew himMunns rare, behind-the-scenes look proves this absolute all-time movie star was as much a hero in real life as he ever was on-screen.