True Grit was a godsend for John Wayne, who lobbied for the lead role of one-eyed US Marshal Rooster Cogburn after reading Charles Portis’ novel of the same name.

Duke would go on to finally win the Best Actor Oscar for the part on April 7, 1970, but production was far from easy for him.

Despite being a huge star, he was not in control of casting.

Famously Elvis Presley couldn’t be secured for the supporting role of the Texan La Boeuf, as the singer’s manager Colonel Tom Parker demanded…