John Wayne's Spanking of Co-Star Left Her Bruised

In the 1963 Western comedy *McLintock!*, John Wayne portrayed George Washington McLintock, a wealthy rancher entangled in personal and political conflicts. The film, loosely inspired by Shakespeare's *The Taming of the Shrew*, features Wayne's character grappling with demands from government officials, his sons, and local Native Americans, all vying for a share of his expansive farmstead. Complicating matters, his estranged wife, played by Maureen O’Hara, returns to claim custody of their daughter. A particularly controversial moment in the film involves a scene where Wayne's character spanks O'Hara's, a moment that has drawn significant attention over the years. According to O'Hara's autobiography, the scene was executed with such intensity that she suffered bruises for a week. This incident has sparked discussions about the portrayal of gender dynamics in classic cinema, reflecting the attitudes of the era. Adding a layer of satire, Wayne's character faces a weak governor named Cuthbert H Humphery, a clear parody of the liberal Senator Hubert H Humphrey, whom Wayne openly criticized. This comedic element underscores the film's commentary on political figures and societal norms of the time. Recently, the John Wayne estate shared a behind-the-scenes video from the set of *McLintock!*, reigniting interest in the film and its legacy. As discussions about the appropriateness of such scenes continue, *McLintock!* remains a notable example of the complexities surrounding classic Hollywood films.