By the late 1940s, John “Duke” Wayne was an outspoken conservative and anti-communist. He helped found the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, which backed HUAC’s activities and was pro-blacklisting. Katharine Hepburn was on the opposite end of the political spectrum and spoke out against HUAC. She even gave a speech in which she called its activities a witch hunt that was backed by Wayne’s organization, saying she “wanted no part of their ideals,” per “Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn.” She also sent the federal parole board a letter in support of Ring Lardner, one of the Hollywood Ten.
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Even so, in 1953 Wayne offered her a part in his next film “Hondo,” a 3D Western. According to author Douglas Brode in “John Wayne’s Way: Life Lessons from the Duke,” the move disproves the long-held belief Wayne banned left-leaning actors from his films. Per The San Francisco Examiner, Hepburn initially expressed interest in the part, but she later backed out. Some sources — including “John Wayne: A Photographic Celebration” — believe Hepburn turned down the role because of her political differences with Wayne.
