What Happened When John Wayne Faced a Rhino?

John Wayne's adventurous spirit and legendary status in Hollywood took a wild turn during the filming of Hatari!, a unique film that showcased his encounters with dangerous animals. Set against the backdrop of Africa, Wayne faced not only the challenges of capturing exotic wildlife but also a potentially life-threatening situation with a rhino that broke free during filming. This incident highlighted the film's theme of danger while testing Wayne's mettle in a way that was far removed from his usual Western roles.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Hatari! was released in 1962, marking a departure from John Wayne's typical Western and war film roles.
• The film showcased various African wildlife, including a memorable and dangerous encounter with a rhino.
• Wayne's experience with the rhino revealed the risks involved in filming with wild animals.
• The title "Hatari!" means "danger" in Swahili, underscoring the film's adventurous theme.
• John Wayne felt the film lacked sufficient action and found some sequences repetitive.

Hatari!: A Shift in John Wayne's Career

Released in 1962, Hatari! marked a significant shift in John Wayne's career. Known primarily for his roles in Westerns and war films, Wayne took on a more lighthearted and adventurous character in this romantic comedy directed by Howard Hawks. Set in the exotic landscapes of Africa, the film not only introduced audiences to Wayne in a different light but also showcased a variety of wildlife that was rarely seen on screen at the time.

The Premise of Hatari!

In Hatari!, Wayne portrayed Sean Mercer, the leader of a team of game catchers tasked with capturing and transporting wild animals. The film's premise revolved around the challenges and dangers faced by the crew as they navigated the jungles and savannahs of Africa. Unlike his previous roles, which often involved confrontations with human adversaries, Wayne's character in Hatari! faced off against nature itself, making the stakes higher and the encounters more unpredictable.

Filming Challenges: The Rhino Incident

One of the most memorable—and dangerous—moments during the filming of Hatari! involved a close encounter with a rhino. This incident occurred during a scene where Wayne's character had to capture the animal. The rhino was supposed to be restrained, but things quickly escalated when it broke free from its handlers.

A Close Call with Danger

During a conversation with director Peter Bogdanovich, Wayne recounted the frightening moment when the rhino got loose. He expressed surprise that the crew members responsible for holding the animal did not warn him of the impending danger. Instead, they seemingly stood by as the rhino charged. Wayne described how he instinctively jumped into a nearby truck for safety, just as the massive animal attacked the vehicle.

“The f****** kids let the rope burn out of their hands and didn’t scream ‘look out!’ or anything,” Wayne recalled. His quick thinking saved him from a potentially fatal encounter, but not without the vehicle sustaining some serious damage. The rhino's horn penetrated the truck's metal with ease, demonstrating the sheer power and unpredictability of the wild animal.

Managing the Situation

After climbing into the truck, Wayne, alongside co-stars Red Buttons and Elsa Martinelli, managed to escape the situation by teasing the rhino away from the vehicle. Wayne's account of the incident was both humorous and harrowing, reflecting on the inherent risks of filming with wild animals. He noted that while it was a frightening experience, it also added a layer of authenticity to the film's portrayal of dangerous wildlife.

The Concept Behind Hatari!

Director Howard Hawks envisioned Hatari! as a film that would showcase the thrill of working with dangerous animals. At the time, this concept was innovative, as Hollywood films rarely portrayed such raw and unfiltered interactions between humans and wildlife. The film included a variety of African animals, including leopards, buffalo, and giraffes, further enhancing its adventurous spirit.

The Meaning of "Hatari"

The title "Hatari!" translates to "danger" in Swahili, a fitting name for a film that sought to capture the perilous nature of capturing wild animals. This theme resonated throughout the movie, though Wayne later expressed his dissatisfaction with the overall execution. He believed that the film lacked enough action and that the sequences featuring animal encounters became repetitive.

Legacy of Hatari!

Despite John Wayne's critiques, Hatari! remains a noteworthy entry in his filmography. The film's adventurous premise and unique setting offered audiences a different perspective on Wayne, allowing him to step outside his typical roles. The challenges faced during production, particularly the rhino incident, added to the film's authenticity and provided a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of filmmaking in such environments.

The Impact on Future Films

Hatari! paved the way for future films that would feature wildlife as prominent characters, blending action and adventure with the unpredictability of nature. It demonstrated that audiences were eager for stories that took them on wild journeys, showcasing both the beauty and danger of the natural world.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Adventure

John Wayne's experience on the set of Hatari! serves as a reminder of the risks faced by actors and filmmakers when working with wild animals. The rhino incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of filming and the importance of safety protocols. While Wayne may have felt that the film didn't fully deliver on its promise of danger, it undeniably left a lasting impression on audiences and showcased a different side of the Duke.

The adventure of Hatari! continues to resonate with fans of John Wayne and serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking. What other hidden dangers might lurk behind the scenes of classic films? #JohnWayne #Hatari #HollywoodHistory

FAQs

What was the main premise of Hatari!?

Hatari! follows Sean Mercer, played by John Wayne, and his team of game catchers as they navigate the challenges of capturing wild animals in Africa, blending adventure with romance and comedy.

Why was the rhino incident significant?

The rhino incident showcased the inherent dangers of filming with wild animals. John Wayne's close call with the rhino highlighted the risks involved in such productions and added authenticity to the film's portrayal of adventure.

What does "Hatari" mean?

"Hatari" means "danger" in Swahili, reflecting the film's theme of confronting the perilous nature of working with wildlife in Africa.

What animals were featured in Hatari!?

Hatari! featured a variety of African wildlife, including leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and the infamous rhino that nearly caused a serious accident on set.

Did John Wayne enjoy filming Hatari!?

While Wayne appreciated the film's adventurous premise, he felt that it lacked sufficient action and found some sequences repetitive, indicating mixed feelings about the overall experience.