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THE DUKE

By Brian Bertoldo | November 1, 1999

Set in 1950’s Liverpool, a young boy believes that his grandfather is John Wayne and must deal with the resulting schoolyard taunts.
After his father is killed in the Korean War, a young boy develops a close relationship with his grandfather. An avid John Wayne fan, the boy’s grandfather reveals to him a secret — that he is in fact John Wayne. When the boy tells his friends of this, he is met with ridicule. The only way to resolve the situation is for John Wayne to make an appearance. What follows is both funny and touching as the grandfather rides into town for a showdown with the non-believers.
A much-appreciated change of pace from the majority of the films in the shorts program, The Duke opens up the heart to the fantasy world of childhood. This time fantasy meets reality without tragedy or disappointment.

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