Tanzania: Lions Safaris to Build John Wayne's Statue At Momella


Arusha Times (Arusha)

9 June 2007
Posted to the web 11 June 2007

Valentine Marc Nkwame
Arusha

John Wayne, the all time American Film legend and screen icon is likely to get another 'Memorial Home.' The famous actor, popularly known as the 'Duke,' is about to be immortalized here in Arusha.

That will be through the proposed, giant statue, that is about to be erected at the Momella Wildlife Lodge, a tourist property located within the Arusha National Park and which used to serve as the base set, when both Wayne and his crew were filming the classic 'Hatari' in the early 60s.


The Managing Director of Lions Safaris International, Alfred Leo revealed these plans at Momella recently, while being interviewed by the film crew from the Los Angeles- based, Bennett Productions. The film makers had jetted into Arusha, to produce a special TV program to mark the John Wayne's Centennial anniversary.

The film crew led by Casey Bennett, head of the production team, accompanied the family of John Wayne, led by actor Patrick Wayne, one of the Duke's sons, who came to Arusha to celebrate the legendary actors centennial milestone in Arusha, a place where the Duke had once stayed in the 60s while filming his African 'western,' the "Hatari!" . The main set for the movie was at Momella lodge.

Lions Safaris International Limited, a prominent, Arusha- based tour company currently runs the Momella Wildlife Lodge facility. According to Mr. Leo, the lodge is undergoing extensive renovations at the moment and after everything has been settled, the statue construction would follow.

Momella Wildlife lodge and the corresponding farms surrounding it, used to belong to Hardy Krugger, the German producer of 'Hatari' film, who however left the country all of a sudden in 1974 about 12 years after the movie release. The following 10 years took drastic toll on the neglected property such that when Lions Safari came to its 'rescue,' the renovations efforts cost hundreds of millions.

Still, Momella Wildlife Lodge, with its 57 cottages, including an executive suite, has been restored to its original 'Hatari' settings. Posters of the 1962 classic film can be seen hanging on walls, in most parts of the Lodge but especially in the Hardy Kruger Bar where the same Fireplace that used to kindle a log fire to warm up Wayne. Kruger and other actors still exist.

Momella Wildlife lodge remains one of the Duke's two memorial landmarks, after the 'John Wayne's birthplace Museum (a house in which, the Duke was born), in Winterset, Iowa which for years has been attracting large number of visitors including dignitaries such as the former American President, Ronald Reagan.

For sometimes also, the Duke had stayed at the Arusha's Safari Hotel where he used to be regularly seen in the bar, smoking like a locomotive. "We used to be very young then, but I remember seeing John Wayne as a very tall, very serious kind of a person and he was a chain-smoker, " Mr. Leo told the film crew.

A message from the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush which was sent from the White House in Washington DC, going to all the people worldwide, who played the role of marking John Wayne's 100th anniversary read as follow:

"I send greetings to those celebrating the 100th birthday of John Wayne.

Our nation's past is filled with wonderful stories of Americans who embodied the values of courage, duty, and patriotism. With his distinct style and unmistakable swagger, the Duke brought inspiring characters to life. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the life and career of an American icon who holds a cherished place in our Nation's heart.

I appreciate the John Wayne Centennial Committee and all those who have worked to make this event a success. Your efforts help honor one of our most beloved citizens and celebrate the great character of our Nation."


The life story of John Wayne began in the central Iowa town of Winterset. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison. His father Clyde was a pharmacist who worked on the south side of Winterset's town square.

In his youth, Clyde attended a nearby Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. John Wayne described his father as "the kindest, most patient man I ever knew." Wayne's mother Mary was of Irish descent, and the Duke said "she was a tiny, vivacious red-headed bundle of energy."

John Wayne died in 1979 having starred in 200 films that spawned 50 years. His only Africa based movie was the 1962 Hatari a Howard Hawks film which was set in Arusha, with its scenes covering the Town center, Momella and Lake Manyara National Park.

Thanks for sharing Kathi

That's just too cool. I guess I'll have to dig out "Hatari" and check it out once again.

GOD BLESS JOHN WAYNE



Thanks Kathi

A fitting tribute to a great American.

Three cheers for Lions Safaris.

The "Duke" was the last American Hero!