Predating ensemble catastrophe films like “The Poseidon Journey” or “Airport” is 1954’s “The Excessive and the Mighty.” Though Wayne receives prime billing, the movie is a real ensemble effort. Wayne performs Dan Roman, the primary officer of an airliner touring between Honolulu and San Francisco, which experiences catastrophic hassle in mid-flight. As rigidity among the many passengers and crew builds, Roman resorts to determined means to securely land the airplane whereas deflating the brewing interpersonal conflicts.

Together with subsequent ensemble movies like “The Longest Day” and “How the West Was Received,” Wayne’s magnetic on-screen presence right here looms over his co-stars. Satirically, Wayne — who additionally produced the movie — hadn’t deliberate on starring in “The Excessive and the Mighty”: He solely took the position when its meant star, Spencer Tracy, dropped out (per TCM). Although a bit overlong and susceptible to drawn-out monologues from its lead characters, “The Excessive and the Mighty” provides Wayne the possibility to indicate off his dramatic chops whereas enjoying off a powerful solid.