John Wayne filmography greatly. His successes during this decade included the Ireland-set romantic comedy "The Quiet Man" and two classic westerns, "The Searchers" and "Rio Bravo". Wayne also continued his producing activities during this period as well, notably with the formation of his own production company, Batjac. In 1960, Wayne appeared in his most personal production, portraying Davy Crockett in "The Alamo", which he also produced and directed. During the 1960s and 1970s, John Wayne ranked as an American icon and one of the top box office attractions in the cinema. Wayne's output of films consisted largely of Westerns but he also ventured
Frankie Avalon songs, "The Faithful Kind" and "Gee Whiz Whillikins Golly Gee"; both were released as singles. Ladd announced he would reteam Avalon and his daughter in "Six Steps to Freedom" but the film was never made. Rushes for "Timberland" were seen by John Wayne, who was looking for a young actor to play the (fictitious) role of "Smitty" in his passion project, "The Alamo" (1960). Avalon was cast in his second dramatic part. After making the film Wayne told the press "We're not cutting one bit of any scene in which Frankie appears. I believe he is the finest young talent