The phrase alludes to a hypothetical situation where the iconic actor, John Wayne, was presented with a film script in a moment of idleness. It suggests the occurrence happened during a period lacking activity or purpose, implying the screenplay offering served as a potential solution to that boredom or lack of engagement. For instance, if Wayne had no immediate film projects lined up, receiving a screenplay could have presented a renewed sense of occupational focus.
The value of such a scenario lies in its implications for creative opportunity and professional engagement. For a prolific figure like Wayne, periods of inactivity were likely rare. Consequently, the arrival of a script during such times represents a potentially significant moment for influencing future projects. Historically, the choice of roles significantly impacted an actor’s legacy; therefore, even an unsolicited script warranted careful consideration, possibly leading to a career-defining performance.
