The impression I get...is that everyone associated with Red River was shocked at how well it was received, and even more shocked that it became a top ten western classic.
If you wrote up a list of the best twenty-five westerns ever made...John Wayne ends up being in twelve of them.
I remember Wayne said “Red River” was the best movie he ever made. I personally liked “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” best.
If you notice in the classic picture of Wayne holding a model 92 Winchester, his belt buckle has the red river “D” brand on it. I have read that was his personal brand on his ranch.