Details
Movie Description
The courageous struggle by 182 American heroes including Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie who defended a small Catholic mission to the death against general Santa Ana's soldiers and gave Sam Houston time to gather the forces that would eventually win Texas. This restored version contains extra footage, previously unseen.
Synopsis
John's Wayne's patriotic, pro-American recounting of the famous siege at a Texas fort. For 13 days in 1836 a group of Americans, led by Sam Huston, fought 7,000 Mexican soldiers to retain control of the Alamo, and to wrest Texas from Mexico and make it part of the United States. All perished in the battle.
Film Notes
Film was cut by about 30 minutes after its Los Angeles premiere, and it is that cut version that is available on video. (The original time was 193 minutes, and the video is 161.)
Although Wayne directed (this was his first time at the helm), there is supposition that John Ford, who was on the set, may have assisted with some of the filming. There is also a possibility that the final battle scene, which received critical acclaim, may be attributable to 2nd Unit director Cliff Lyons.
There is much historical research on the period suggesting that some of the heroes of the Alamo may not have been so heroic -- particularly Davy Crockett, who allegedly surrendered, was alcoholic and beat his wife.
The film was shot in Texas, in 12 days, near the actual location of the Alamo, although Wayne had originally thought of filming in Mexico.
Shot in Todd-AO; color by Technicolor.
Budget estimate $12 million.
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