John Wayne's Alamo: The Casting

The Alamo was John Wayne's project. He wisely wanted to play the bit role of Sam Houston, but the studio, understandably, wanted the Duke in a staring role. So Davey Crocket he was, much to the detriment of the film. John Wayne is bigger than The Alamo.

Richard Boone, who plays Houston, would have made a fine Crocket.

Richard Widmark is ok and unremarkable as Jim Bowie.

Playing William Travis, British actor Laurence Harvey spends the first half of The Alamo chewing the scenery. Once he settles down he gives a fine performance of a genteel southerner.

Chill Willis damn near won an Oscar for his role as a whisky swilling Tennessean. We found him mostly annoying. The rest of the Tennesseans and Texans are played by television actors who add a bit of character to thier roles. These are well done.

Linda Cristal's Flacca is....well...oh my....muy caliente.